Romans 1:11
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul doesn't just want to give something; he wants to impart a "spiritual gift," which he humbly describes with a small word meaning "some" or "a little." This wasn't about Paul showing off his own spiritual prowess, but a modest desire to share the Spirit's grace, recognizing that all true strengthening comes from God, not from himself.
Paul expresses his deep desire to visit the Roman believers, not just for their benefit, but also for mutual encouragement. He wants to impart spiritual gifts, which he sees as God-given abilities flowing through him, to strengthen them in their faith. This desire to visit and minister to them sets the stage for his explanation of the gospel, which he intends to share more fully in person.
Why would Paul, a master communicator, risk a dangerous journey just to see the Roman believers? It wasn't just about sending a letter; it was about presence.
Paul’s longing to visit Rome wasn't just a desire for a change of scenery. He uses the word 'impart' (Greek: metadidōmi), which means to give over, to communicate, or to share. This wasn't about Paul transferring abstract knowledge, but about him, filled with the Spirit, sharing something tangible and life-changing through his personal presence. The commentaries highlight that this personal interaction was seen as a vital way for spiritual 'gifts' – whether miraculous or simply confirming truth – to flow. Think of it like a mentor physically present with a student, offering not just lessons, but encouragement and shared experience that a textbook can't replicate.
What exactly are these 'spiritual gifts' Paul longs to share? And why are they crucial for 'strengthening' believers?
The 'spiritual gift' Paul mentions isn't necessarily about miraculous abilities, though those could be included. The commentators generally agree it refers to any gracious impartation from the Holy Spirit that helps believers grow. The ultimate goal is 'to strengthen you' (Greek: stērizō), meaning to establish, confirm, and make firm in the faith. It’s about building a solid foundation for their Christian life and doctrine, especially in a city like Rome where diverse influences would challenge their beliefs. Paul saw himself as an instrument through whom God would provide these gifts for the specific purpose of making the believers resilient and firm in Christ.
Understand the original words
charisma · Greek Noun
A grace-gift (charism) bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon believers for the edification and building up of the church body.
stērizō · Greek Verb
To make firm, establish, or confirm someone in their resolve, faith, or spiritual maturity.
Paul's longing to visit Rome and impart spiritual gifts wasn't just about theological teaching; it was deeply personal, aiming to strengthen a community that had experienced significant upheaval and was under constant pressure.
c. AD 40s
Jewish Diaspora in Rome
Jews, including many Christians, were expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius, scattering the early Christian communities.
c. AD 50s
Re-establishment of Jewish Community
After Claudius' death, Jewish communities, including Christians, began to return to Rome, forming a more established presence.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul Writes Romans from Corinth
The Apostle Paul, having previously ministered in various regions, writes this letter to the church in Rome from Corinth, expressing his desire to visit them.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul eventually reaches Rome, but as a prisoner. He continues to minister and write letters during this period.
Paul directly addresses the topic of spiritual gifts, reinforcing the idea that these gifts are from the Spirit and intended for the strengthening of the church body, just as he desires for the Romans.
Ephesians 4:11-12This passage explains that Christ gave specific gifts (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) for the equipping of the saints and the building up of the body of Christ, mirroring Paul's intention to impart gifts for establishment.
1 Thessalonians 3:2Paul mentions sending Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians in their faith, showing a consistent pastoral concern for the spiritual establishment of believers, similar to his desire for the Romans.
2 Timothy 1:6Here, Paul reminds Timothy to 'fan into flame the gift of God' that is in him, suggesting that spiritual gifts require activation and can be nurtured, aligning with Paul's aim to impart gifts that would strengthen the Romans.
ellicottRomans 1:11: "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;"
(11) That I may impart unto you some spiritual gift. —Such gifts as would naturally flow to one Christian (or to many collectively) from the personal presence and warm sympathy of another; in St. Paul’s case, heightened in proportion to the wealth and elevation of his own spiritual consciousness and life. His head and his heart alike are full to overflowing, and he longs to di…
barnesRomans 1:11: "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;"
For I long to see you - I earnestly desire to see you; compare Romans 15:23 , Romans 15:32 . That I may impart - That I may "give," or communicate to you. Some spiritual gift - Some have understood this as referring to "miraculous gifts," which it was supposed the apostles had the power of conferring on others. But this interpretation is forced and unnatural. There is no insta…
Paul doesn't just want to give something; he wants to impart a "spiritual gift," which he humbly describes with a small word meaning "some" or "a little." This wasn't about Paul showing off his own spiritual prowess, but a modest desire to share the Spirit's grace, recognizing that all true strengthening comes from God, not from himself.
Paul expresses his deep desire to visit the Roman believers, not just for their benefit, but also for mutual encouragement. He wants to impart spiritual gifts, which he sees as God-given abilities flowing through him, to strengthen them in their faith. This desire to visit and minister to them sets the stage for his explanation of the gospel, which he intends to share more fully in person.
Paul expresses his deep desire to visit the Roman believers, not just for their benefit, but also for mutual encouragement. He wants to impart spiritual gifts, which he sees as God-given abilities flowing through him, to strengthen them in their faith. This desire to visit and minister to them sets the stage for his explanation of the gospel, which he intends to share more fully in person.
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c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, leading to severe persecution. This event would have deeply impacted the Roman church.
"For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—" — Paul doesn't just want to give something; he wants to impart a "spiritual gift," which he humbly describes with a small word meaning "some" or "a little." This wasn't about Paul showing off his o…
