thoughts from Romans 1:1-17

Some thoughts as I read thru Romans 1 tonight. My thoughts will be in bold, emphasis in italics in the passage is mine.

Romans 1

1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4and who through the Spirit^[a] of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God^[b] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

In his greeting to the Roman Christians, Paul re-enforces who Christ is, both in his human heritage (v3), and his Heavenly heritage (v4).

7To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul's Longing to Visit Rome

8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10in 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.

11I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—

When was the last time we were eager to go to church and see other believers?

12that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.

When was the last time we were encouraged by another's faith?

13I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

14I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.

Paul had a willing and receptive audience in Rome. There were some Christians already there, but for the most part, Rome was ripe for the new idea that the Gospel presented.

16I am not ashamed of the gospel,

Are WE ashamed of the Gospel? Is Jesus an afterthought to our friends and co-workers?

because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,^[c] just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."^[d]

^{Salvation for everyone...no matter what he or she has done. No sin too small, or too big, for God to overlook. No sin too small, or too big, for Christ to forgive.}