Romans 1:11 – “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Paul expresses his deep desire to visit the believers in Rome. He does not want to see them just for social reasons but so that he can impart a spiritual gift to help strengthen them in their faith.
The phrase “I long to see you” shows Paul’s heartfelt affection for the Roman Christians. Even though he had never been to their church, he deeply cared about them and wanted to encourage them in their faith.
When Paul speaks of imparting a “spiritual gift”, he does not mean that he himself can give spiritual gifts the way God does. Instead, he likely means that he wants to use his own spiritual gifts—his teaching, preaching, and encouragement—to help them grow stronger in their walk with Christ.
The goal of this was “to make you strong”. Paul did not just want them to feel good about their faith—he wanted them to be grounded, firm, and mature in their relationship with God.
Historical Context
Paul wrote this letter around A.D. 57 while he was in Corinth, preparing to visit Jerusalem. At this point, Paul had traveled and preached in many places, but he had not yet been able to go to Rome.
The church in Rome was unique. Unlike many churches Paul wrote to, he had not planted this one. It was likely started by Jewish believers who had been in Jerusalem during Pentecost (Acts 2:10) and later grew as Gentiles also came to faith.
Since Paul had not been there in person, he wanted to visit so he could personally encourage and equip them. Rome was the most powerful city in the world, and Paul likely saw it as an important place for the gospel to take deeper root.
However, despite his desire to visit, Paul’s journey to Rome was delayed. It was only later, after being arrested, that he finally arrived there as a prisoner (Acts 28:16).
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several important truths:
- Christian fellowship is essential – Paul recognized that believers need mutual encouragement to stay strong in their faith.
- Spiritual gifts are for strengthening others – Paul wanted to use his God-given gifts to help the Roman believers grow. Gifts from God are not for personal gain but to serve others.
- Strong faith requires teaching and encouragement – Paul knew that the Roman Christians needed more than just initial belief; they needed to be strengthened in their faith.
- God’s timing is different from ours – Even though Paul longed to visit Rome, it did not happen until much later and in an unexpected way.
Literary Analysis
Paul’s wording in this verse reflects both personal affection and spiritual purpose.
- “I long to see you” – This emotional phrase shows Paul’s deep concern for their well-being. He is not just an instructor; he is a spiritual father to them.
- “That I may impart to you some spiritual gift” – Paul does not claim to have power to give gifts like the Holy Spirit does. Instead, he wants to share teaching, encouragement, and wisdom to help them grow.
- “To make you strong” – This phrase highlights spiritual stability. Paul is not just focused on their conversion but on their maturity in faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Corinthians 12:7 – Spiritual gifts are given for the benefit of the whole church.
- Ephesians 4:11-13 – Church leaders equip believers so that they can mature in their faith.
- 2 Timothy 1:6 – Paul encourages Timothy to fan into flame the gift God gave him.
- Hebrews 10:24-25 – Christians should meet together and encourage one another.
- Acts 28:15 – When Paul finally arrived in Rome, the believers came to greet him, which encouraged him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that faith is not meant to be lived alone. Christians need each other to grow.
- Are you encouraging other believers in their faith? Paul’s example shows that we should not just focus on our own growth but also on helping others get stronger in Christ.
- Are you using your spiritual gifts for others? Every believer has been given gifts by God, whether it is teaching, encouragement, hospitality, or service. These gifts are meant to be used to build up the church.
- Do you seek out spiritual encouragement? The Roman believers were already strong in faith, but Paul still wanted to help them grow even more. No matter how long we have been Christians, we all need ongoing encouragement and teaching.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse highlights God’s love in the way He provides spiritual encouragement for His people. God does not just save people and leave them alone—He gives them a community of believers to strengthen and support them.
Paul’s desire to visit the Romans reflects God’s heart for His people. Just as Paul wanted to encourage the church, God constantly provides guidance, teaching, and support to help His children grow.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Paul’s mission to strengthen believers mirrors the mission of Jesus:
- Jesus came to strengthen and teach His followers – He did not just call the disciples to follow Him; He spent years teaching and preparing them for their mission (Luke 24:45).
- Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to empower His followers – Just as Paul wanted to strengthen the Romans, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help believers grow in faith (John 14:26).
- Jesus desires His followers to be strong in faith – In John 17:17, Jesus prays, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” This shows His desire for believers to be firmly grounded in God’s truth.
Paul’s longing to see the Roman believers reflects the heart of Christ, who desires His people to be strong, encouraged, and equipped for His mission.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you strengthen and encourage other believers in your life?
- What spiritual gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to help others grow?
- Why is it important to seek out Christian fellowship and teaching?
- Have you ever had a deep desire to encourage someone in their faith? How did you act on it?
- How can you trust God’s timing when things don’t happen as quickly as you would like?