A Trip through Romans Day 2 Chapter 1:6-10

[Riverwalker]

And so as we get into the first chapter a very interesting fact come to light. That fact being that there was a church, a group of believers in Rome, about 12-15 years before Paul or any noted apostle had gone.  And yet they had gained a reputation as being faithful.

Romans 1: 7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:

Paul wrote the book of Romans @ 55AD  which was years before He went there (as a prisoner) in @ 60ad and yet we see there there were people there who believed already

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

A common greeting in most epistles and yet very complete, for what do we need but the grace of God to meet our needs, and the peace of God to hold us in trial

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 

And so the Christians in Rome had a reputation, a good one. But where did they come from if no apostle visited there? Apparently it was Aquilla and Priscilla who were kicked out of Rome under the Jewish purges of Claudius, spent time learning under Paul and then later returned to Rome and formed a church in their house. In  Romans 16 Paul ends the letter with a greeting and thanks to them* How the church started and grew in Rome is open to speculation but they probably played a large role. Apparently they were very well versed in the things of God as when the heard Apollos preach they took him aside and schooled him. (acts 18)

9 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,

Again Paul is establishing his apostolic authority, as given by God...not of his own doing.

Of all the churches that Paul did start it seems he had a special place in his heart for the Roman church, both because of his absence, but also because they were in a tenuous spot with rising persecutions

 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 

Paul having seen how the gospel was twisted by those in Greece and Asia who would make  it serve them, wanted desperately to get to Rome so that he could establish a common faith grounded both in Scripture and the Holy Spirit

12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

And again, he emphasizes that he does not wish to come to take over but to unify them with the rest of the body of Christ in a mutual faith. That gives us the glimpse of an Apostles heart...to see the unity of the faith in all churches. Think Paul was a little blunt sometimes, so with this he softens the blow.  Not that "you will follow me" but that "we shall walk together

*Romans 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house

Edited December 2, 2021 by Riverwalker

[Waggles]

1 hour ago, Riverwalker said:

Romans 1: 7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints:

Paul wrote the book of Romans @ 55AD  which was years before He went there (as a prisoner) in @ 60ad and yet we see there there were people there who believed already

called to be saints - the elect - the ekklesia - those sanctified and consecrated by the Holy Spirit - justified before God 

this again signifies the original gospel and discipleship of the first church - a Pentecostal ekklesia - wherein ALL were baptized in water and in the Holy Spirit with the Bible evidence of speaking in tongues. 

Remember at this time there were no Roman Catholics, no Orthodox, no protestants, no evangelicals, no JWs, no mormons, no other alternatives were tolerated. 

One faith, one gospel, one baptism, one way - Pentecostal.

Romans 8:9  But YE are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that God’s Spirit dwelleth in you. But if any hath not Christ’s Spirit he is none of his. 
8:10  And if Christ is in you, the body is indeed dead because of sin; but the spirit is life because of righteousness. 

Edited December 2, 2021 by Waggles

[Ghostdog]

i tried to do this a couple of yrs ago and i got to about here