Lesson 2
Romans 1: 8-15., Paul’s prayer
VV 8-9, “8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 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,
Paul thanked God for the faithfulness of the Romans Christians, praying for them persistently and continuously.
VV 10-13, 10 making request if, by some means, now, at last, I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established, 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles
Paul prayed that God would allow him to visit Rome in person to impart spiritual gifts, teach, preach, minister, and encourage them. Paul wanted to visit Rome but his plan had not materialize yet.
V 14-15, 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also”.
Realizing God’s grace on his life, Paul acknowledged a debt of gratitude to everyone, Greeks and barbarians, the wise and the unwise. Greek for barbarians is “barbaros” which means non-Greek speaking foreigners. He was ready to preach the gospel to them.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You that the gospel is God’s power of salvation for everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the universal scope of the gospel message, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
