What is the story behind Romans?
Obviously it must have had something to do with Romans. You think? We know who Paul was writing to here but it is universally debated where he wrote the letter from. In my opinion what the letter has to say is a heck of a lot more important than quibbling over its point of origin. As Paul begins in his letter he is immediately teaching and preaching without so much as a “how do you do?”
Romans 1: 7 “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul does find the time to offer the citizen brothers of Rome grace and love. He remembered his manners so he’s OK here.
Romans 1: 8 “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world”
Evidently, the Roman Christians must have had an excellent reputation for the measure of their faith in the Gospel of Christ. Paul had a special desire to go here but his travels seemed to never coincide with a trip to Rome so for a long time all he can do is to write to them.
Romans 1:9 “God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you”
Paul is driven to emphasize strongly just how much he thinks of the Christians in the city of Rome. He lets them know that they are constantly and without letup continuously in his prayers and thoughts. Paul likes these folks and is determined to sit down and write a worthwhile letter of joy to these people of the way.
Romans 1: 10 “in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you”
Visiting these Roman folk is so important to Paul that he wants them to know he is in constant prayer to God to get him there. Paul definitely wants to find a way to get his tail to Rome and where there is a will there is a way.
Romans 1: 11 “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—“
When you love someone you want to give them gifts and this is how Paul feels. God has given him the capability to share and impart significant spiritual gifts. And Paul’s particular prayer is that he may share with Rome the gift of strength. And I am sure that strength was needed as these Romans lived in the major capital of the world where corruption ran like water in the streets.
Romans 1: 12 “that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
Paul is deep with these Romans. When you are really close and have special relationships with one another you want to share your problems, share your joys, together. You want your lives to become so intertwined that there is a special bond between you. And what is the most important thing they can share with one another but their faith in Christ. That is our ultimate gift even to one another in today’s world we live in. In our Bible studies what greater can we share but our personal faith and testimonies.
Romans 1: 13 “I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.”
Paul is laying it on the line that he has done all within his power to make a trip to these Romans whom he so ardently loves. But Paul believes this fact is perhaps in Gods will and the primary purpose is so the Roman brothers can continue to grow on their own. And when they amongst themselves have left the stage of milk and light Christian truths Paul will come then and share even greater truths that they cannot yet even now imagine.
And it is important to remember that the first Christian persecution is coming to Rome and God wants to prepare His people so that they will not sacrifice to Caesar but will exalt Christ instead. And Paul will eventually come among these people after writing to them and in his personal presence he will bless them a hundred fold. Persecution is coming to Rome and God is going to use Paul to prepare these Christians for this coming horror.
Romans 1: 14 “I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.”
Paul here I believe lets the Romans know that when he arrives in Rome that his witness will be not only among the Jewish brethren but also the pagan gentiles. Better that the Romans are prepared and know that Paul’s ministry in Rome will play a dual role among both the Jews and the Greeks.
Romans 1: 15 “That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.”
Paul wants to preach to all upon his arrival in Rome. Paul’s ministry is not a ministry of exclusivity and he wants everyone to know this fact. When Paul arrives in Rome he will witness to the Jew, to the Gentile and every Greek heathen that comes within his circle of influence.
So how do we sum up the real story behind Paul’s writing a personal letter to the Romans? Paul had never visited Rome before yet the Lord above had given Paul an intense love for the Roman people. And this was God’s final and last missionary plan he would prepare for Paul. Paul would eventually make his first time visit to Rome and there, by God’s will, Paul would die a martyr’s death.
Paul will ultimately provide in Rome the greatest sacrifice any of us can offer. The Lord will ask for Paul to lay down his life.
Paul Wants to Visit Rome
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David Vaughn
Gold Letter, Inc.
David4054@charter.net
7-4-2007
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