Paul continues his letter to the church at Rome, letting them know that he has long desired to visit them, even though his calling has kept him busy elsewhere.
Paul is concerned not only with the spiritual edification of the saints but also with their practical needs. Both must go together. Paul makes this evident by mentioning the offering he has been entrusted to deliver to the church in Jerusalem. There was a need in Jerusalem, and the Gentile churches were pleased to contribute to the church from which the gospel had first gone forth.
Since the gospel came first through Jerusalem, Paul sees a beautiful connection in the care the Gentile churches have for it. He mentioned earlier that we should owe no one anything except love (Romans 13:8). Here, he recognizes the obligation of the Gentile churches to care for those through whom they received spiritual blessings. Just as the gospel had been shared from Jerusalem, so too the fruit of the gospel, that is, loving care, would now be shared with Jerusalem.
We are told in Acts that Paul does, in fact, make it to Rome as he desires here, though in chains. Paul’s dependence upon God is evident throughout this passage. Unbeknownst to Paul, the very opposition from which he asks to be delivered will eventually become part of the circumstances that bring him to Rome.
Paul’s humility takes center stage here. He does not act as though he is invincible or above asking for help. Paul earnestly asks these saints to pray for him. As we read Romans, it is difficult to see Paul as anything less than the apostle he is. His authority and knowledge concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ are precise and decisive. Yet Paul acknowledges that he is still a man, in need of God’s help with what he is about to undertake. He does not merely ask them to remember him, but to strive together with him in prayer, making them fellow laborers in his ministry. He asks these brothers and sisters to pray that his ministry will be fruitful and that he might finally come to them in joy.
When we study theology, it is easy to forget the people for the exposition. Paul shows us that even the greatest servants of Christ are still men. All power and authority come from Christ, and we are all dependent upon God’s help. Let us, then, pray for one another.
-steve