11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
spiritual gift- Man does not give gifts, Paul is talking about the benefit of strengthening one another.
13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.
You to be unaware-this is figure of speech, like not a few, simply put it means please take special note.
I often planned to come- This was not just a new fancy but something he has wanted to do for some time. 15:22
have some fruit-Spiritual growth
Vs 14- He is obligated to preach the gospel to everyone, smart, not smart, civilized, uncivilized, everyone.
15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
I am ready to preach-Paul has a job to do and is ready.
I am not ashamed- He is not reluctant, in Rome there were the smartest philosophers.
the power of God to salvation- Rome was power itself, earthly power But this is spiritual eternal power.
Jew first and also for the Greek- The OT and now the NT, The Law, and now grace
VS 17– See Phil 3:8-9,it is written-
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
For-This is connecting verse 18 to 16-17. We have the righteousness of God because the wickedness of man.
wrath of God- The righteous anger of God.
revealed from heaven- The flood, Sodom, Egypt, Israel, the list goes on.
all ungodliness- Lack of reverence towards God
unrighteousness of men- sin, when we do not treat God correctly how and why would we treat his creation correctly.
suppress the truth in unrighteousness- holding down gods truth for the purpose of sin. They don’t want to acknowledge God so they can sin. This is the 1st of 3 reasons for Gods wrath.
may be known of God- the plain common knowledge of God
manifest in them-we do not need to seek it out, it is shown to us.
shown it to them- We see it, regardless if we want to or not.
First Baptist Church Delmar 