Romans 1:11

KJV

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I long {G1971} to see {G1492} you {G5209}, that {G2443} I may impart {G3330} unto you {G5213} some {G5100} spiritual {G4152} gift {G5486}, to the end {G1519} ye {G5209} may be established {G4741};

Complete Jewish Bible

For I long to see you, so that I might share with you some spiritual gift that can make you stronger —

Berean Standard Bible

For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you,

American Standard Version

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Romans 1:11, the Apostle Paul articulates his profound desire to visit the believers in Rome, driven by a specific spiritual purpose. His longing is not merely for personal fellowship, but for the opportunity to share spiritual blessings and insights, thereby contributing to their growth and stability in faith. This verse encapsulates Paul's apostolic heart, revealing his commitment to nurturing and strengthening Christian communities through the impartation of God's grace and truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 1:11 is nestled within the opening salutation and introduction of Paul's magnum opus, the Epistle to the Romans (Romans 1:1-17). After establishing his apostolic credentials and expressing his indebtedness to preach the gospel to all (Romans 1:1-7), Paul declares his long-standing desire to visit Rome (Romans 1:8-10). Verse 11 then explicitly states the *reason* for this longing, clarifying that his motivation is deeply spiritual and pastoral. It directly precedes his declaration of readiness to preach the gospel in Rome (Romans 1:15) and the foundational statement of the gospel's power for salvation (Romans 1:16-17), positioning his personal desire within the broader framework of his divine commission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Rome, as the capital of the vast Roman Empire, was a strategic and influential city. Its Christian community, likely established by converts from Pentecost (Acts 2:10) or early missionaries, was diverse, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. This diversity often led to internal tensions and differing theological perspectives, which Paul addresses later in the letter (e.g., Romans 14-15). Furthermore, believers in Rome faced the pressures of a dominant pagan culture, imperial cult worship, and potential persecution. In such an environment, the church needed strong theological grounding and spiritual resilience to withstand external pressures and internal divisions, making Paul's desire to "establish" them particularly pertinent.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 1:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the letter and Paul's theology. It highlights **Apostolic Ministry and Pastoral Care**, showcasing Paul's deep affection and commitment to the spiritual well-being of the churches, even those he had not personally founded. His intent to "impart some spiritual gift" underscores the theme of **Spiritual Gifts and Edification**, emphasizing that God bestows gifts not for individual prestige but for the mutual building up of the body of Christ, a concept further developed in [Romans 12](/romans/12 "Romans 12 - Spiritual Gifts and Christian Living"). The ultimate goal, "to the end ye may be established," speaks to the crucial theme of **Christian Maturity and Steadfastness**, indicating the necessity for believers to be firmly rooted in sound doctrine and unwavering faith, especially in challenging circumstances, a call echoed throughout the New Testament, such as in [Colossians 2:6-7](/colossians/2-6-7 "Colossians 2:6-7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **long (Greek, _epipothéō_):** This verb signifies an intense craving, a strong and earnest desire, or even a yearning. It's more than a casual wish; it conveys a deep, passionate longing that reflects Paul's profound pastoral affection and his sense of apostolic duty towards the Roman believers.
* **impart (Greek, _metadídōmi_):** Meaning "to give over" or "to share," this word implies a generous act of bestowing a portion of something one possesses. It suggests that Paul intends to share spiritual resources, insights, and blessings that God had entrusted to him, rather than merely visiting or receiving.
* **established (Greek, _stērízō_):** This term means "to set fast," "to strengthen," or "to confirm." It conveys the idea of making something firm, stable, or resolute. In a spiritual context, it refers to believers being made strong, grounded, and unwavering in their faith, doctrine, and conduct, providing stability against spiritual or doctrinal challenges.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I long to see you,"**: Paul begins by reiterating his earnest desire to visit the Roman Christians, a longing he had already mentioned in the preceding verses. The "for" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the reason or explanation for this desire, emphasizing that his motivation is not superficial but deeply rooted in his apostolic calling and genuine affection. This is a personal expression of pastoral care, highlighting the importance of physical presence in ministry when possible.
* **"that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift,"**: This clause reveals the primary purpose of Paul's longed-for visit. The phrase "spiritual gift" (G5486 _chárisma_ and G4152 _pneumatikós_) here broadly refers to spiritual blessings, insights, or the exercise of his own God-given apostolic gifts (e.g., teaching, preaching, encouragement, prophetic insight) for their benefit. It is not necessarily about bestowing new charismatic gifts upon them, but rather sharing the spiritual wealth and grace that God had poured into his own ministry, for the edification of the church.
* **"to the end ye may be established;"**: This final clause articulates the ultimate goal of Paul's impartation. The phrase "to the end" (G1519, _eis_ with G2443, _hína_) indicates purpose or result. Paul's desire to share spiritual blessings is aimed at strengthening the Roman believers, making them firm and stable in their faith, doctrine, and Christian walk. This "establishment" would enable them to withstand the theological and cultural pressures prevalent in Rome, ensuring their steadfastness and maturity in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 1:11 effectively employs several literary devices. The verse functions as a **Purpose Clause**, with Paul clearly stating his intention ("that I may impart...") and the desired outcome ("to the end ye may be established"). This structure provides clarity and emphasizes the teleological nature of his apostolic ministry. There is a strong **Pastoral Tone** evident in Paul's language, particularly in the use of "I long to see you," which conveys deep affection and a genuine concern for the spiritual welfare of the believers, characteristic of his letters to the churches. Furthermore, the concept of being "established" carries **Metaphorical** weight, evoking imagery of a building with a firm foundation or a tree with deep roots, suggesting stability, resilience, and growth in the face of adversity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's desire to impart a spiritual gift for the establishment of the Roman believers underscores a fundamental theological principle: the communal nature of spiritual growth and the purpose of divine enablement. Spiritual gifts, whether charismatic manifestations or the grace to teach and encourage, are given by God not for individual glorification but for the mutual edification and strengthening of the entire body of Christ. This verse highlights the essential role of apostolic and pastoral ministry in nurturing the church towards maturity and stability, ensuring that believers are firmly rooted in the truth of the gospel. It speaks to the ongoing need for believers to be grounded in sound doctrine and to receive spiritual nourishment from one another, fostering resilience against error and promoting steadfastness in faith.

