The epistle from 1:16 onward has been more like a treatise than a letter. Paul now resumes the epistolary form, and there are many links between this closing section and 1:1-15.
How does Paul in verses 15-21 describe his work – in relation to its nature, scope, power, and results? How far is the description applicable to our own work in connection with the gospel?
Answer: I pray most every day that God will allow me to be a witness in some way to someone. I am not as bold as Paul, but at the same time I am not afraid to confess my love for my Savior who first loved me! I feel a pull to ministry, so the other thing I pray most every day is that if that is what God wants in my life to open up the right doors for me. Many times I need more than a door, I need a billboard on the side of I69 to say “Eric go this way- Love God.”
What matters lay nearest to Paul’s heart at this time, as shown in verses 20-25? Also what can we learn about the importance that he attached to intercessory prayer? Have we a kindred spirit and outlook? Answer: Paul desperately wants to visit Rome, but feels more compelled by the Spirit to spread the Word. As blessed as Paul was by God to enable him to spread the Word he remains humble enough to say that yes we all need to pray one for another, so please pray for me that God’s will continue to be done in my life.
Notes:
V16. The figure here is that of the sacrifices of the Old Testament ritual. Paul’s work was to bring the Gentile to God as an offering, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
The contribution of the Gentile churches to the poor of the church in Jerusalem were the result of much labour on Paul’s par, and he looked for important results in the drawing together of Jewish and Gentile believers. Cf. 2 Cor 8 and 9, especially 9:12-15.
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