Romans 1:11-12
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul's longing isn't just for a general blessing; he desires to impart a specific "spiritual gift" precisely because it's something from the Spirit working through him, not just his own human wisdom. This modest phrasing ("some spiritual gift") acknowledges that his own spiritual richness is itself a gift from God, to be shared for their strengthening.
Paul expresses his deep longing to visit the Roman believers, not just for his own sake, but to bestow upon them a spiritual gift. This gift is intended to strengthen and establish them in their faith, implying they are already believers but need further grounding and fortification. He sees this impartation as a direct working of the Holy Spirit through him, confirming the gospel's truth and solidifying their Christian walk.
Ever felt an intense desire to see someone, to be with them? Paul's longing for the Romans is more than a casual wish – it's a deep, spiritual yearning.
Paul uses the word 'long' (epipotho) to express a profound, directed desire. This isn't just about checking a box or fulfilling an obligation; it's a heartfelt ache to connect.
A Heart for the Flock
This longing stems from his genuine love and concern for the spiritual well-being of the believers in Rome. He sees them not just as a group of people, but as individuals needing encouragement and growth. His desire is to be physically present, to engage face-to-face, because he knows the power of personal connection in faith.
The Purpose: Imparting and Strengthening
His intention is clear: to 'impart some spiritual gift.' This isn't about Paul having some magical power, but about him being a conduit for God's grace. He wants to share whatever God has given him – be it wisdom, encouragement, or even a specific spiritual ability – to help them grow firm in their faith.
What exactly is a 'spiritual gift,' and why does Paul want to impart it?
Paul uses the term 'spiritual gift' (charisma pneumatikon). It's crucial to understand that 'gift' (charisma) is directly linked to 'grace' (charis). These aren't earned merits or dues; they are free, unmerited expressions of God's favor and power.
More Than Just Miracles
While the early church certainly saw miraculous gifts, Paul’s use of 'spiritual gift' here is broader. The commentaries suggest it encompasses anything God bestows through the Spirit for the building up of believers – whether it's teaching, encouragement, wisdom, or even a miraculous ability. It's about God working through Paul to bless the Romans.
The Goal: Establishment
The purpose of imparting these gifts is 'to strengthen you' (to establish you). This means to make them firm, solid, and secure in their faith. Paul isn't suggesting they are weak or lacking foundational faith, but rather that ongoing growth and solidifying their walk with Christ is a vital part of the Christian life for everyone.
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.
symparakaleō · Greek Verb
The state of being cheered, comforted, or emboldened in one’s walk with God through fellowship and shared testimony.
pistis · Greek Noun
The divinely granted conviction and trust in God’s character and promises; the means by which one enters into a relationship with Christ.
Paul's longing to visit Rome and impart spiritual gifts highlights the importance of personal connection in Christian growth, especially for a church he didn't found but wished to strengthen.
c. AD 40s-50s
Growth of the Church in Rome
The church in Rome likely began with Jewish believers who had encountered the gospel in Jerusalem and returned to Rome. Over time, Gentile believers joined, creating a diverse community.
c. AD 49
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, likely due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus' (possibly Christ or a related dispute). This would have dispersed the early Christian community, scattering both Jewish and Gentile believers.
c. AD 54
Nero Repeals Expulsion
Nero, Claudius's successor, allowed the Jews to return to Rome. This would have enabled the reorganization and growth of the Christian church, which Paul now addresses.
c. AD 57-58— this verse
Paul Writes Romans from Corinth
The Apostle Paul, having completed missionary work in Greece, writes his letter to the Romans from Corinth. He has not yet visited Rome but longs to do so.
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's longing isn't just for a general blessing; he desires to impart a specific "spiritual gift" precisely because it's something from the Spirit working through him, not just his own human wisdom. This modest phrasing ("some spiritual gift") acknowledges that his own spiritual richness is itself a gift from God, to be shared for their strengthening.
Paul expresses his deep longing to visit the Roman believers, not just for his own sake, but to bestow upon them a spiritual gift. This gift is intended to strengthen and establish them in their faith, implying they are already believers but need further grounding and fortification. He sees this impartation as a direct working of the Holy Spirit through him, confirming the gospel's truth and solidifying their Christian walk.
Paul expresses his deep longing to visit the Roman believers, not just for his own sake, but to bestow upon them a spiritual gift. This gift is intended to strengthen and establish them in their faith, implying they are already believers but need further grounding and fortification. He sees this impartation as a direct working of the Holy Spirit through him, confirming the gospel's truth and solidifying their Christian walk.
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c. AD 62-64
Paul's Possible Visit to Rome
Tradition suggests Paul was eventually able to visit Rome, fulfilling his desire expressed in this letter, possibly during his house arrest period or after his release.
"For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine." — Paul's longing isn't just for a general blessing; he desires to impart a specific "spiritual gift" precisely because it's something from the Spirit working through him, not just his own human wis…
