Tag: Devotion

Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

The Apostle Paul speaks of unfulfilled plans to visit the Christians in Rome. He says, “I purposed to come unto you”! A strong word of resolve but the plan did not materialise. He personally made plans, not once but on many occasions to visit Rome. He sought the Lord in prayer and was led to make the journey. But he was being hindered. He was prevented to make the journey. That’s the meaning of the phrase, “was let hitherto”. He did not elaborate concerning these hinderances here but a hint was given in Romans 15:22-29 that God had directed him to go first to Jerusalem to minister to poor saints bringing with him an offering from the churches in Macedonia and Achaia.

Romans 1:8-13 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 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; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

Paul had a deep concern for God’s children even in far away lands. He had not personally met the believers in Rome yet he loved them dearly in the Lord. He was glad that the Christians in Rome were strong in their faith in a largely pagan environment. He demonstrated his love for them by praying for them. This is an example worthy of our emulation. He was not just concerned with the believers in his physical proximity but those in far away places. Such was the extent of his love for the brethren.

Romans 1:1-7 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

With an endearing salutation, Paul greets the believers in Rome. He addressed them as “beloved of God”. A most encouraging and comforting term to remind them that they are precious in God’s sight. A good reminder to you as you begin this new day. May your morning prayer be as the psalmist’s, “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings.” (Psalm 17:8)

Romans 1:1-6 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

Paul exhorts the believers in Rome to be witnesses for Christ for they too are “the called of Jesus Christ”. We are called to faith and obedience. He reminded them of their common mission to reach out to the nations with the gospel beginning in their home city of Rome and extending their outreach beyond to the uttermost part of the Roman Empire.

Romans 1:1-4 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

Jesus is born the seed of David according to the flesh and He is the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness. Paul tells us that Jesus is both fully man and fully God. He is the God-Man. As Man, He was a descendant of David. As God, Jesus is the exact representation of God (Hebrews 1:3). He is divinely God characterised by holiness.

Romans 1:1-4 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

The gospel message was first published by the written testimony of the prophets in the Old Testament consisting of 5 books of the Law (Genesis to Deuteronomy), 12 historical books (Joshua to Esther), 5 wisdom books (Job to Son of Solomon), 5 books of Major Prophets (Isaiah to Daniel) and 12 books of the Minor Prophets (Hosea to Malachi). The theme was concerning God’s Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus confirmed this in Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

Romans 1:1-4 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

The Gospel of God declares Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, made of the seed of David according to the flesh. He is the Saviour of the world. He was of the seed of David. It is Jesus Christ who gave David life, who brought David into existence. Jesus Christ is the Giver of all human life (John 1:3-4). And yet Jesus Christ is the offspring, the descendant of David, according to the flesh. How could Jesus Christ be both the Giver of David’s life and yet He is the offspring of David? Except He be the living and true God, the Christ!

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Paul was a man chosen by God to bring forth everlasting fruit in ushering men and women into God’s eternal kingdom. Paul’s calling like prophet Jeremiah’s was part of God’s eternal plan of redemption conceived before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Today, we begin a daily bible-study series beginning with the Book of Romans. I shall endeavour to provide daily refreshing from God’s Word to encourage your heart in the things of God for a new day.

Paul, the author, introduced himself, firstly as a servant of Jesus Christ, secondly, as one called by Jesus Christ and thirdly, an apostle sent by Jesus Christ. His life has been entirely given to one mission – the work of the gospel. He was “separated”, being set apart, for the gospel of God.