Paul has no prior relationship with the church in Rome to which he can appeal (Romans 1:11–15; see also 1 Corinthians 4:1–5). Instead, he points to two things as proof that the household churches in Rome should listen to his teaching and help him in his continuing mission.

Paul stresses first his priestly role as a minister of the Messiah Jesus in proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles. Perhaps again, he’s trying to help the strong and the weak to embrace one another, for he stresses the gospel as a fulfilment of what has gone before (v 16). If Paul is calling them to make their living sacrifice, he wants them to understand that this is his own – a priestly offering, one which is acceptable to God, sanctified by the Spirit, and in which he rejoices (vs 16,17).

But Paul also emphasises this proclamation has been through word and deed (v 18): the favour of Christ in his ministry hasn’t just been seen through words, but also through the miraculous (v 19a). In this way, Paul’s been enabled to fully proclaim the gospel (v 19b). Nor is he now changing the pattern of his ministry: they haven’t needed him (vs 14,20,22), and he’s looking beyond them to territories where Christ isn’t known (see Romans 15:24,28).

Sometimes it is hard to speak God’s Word to others. Ask for God’s help and grace as you reflect on your own calling.

Paul (and his scribe, Tertius)¹ are nearing the end of their writing of this great epistle. Like any preacher or letter writer, Paul now pauses to reflect on what he has said and the impact it might have on its recipients. He has said things that some would not like; others would find discouraging; many would find challenging. Paul’s gracious pastoral voice commends, explains and reminds them of the reasons for his strong words (v 15).

He reassures them, confident of their good intent and their abilities (v 14). His words bring gentle expectation of their compliance with what he has been teaching. He acknowledges that these gospel truths may be hard to hear (v 15). He explains the reasons he dares speak are found in the gospel of Christ and in his priestly calling to be a minister to Gentiles (v 16). Paul reminds them of the radical change that Jesus has brought to their world. In this new situation, he is the priestly minister who helps them to bring their whole-life sacrifice (v 16).² He reminds the Jewish believers that such an offering is acceptable, ‘sanctified’ by God through the Holy Spirit.

Perhaps there is a hint that Roman believers may question why Paul hasn’t visited them yet. So he reaffirms the reasons for writing this letter: it is only done in the name of Christ and for his glory; his words are part of his God-given mission to the Gentiles (vs 7–12,18). This ministry has been affirmed by the Holy Spirit, from Jerusalem as far as Illyricum (probably on the Adriatic coast) (v 19). Fulfilling this ministry has kept him busy – but his words suggest a longing to see them (v 22). In uncertain times, we, like Paul, do not know how our stories will continue.

Lord Jesus – in spite of difficulties and uncertainties – help me to stay committed to you and to your purposes as I serve others today.

¹ Rom 16:22  ² See also Rom 12:1