Paul’s Longing to Visit Rome
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
*Commentary* Paul is thanking God for the faith of the Christians in Rome but notice he does so “Through” Jesus. Paul, using Jesus as a messenger to God for his thanks, by praying in the name of Jesus. Next, Paul proclaims God as a witness to the fact that he prays for these Christians, and he is also praying that he can now finally make his way to Rome.
- Who does Paul claim he is serving by preaching the gospel of Jesus?
- Who is Paul asking permission of to visit the Romans?