Romans 1

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

What does Romans 1:11 mean?

Explanation

Romans 1:11 is a statement from the Apostle Paul expressing his deep desire to visit the believers in Rome.

Paul's longing to see them is not for casual fellowship alone; his goal is to provide them with a "spiritual gift." This gift is not specified but suggests that Paul intends to impart some teaching, wisdom, or empowerment that will help establish and strengthen the Roman Christians in their faith.

The end goal is their establishment, which signifies the process of making their faith firm and stable, enabling them to stand strong in the face of challenges and grow in their spiritual maturity.

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

The Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans around A.D. 57 from Corinth or possibly Cenchrea just prior to his trip to Jerusalem.

This was a period when the early Christian church was expanding, and Paul communicated with various churches he either founded or intended to visit.

In the case of the Roman congregation, Paul had not personally established this church and had not yet visited it, but he had heard of their faith.

Thus, he wrote this letter both as an introduction and as a comprehensive theological treatise outlining the core tenets of the Christian faith.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse highlights several key insights:

The importance of spiritual gifts: Paul recognizes that the Christian community thrives through the mutual sharing and reception of spiritual gifts ([1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/new-testament/1-corinthians/12/4/what-does-1-corinthians-12-4-mean)).
Apostolic authority and ministry: Paul, as an apostle, sees it as his responsibility to impart these gifts for the strengthening of the believers, showcasing his role as a spiritual leader.
The concept of ‘establishment’ in faith: Paul’s use of the word suggests that faith is not static but something that requires grounding and nurturing.

Different denominations have varied perspectives on what constitutes spiritual gifts and how they are imparted.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can inspire Christians to:

Seek fellowship with the intent of offering and receiving spiritual support and encouragement.
Recognize the value of spiritual mentorship and actively seek to learn from mature believers.
Strive for personal growth in faith that is steady and resilient, understanding that it is a continuous process.

Cross-References

Romans 12:6-8: "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;"
1 Corinthians 12:4: "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit."
Ephesians 4:11-13: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"

Language Study

The phrase "spiritual gift" translates from the Greek "pneumatikos charisma." "Pneumatikos" means "pertaining to the spirit" and "charisma" signifies "a gift of grace", suggesting that these are gifts given by the Holy Spirit graciously to individuals within the church.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Spiritual gifts, as discussed in early Christian writings, might be likened to the imparting of wisdom or blessings found in several other religious and cultural settings.

For instance, in Judaism, the idea of imparting a blessing (berakhah) is significant.

In some Greek philosophical traditions, the transmission of wisdom from teacher to student was considered a treasured and vital practice.

Scientific Perspectives

While the concept of spiritual gifts does not directly intersect with empirical science, psychological research might explore the benefits of communal support and mentorship and how these contribute to individual and collective well-being.

This is somewhat related to Paul's intention to strengthen the Roman Christians through his visit.

Commentaries

John Chrysostom: The 4th-century bishop saw Paul’s desire as symptomatic of his apostolic commitment to providing whatever was needed for the spiritual health of the churches under his care.
Martin Luther: The reformer viewed the imparting of the spiritual gift as part of the mutual consolation and edification that occurs within the Body of Christ.
Contemporary scholarship: Some modern commentators suggest the gift Paul refers to could be his apostolic preaching that has the power to establish faith, or possibly the bestowing of charismatic gifts through laying on of hands.

Romans 1

Romans 1

What does Romans 1:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 1:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?