Paul's Prayers for Roman Saints

Introduction

Paul’s Prayers for the Saints at Rome

Despite being a church Paul had never visited, nor had he any part in planting this church as far as we know, yet Paul included this church in his prayers as if they were his own children.

The letter and his prayers are for Saints, Holy Ones. Springing from a love for all things holy is Paul’s love for God’s holy people everywhere.

“Grace” and common Greek greeting, “Peace” a commen Hebrew one that, when put together, give us a sort of Aaronic blessing: Numbers 6:22-27

Numbers 6:22–27 ESV

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”

To all those who are loved and called by God, Paul extends these prayers. He is indescriminate so long as they are true, Spirit-filled believers. They are precious to him, because they are made by and for Jesus, the one he loves and gives his life for. There is no love for Christ which does not naturally extend to the people Christ lovingly bought with his own blood.

Paul’s Suffering includes his “anxiety” for the churches 2 Cor 11:28

2 Corinthians 11:28 ESV

And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.

Thanksgiving

Paul not only prays for the needs of churches, but rather he always begins with thanksgiving for the work God has already done in them.

2 Thessalonians 1:3–4 ESV

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.

Paul successfully avoids a cynical outlook on the churches of Christ by filling his prayers with thanksgiving.

The Faith Proclaimed

The Gospel and its nature of proclamation or announcement. This is what Paul had devoted his life literally to doing.

This is the Gospel

In faith it is orthodox, not a herasy or twisted version of the word of God.

In practice, they are a holy people living consistently with the Gospel they proclaim.

Their Faith

The testimony had not only reached the ears of the Apostle, but was being proclaimed all over the earth. This proclamation was one with the Gospel itself.

“Testimony” is merely witness of the grace of God through the Gospel. Everything God does in a saint’s life is to be interpreted in light of the Gospel, and everything a Saint does must be santified to be a true proclamation of the Gospel. Because the testimony of the Romans Saints was one that lined up and strengthened the message of the Gospel, Paul gives thanks for it.

Their faith has grown with such power that the whole world was being influenced by it.

John Gill: “+but, says he, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world: which shews that faith is a grace of great account: God has put an honour upon it, by making it the receiver of all his gifts, and that gives glory to God, and without it nothing is acceptable to him; it answers many excellent uses and purposes in experience; it is that by which saints live upon Christ in this world, and look to the glories of another.”

Paul’s Request

Though still part of his greeting, Paul’s request mirrors his deepest desires before God in prayer for this church.

The Manner: Without ceasing

Does not speak to a literal continuance, but rather emphasizes the habitual nature of these prayers. It shows Paul’s earnestness for an answer.

Paul’s Coming

Paul’s coming would be the means by which the end of his prayer could be fulfilled: a strengthening of the faith that is already there. This also speaks to the nature of the letter we have here, one that is to encourage us in the faith as if Paul were here ministering to us himself.

Paul’s Intention to Serve the Romans

Paul’s Perspective is one of service. He is not going to the church at Rome for his own benefit, but with the full intention of giving himself to them as Christ gave himself.

Paul’s Expectation of Mutual Encouragement

However, Paul does not have an elevated view of himself as if he is the only party to be encouraged by this anticipated trip. Paul expects that his service will yield encouragement for himself as well; that the presence of Christ in his fellow saints will be a sweet kiss from heaven to him.

Paul’s Intention: The building of the Church for the Glory of God through the Love and Fellowship of the Saints

Ultimately, Paul has one goal, in his letter and mission to Rome and anywhere, and that is the building of the church for the glory of God through the love and fellowship of the Saints. To encourage their love for one another, the faith that they are proclaming in word and deed, and their faithfulness to Christ-likeness is all the world to Paul. It is his reason for existance, and he handles the church as an expert gem-cutter handles the most valuable diamonds: cutting only where necessary to bring out a brighter clarity and polishing with much love an affection, knowing the jewel is priceless to Christ.

Conclusion: A Holy and Prayeful Attitude Towards the Saints