Scriptural text: Romans 1;8-17
Paul’s Thanksgiving (Romans 1:8).
Greek letters often included a prayer of thanksgiving to one of the gods, and Paul adapts this custom, thanking the true God. “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you; because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world”(verse 8). This tells us that Paul prayed through Christ, it also tells us that “all the world” doesn’t all mean the entire earth. In this case, it means the eastern Roman Empire. It was a figure of speech, not a geographic fact.
Paul gave God the credit for these people’s faith. He didn’t thank the people for believing-he thanked God because God is the one who enables people to believe. Of our own, we would turn away. Even if we have only a small amount of faith, we need to thank God as one who gives us the faith.
Paul’s Prayer (Romans 1:9-10).
“For” introduces Paul’s statement of defense regarding his prayer life. It is not that he has to defend what he has been saying, rather, he declared that the proof of all of that he has said can be validated by God. “God is my witness” For Paul, it was important for the Romans to know that his statement about praying on their behalf was not an empty one.
“Serve” has been translated as either worship or the act of ministering to others. In this context, the idea of worship fits what Paul was saying, Not only was he praying for them constantly, but also, the verification is found in his private devotional life.
Paul’s Longing And Purpose (Romans 1:11-13).
Paul had a compelling desire to “see’ the believers in Rome. In the three verses he lays out three reasons why he wanted to come to Rome. First, he wanted to impart a spiritual gift to them. It is believed that Paul wanted to share the gospel with them. Second, Paul wanted time for mutual exchange with the Romans. Paul acknowledged that their fellowship together would serve mutual benefits. Third, Paul expected that his visit would result in spiritual fruit. Paul was focused on developing stronger disciples and reaching new converts for Jesus Christ.
Paul’s Indebtedness (Romans 1:14-15).
Paul felt a deep sense of commitment to preaching of the gospel. In verse 15, Paul is ready to preach the Gospel anywhere, and he specifically wanted to preach in Rome. The message of the Gospel is a preached message. Second, the message of the Gospel is a message to be received, collectively and individually. Third, the message of the Gospel is a foundation for faith and righteous living. References: Townsend Press Sunday School Commentary