Romans 1:11
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—
Truth to Learn
Paul was filled with a desire to teach God’s truths to others.
Behind the Words
The word translated “impart” is the Greek word metadō. This is a compound word made up of meta, which implies association, often translated as “with” and a form of didōmi, meaning “to give.” Hence Paul is saying that he wanted to give something to them and share it with them at the same time.
“Gift” is from the Greek word charisma, which is the noun form of the verb charidzomai, meaning “to show favor.” Hence, charisma refers to a gift of grace. That is, a gift which was not earned and is not deserved.
The word translated “established” is the Greek word stērichthēnai, the passive form of steridzo, meaning “to stand fast” or “to fix firmly in place.” The passive form means that Paul wanted this to be done to the Roman Christians. That is, he wanted them to be firmly fixed in place (spiritually) as a result of the gift that he wanted to give to them.
Meaning Explained
In the previous verse Paul confessed that he longed to see the Christians in Rome. He now explains why; he wanted to share something with them. In the Christian church we often talk about “sharing” an experience with someone else. That is, we want to tell it to them in a way that they will share in the joy or sorrow of the experience. This is precisely what Paul is talking about. He wants to give the Roman Christians something that can be shared among them.
Paul then tells them that what he wants to share with them is a “spiritual gift.” Some have claimed this means that Paul wanted to impart a “miraculous gift of the spirit” which supposedly the apostles had the power to give to others. However, this interpretation is unnatural and forced as there is no place in the scriptures where this expression denotes the power of working miracles. In fact, the explanation of this gift is given in the next verse, “that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me” Paul simply wanted to share more truths of the Gospel and the glories of a life in Christ with the Christians in Rome. He wanted to encourage them by teaching them about a life of faith and he wanted to be encouraged by their own accounts of faithful living.
His purpose in wanting to do this is, “so that you may be established.” That is, Paul wanted the Christians in Rome to have a firm doctrinal footing. He knew that faith in Christ and the surrendered life are essential for Christians. He also knew that learning the truth of God’s word would result in these Christians becoming firmly grounded in their faith, able to withstand any storm of life.
Application
Is that where your faith is today? Do you feel firmly fixed in your faith and in your daily walk with God, or does God often feel far away? If so… who do you think moved?
It is possible to feel firmly fixed in your faith, but it requires regular, careful reading and study of the Bible. It also requires a consistent commitment to live your life God’s way, instead of your own way.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2009 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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