Romans 1:11-12
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Paul's desire isn't just to give a gift, but to "impart" it, highlighting the personal, relational aspect of spiritual growth. The "spiritual gift" itself is spoken of modestly with "some," indicating it's not about Paul showing off power, but about whatever the Spirit would graciously work through him for their strengthening.
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)
Paul expresses his deep yearning to visit the Roman believers, not for personal gain, but to share a spiritual gift that will solidify and strengthen their faith. He anticipates that his presence and ministry will contribute to their growth in the gospel, building them up in the truth they have already received. This desire to see them and impart spiritual strength sets the stage for his explanation in the following verses about the mutual encouragement and shared faith that will occur.
Paul longs to give the believers in Rome a 'spiritual gift.' What exactly did he mean by that? Was it just about supernatural abilities?
Paul's longing to impart a 'spiritual gift' (charisma pneumatikon) wasn't solely about the flashy, miraculous gifts often associated with the early church. While those might have been included, the core idea was any gift of grace that strengthened believers.
A Gift of Grace
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Paul longed to see the Romans. Why was his physical presence so crucial for imparting these spiritual gifts and establishing them in faith?
Paul's intense desire to visit Rome wasn't just a preference; it was a strategic element of his ministry. While writing an epistle was valuable, Paul recognized the unique power of personal interaction for spiritual growth.
Face-to-Face Ministry:
Paul expresses his desire to 'establish' the Roman believers. But he uses the passive voice, hinting at a deeper theological truth about who ultimately does the establishing.
While Paul was eager to be a minister and impart spiritual strengthening, he was remarkably humble about his role. His language points to God as the ultimate source of establishment.
God's Work, Paul's Instrumentality:
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 wasn't just a pastoral desire; it was set against the backdrop of the church's developing identity, potential internal divisions, and the looming threat of imperial persecution.
c. AD 50-55— this verse
Paul Writes to the Church in Rome
Paul, having never visited Rome, writes this letter to the church there, likely from Corinth or Ephesus. He expresses his deep desire to visit them and share spiritual gifts to strengthen their faith.
c. AD 40s-50s
Growth of the Church in Rome
The church in Rome likely began with Jewish believers returning from Pentecost, later growing to include many Gentiles. This diverse community may have faced internal tensions or external pressures.
c. AD 49
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled many Jews from Rome, likely due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus' (possibly Christ). This event would have scattered Roman Jewish Christians, potentially impacting the church's early development and leadership.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment and Writings
While imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote several epistles, including Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. His presence in Rome, even under constraint, allowed him to influence the church there.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome and Nero's Persecution
The massive fire in Rome led Emperor Nero to blame and persecute Christians. This period of intense suffering would have tested the faith of believers in Rome.
This passage directly addresses the topic of spiritual gifts and the desire to see believers benefit from them, mirroring Paul's intention in Romans 1:11.
Ephesians 4:11-13This text explains that spiritual gifts are given for the equipping of the saints for ministry and the building up of the body of Christ, directly aligning with Paul's goal of establishing the Romans.
1 Thessalonians 3:2Paul expresses a similar longing to see believers and to strengthen their faith, showing that this desire to impart spiritual strength is a consistent theme in his ministry.
Acts 19:2This verse shows Paul imparting spiritual gifts through the laying on of his hands, illustrating one way in which he could 'impart' such gifts and strengthen believers.
2 Timothy 1:6Paul reminds Timothy to 'fan into flame the gift of God' that is within him, suggesting that spiritual gifts need to be stirred up and utilized for strengthening, a concept relevant to Paul's purpose in Romans 1:11.
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 desire isn't just to give a gift, but to "impart" it, highlighting the personal, relational aspect of spiritual growth. The "spiritual gift" itself is spoken of modestly with "some," indicating it's not about Paul showing off power, but about whatever the Spirit would graciously work through him for their strengthening.
Paul expresses his deep yearning to visit the Roman believers, not for personal gain, but to share a spiritual gift that will solidify and strengthen their faith. He anticipates that his presence and ministry will contribute to their growth in the gospel, building them up in the truth they have already received. This desire to see them and impart spiritual strength sets the stage for his explanation in the following verses about the mutual encouragement and shared faith that will occur.
Paul expresses his deep yearning to visit the Roman believers, not for personal gain, but to share a spiritual gift that will solidify and strengthen their faith. He anticipates that his presence and ministry will contribute to their growth in the gospel, building them up in the truth they have already received. This desire to see them and impart spiritual strength sets the stage for his explanation in the following verses about the mutual encouragement and shared faith that will occur.
"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 desire isn't just to give a gift, but to "impart" it, highlighting the personal, relational aspect of spiritual growth. The "spiritual gift" itself is spoken of modestly with "some," indicat…
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Last reviewed October 2026