* [1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "1 Corinthians 12:7 - Manifestation of the Spirit for the Common Good")
* [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")
* [Colossians 2:6-7](/colossians/2-6-7 "Colossians 2:6-7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's earnest longing to see the Roman believers and his clear purpose in doing so offer a profound model for Christian fellowship and ministry today. This verse challenges us to consider our interactions within the body of Christ not merely as social engagements, but as opportunities for intentional spiritual impartation and mutual establishment. It calls us to move beyond superficial relationships and to actively seek ways to share the spiritual gifts, insights, and encouragement God has given us with others, for their strengthening in faith. Conversely, it also reminds us of our own need to be "established," to continually seek deeper grounding in God's truth and to be open to receiving spiritual nourishment from fellow believers. This mutual giving and receiving fosters a resilient and mature community, capable of standing firm in a world that often challenges Christian convictions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's longing to "impart" and "establish" challenge my own approach to Christian fellowship and ministry?**
* **What "spiritual gift" (broadly understood as spiritual insight, encouragement, or specific charismata) might God be calling me to share with others for their establishment?**
* **In what areas of my faith or understanding do I personally need to be more "established," and how can I actively seek that strengthening through God's Word and Christian community?**

### FAQ
**What exactly does Paul mean by "spiritual gift" in this context?**

Answer: In Romans 1:11, "spiritual gift" (Greek: _charisma pneumatikon_) is best understood broadly as the spiritual blessings, insights, and resources that Paul, as an apostle, possessed and desired to share. While Paul later discusses specific charismatic gifts in [Romans 12](/romans/12 "Romans 12 - Spiritual Gifts and Christian Living") and [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts"), here in Romans 1, it likely refers to the full scope of spiritual benefits and truths he could minister to them, including deeper doctrinal understanding, encouragement, and the strengthening of their faith through his teaching and presence. It's about sharing the spiritual wealth God had given him for their edification, rather than necessarily bestowing new, individual charismatic gifts upon them.

**Why was it so important for the Roman believers to be "established"?**

Answer: Being "established" (Greek: _sterizo_) was crucial for the Roman believers due to the challenging environment they faced. Rome was a melting pot of diverse cultures and religions, and the early church there was composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts, leading to potential internal divisions and misunderstandings (as addressed in [Romans 14-15](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Dealing with Disputable Matters")). Externally, they faced the pressures of paganism, the imperial cult, and the ever-present threat of persecution. To navigate these complexities and remain faithful, believers needed to be firmly grounded in sound doctrine, steadfast in their faith, and resilient in their Christian walk. Paul's desire was to fortify their faith, ensuring they were stable and unwavering amidst these spiritual, cultural, and social challenges.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's earnest desire to impart spiritual gifts and establish the Roman believers finds its ultimate fulfillment and source in Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the fount of all spiritual blessings and the one who builds and establishes His church. Paul's ministry, and indeed all true Christian ministry, is an extension of Christ's ongoing work through the Holy Spirit. It is Christ who, having ascended, "gave gifts to men" (Ephesians 4:8), empowering His followers with various spiritual endowments for the edification of the body. The "spiritual gift" Paul wished to impart ultimately flowed from Christ's abundant grace, and the "establishment" he sought for the believers was their being firmly rooted and built up "in Christ" (Colossians 2:7). Just as Christ is the "chief cornerstone" upon whom the entire spiritual house is built (Ephesians 2:20), so too is He the one who confirms and strengthens His people, enabling them to stand firm until the day of His return (1 Corinthians 1:8). Thus, Paul's longing reflects the very heart of Christ, who continually works through His Spirit and His servants to bring His people to maturity and steadfastness in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Peter 1:12

¶ Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know [them], and be established in the present truth.

Romans 16:25

¶ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Romans 15:29

And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep [you] from evil.

2 Peter 3:17

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:12

By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.