Category: Devotions

Priscilla and Aquila were selfless and sacrificial who co-laboured with the Apostle Paul in the advancement of God’s kingdom. Their love for God and His people were so clearly demonstrated that they were willing to risk even their lives for the sake of the wellbeing of other Christians.

The Apostle Paul is thankful for such friends and their good works were well-known among all the churches of the Gentiles. They were travelling like the Apostle Paul to minister to the believers. Luke recorded how they met. They were tent-makers.

Thank God for believers who will always be on the look out to bless God’s people. It is such a comfort and encouragement experience hospitality and practical help from such ones. It warms the heart. It strengthens the hand of the receiver to also do good to others. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” May God endow His people with His love to bless others for His glory. Amen.

Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

He cited two reasons for his request (1) For the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake (2) For the love of the Spirit. His will has been completely surrendered to the Lord’s purpose and plan through the leading of the Holy Spirit. He said in Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Truly, the Apostle Paul is wholly given over to serve his Lord.

The work of the gospel brings spiritual blessings from God. The Apostle Paul carries God’s blessing to the church in Rome by his coming presence with them. He imparts to them spiritual insight into God’s perspective of life on earth that will benefit them for eternity. This is the selfless work of the gospel that he brings to the churches. A blessed example. Amen.

The Apostle Paul has a heart for the furtherance of the gospel. He preached the gospel in uncharted territories. He desires to see the gospel extended to all the Gentile world. Citing Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 52:15, he speaks of the mission for the conversion of Gentiles and their eventual conversion to receive Israel’s Messiah God, Jesus Christ. He was the man sent for this mission to the Gentiles fulfilling this prediction of Isaiah.

The Apostle Paul was a pioneering missionary to the Gentiles. Because God called him, God also manifested His power to save through the mighty signs and wonders in the conversion of souls throughout the Roman Empire whenever he has set foot upon. Many churches were founded because the gospel was preached and men saved.

The Apostle Paul speaks of the favour of God upon him that enabled him to be His servant to the Gentile church. It is the calling of God to be His minister, to minister the gospel of God to the Gentiles, that enabled him to serve the church in Rome since his conversion. He is reminded that the strength to serve comes from God. He acknowledged that he is a weak vessel. He acknowledged the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit to convert and sanctify the lives of God’s people by the gospel. He speaks of a holy courage or boldness that gives put in writing the great doctrines of the faith from salvation to glorification. He is aware that God holds him accountable for the many lives that he stands to influence with his life and ministry. And he prays that he fulfils the charge that was given him in his lifetime.

The Apostle Paul speaks of his heart burden in penning this epistle. He addresses directly now the believers in Rome till the end of this epistle. Although he has not met the believers in Rome, he has written to address the spiritual weaknesses of both individuals and groups in the church. He felt confident that the believers will grow in spiritual maturity and that the gospel work will indeed proceed from Rome and beyond.

The Apostle Paul gives the benediction, invoking God’s blessing upon the believers in Rome that they may abound in hope through the filling of the Holy Spirit. Hope invigorates and imparts strength for their present task. In this context, the brethren may live peaceably and amicably in love one toward another, forbearing and forgiving, in unity and joy!