notes
Main point summary
Paul thanks God for all the believers in Rome. He prays to visit them to bear fruit and be encouraged together with them. He even made plans which were hindered. He has done all of this because he is a debtor to preach the gospel to all people everywhere.
Discourse
editing
NT
Romans 1:8-15
nkjv
First, * I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all,
that * your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
ground
For * God is my witness, * whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son,
that * without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,
making request if, by some means,
actionmanner
now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.
actionpurpose
ideaexplanation
For I long to see you,
that * I may impart to you some spiritual gift,
so that you may be established—
progression
that is, that I may be encouraged together with you
by * the mutual faith both of you and me.
Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you
(but * was hindered until now),
concessive
that I might have some * fruit among you also,
just as among the other Gentiles.
comparison
I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians,
both to wise and to unwise.
bothand
So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.
bilateral
How is that a "for"? What is the for for?
discourse
Notes
Pauls longing was accompanied with plans to accomplish what he was called for and also longed for. Theses plans were hindered though. There is a thinking among Christians that we need to wait for signs to know for sure what we should do next. God is well capable and did give Paul a dream when he was hindered to go to Macedonia. But is that the apostles teaching and example of how we should live our life? The impression I have is that Paul was acting on His calling and longing; He made actively plans and tried to accomplish them. Then it was up to God to succeed these plans, since He is ruler over all. In this case, Pauls plans were hindered. Prayerfully make wise plans in the will of God. Theses plans should be in the context of what you are called for and also, what your longing is for. Then whatever happens, know that the Lord is in control and guides your steps.