Romans Part 04

Paul continues in verse 11 by expressing his deep desire to visit the brethren in Rome. He longed to see them so that he might impart some spiritual gift and help establish them in the faith. This statement also suggests that Rome was not yet a fully established congregation in the way some of the other churches were. Paul desired to strengthen the brethren and help solidify their spiritual foundation. Yet his purpose was not entirely one-directional. He immediately adds that he also hoped to be encouraged together with them through their mutual faith, both theirs and his.

Paul understood the encouragement that comes from the faithfulness of other believers. He recognized that even an apostle could be strengthened by seeing God's work in the lives of others. This same principle appears in 1 Thessalonians 3:6–8, where Paul rejoiced upon hearing of the Thessalonians' faith and love. Their steadfastness encouraged him and renewed his strength. Christians are not intended to stand alone. In a difficult world, we can mutually have faith together, encouraging one another through examples of endurance, obedience, and trust in God.

This introduction to Romans is also notable for what it does not say. Although this letter contains more personal greetings than any of Paul's other epistles, Peter is never mentioned. This omission has often been noted because of later traditions concerning Peter's relationship to Rome. Paul states in Romans 15:20 that he made it his aim not to build on another man's foundation. If Peter had already established the Roman congregation as his own apostolic foundation, Paul's expressed desire to minister there extensively would be difficult to reconcile with that principle. Furthermore, Paul's ministry focused especially on establishing and teaching Gentiles in the faith, while Peter's primary commission was connected more directly with the Jewish foundation of the Church. 1 Peter 5:13 also associates Peter with Babylon rather than Rome. Whatever conclusions one draws, the letter presents the Roman congregation as a church Paul had not founded and had not yet visited, but one he deeply desired to strengthen through the gospel.

Paul explains that he had often planned to come to Rome but had thus far been prevented from doing so. He had been hindered by circumstances, opposition, and at times even by Satan's interference with his plans. Nevertheless, his desire remained unchanged. He wanted to have some fruit among the Roman brethren just as he had among the rest of the Gentiles. This phrase, "the rest of the Gentiles," suggests that many of the Roman believers were themselves Gentiles.

Paul then describes his sense of obligation, declaring, 

"I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise." 

In this context, Greeks refers broadly to those influenced by Greek language and culture, while barbarians referred to those outside Greek culture. A barbarian was often considered someone who could not speak Greek and was not cultured in Greek customs. Even many Romans were heavily influenced by Greek language, philosophy, and culture. Paul also speaks of the wise and the foolish, a theme that echoes 1 Corinthians 1:22–25, where Greeks sought wisdom, but the gospel centered on Christ crucified. Paul's point is that the gospel transcends every cultural, intellectual, and social boundary. He felt an obligation to preach to all people regardless of nationality, education, status, or background.

This leads Paul to one of the great summary statements of the entire book: 

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." 

The gospel Christ preached was the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Paul was not ashamed of that message because it is the very power of God unto salvation. The word translated "power" is dunamis, the word from which we derive the English term "dynamite." The gospel possesses divine power because it reveals God's plan to rescue humanity from sin and death.

Salvation means deliverance, rescue, preservation, and being saved. This salvation is available to everyone who believes. Yet biblical belief involves more than mere intellectual agreement. Believing God includes trusting Him, responding to Him, and obeying Him. True faith produces action.

Paul notes that this salvation is offered "to the Jew first and also to the Greek." The message went first to the Jews because God's covenantal work began through Abraham and Israel. The New Testament Church likewise began at Pentecost in Jerusalem among Jews and proselytes. It was not until Acts 10 that the gospel formally opened to the Gentiles through Cornelius and his household. Being first, however, did not make the Jews superior to the Gentiles. Through Jesus Christ, the same opportunity for salvation is extended to all mankind.

In verse 17, Paul then explains why the gospel is so powerful: 

"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'" 

Righteousness is one of the great themes of Romans. It comes from God and involves godly character, conformity to God's will, and living according to His standards. Through the gospel message, the righteousness of God is revealed.

Paul states that this righteousness is revealed: "from faith to faith." This phrase may describe growth from beginning faith to mature faith. It may also suggest movement from physical understanding to spiritual understanding, or from the faith background of the Jews into the fuller faith revealed through Christ. Regardless of the precise nuance, the emphasis is upon growth and development in faith.

Paul then quotes the foundational statement, "The just shall live by faith." This verse becomes a cornerstone for the remainder of Romans. Faith is not passive. The faithful live by faith. They walk, obey, endure, repent, grow, and continue in God's way. We must do more than simply believe. Genuine faith transforms the way a person lives.

Romans 1:16–17, therefore, serves as the great transition into the body of the letter. Paul has introduced the gospel as God's saving power and as the revelation of God's righteousness. Having established these themes, he is now prepared to turn to the contrast that follows: the wrath of God revealed against human unrighteousness, and the universal need for salvation.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.