Subjects of Paul’s Prayers

The apostle Paul has been used by God to found many churches. And each one of them (specifically, the people in each one) is dear to him; he speaks of “my deep concern for all the churches” that is a daily burden for him (2 Cor. 11:28). But Paul’s love for the body of Christ is such that his concern extends even to churches he has played no role in planting—such as the church at Rome. Thus, he now shares with the Romans that he, the apostle Paul, busy, persecuted, and harassed though he is, finds time to pray for them. And not superficially but “without ceasing” and “always.” In Paul’s view, it is part of wholehearted service to God (in other words, it is his duty) to uphold this body of believers, people whom he does not know personally but who are his brothers and sisters in Christ. We can only imagine the amazement of the Romans upon hearing that word of their faith has reached even the apostle Paul and actually encouraged him. But how astonished, humbled, and encouraged must they be to hear that this great Christian leader is praying personally for them? (Perhaps Paul is anticipating their surprise when he confirms his words with an oath: “God is my witness.”)

But Paul’s words bring still greater astonishment—not only is he praying for the Romans, he wants to come and visit them. Indeed, one of his petitions is that God will allow him to make the journey. This is clearly a hope Paul has nurtured for some time, for he speaks of coming to Rome “at last.” He is not hesitant to open his heart, to express his longing to visit the Roman believers, and he mentions two reasons for wanting to do so. First, he wants to “impart … some spiritual gift” to the church to help it become “established.” What does he mean? Boice believes Paul simply wants to preach and teach the Gospel among the Roman Christians, that they might be “rooted and built up in [Christ] and established in the faith” (Col. 2:7a). He wants to bring them the divine truth God has revealed to him, so they may know the Gospel as fully as possible. Second, he wants to encourage them and be encouraged by them. This will happen as they spend time together, getting to know one another and speaking together of their experiences with the Savior. The sharing of their “mutual faith” will result in both Paul and the Romans growing stronger in Christ.