Romans 1:12

KJV

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G1161}{G5124} is {G2076}, that I may be comforted together {G4837} with {G1722} you {G5213} by {G1223}{G1722} the mutual {G240} faith {G4102} both {G5037} of you {G5216} and {G2532} me {G1700}.

Complete Jewish Bible

or, to put it another way, so that by my being with you, we might, through the faith we share, encourage one another.

Berean Standard Bible

that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.

American Standard Version

that is, that I with you may be comforted in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Romans 1:12, the Apostle Paul articulates the reciprocal nature of his anticipated visit to the believers in Rome, clarifying that his desire to impart a spiritual gift (mentioned in the preceding verse) is not a one-way transaction. Instead, he eagerly anticipates being mutually comforted and strengthened by the shared faith that exists between himself and the Roman Christians. This verse beautifully underscores the importance of communal fellowship, emphasizing that spiritual encouragement and growth are a two-way street, fostering a bond of shared spiritual vitality within the body of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 1:12 serves as a crucial clarification and expansion of Paul's expressed longing to visit the Roman believers, which he introduces in [Romans 1:10-11](/romans/1-10-11 "Paul's Desire to Visit Rome"). Having stated his earnest prayer to come to them and "impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established" ([Romans 1:11](/romans/1-11 "Paul Desires to Impart a Spiritual Gift")), Paul immediately adds verse 12 to prevent any misunderstanding of his apostolic authority as a hierarchical, top-down imposition. He quickly shifts the focus from himself as the sole giver to a dynamic of mutual spiritual exchange, demonstrating humility and the interconnectedness of all believers. This mutuality sets a tone for the entire letter, which will later elaborate on the unity of the body of Christ and the importance of various gifts working together, as seen in [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Many Members, One Body").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community in Rome was diverse, likely comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts, and had established itself without Paul's direct involvement. Rome, as the capital of the vast Roman Empire, was a melting pot of cultures, philosophies, and religions. Christians in Rome, like those elsewhere, faced societal pressures, potential persecution, and internal tensions arising from their diverse backgrounds. In such an environment, mutual encouragement and shared faith were not merely beneficial but essential for survival and spiritual flourishing. Paul's emphasis on "mutual faith" would have resonated deeply with a community striving for unity and steadfastness amidst external challenges and internal differences, reflecting the early church's reliance on communal bonds for strength and identity, much like the early disciples who "continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship" ([Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "The Fellowship of the Early Church")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **mutual encouragement and edification** within the Christian community, emphasizing that spiritual growth is a collaborative effort, not an individualistic pursuit. Secondly, it underscores the **power of shared faith** as the foundation for this mutual comfort, demonstrating that faith is not just a personal conviction but a communal bond that strengthens believers. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **apostolic humility**, as Paul, despite his unique calling and authority, acknowledges his own need for spiritual refreshment from those he serves, mirroring Christ's example of servant leadership. This idea of reciprocal spiritual benefit is foundational to Paul's understanding of the church as the body of Christ, where each member contributes to the well-being of the whole, as detailed in [1 Corinthians 12:7](/1_corinthians/12-7 "The Manifestation of the Spirit for the Common Good").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **comforted together (Greek, _symparakaléō_):** This verb (G4837) is a compound of _syn_ (with, together) and _parakaléō_ (to call alongside, to comfort, encourage, exhort). It is used only once in the New Testament, here in Romans 1:12. The presence of _syn_ ("together") intensifies the idea of shared experience, emphasizing that the comfort Paul expects to receive is not merely alongside them, but deeply intertwined with their shared spiritual state. It implies a reciprocal process of encouragement, where both parties are strengthened through their interaction, moving beyond a simple exchange to a profound, shared spiritual upliftment.
* **mutual (Greek, _allḗlōn_):** This reciprocal pronoun (G240), meaning "one another" or "each other," is crucial to understanding the verse's emphasis. It explicitly defines the nature of the "faith" as something shared and interactive between Paul and the Roman believers. It's not Paul's faith comforting them, nor their faith comforting him independently, but the dynamic interplay of their collective faith that produces the mutual comfort. This word highlights the communal aspect of Christian experience, where believers are inter-dependent and contribute to each other's spiritual well-being.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis_):** This noun (G4102) signifies persuasion, credence, or moral conviction, particularly reliance upon Christ for salvation. In this context, "mutual faith" refers to the shared belief in the Gospel and the Person of Jesus Christ that unites Paul and the Roman Christians. It is this common spiritual foundation, this shared commitment to Christ and His truth, that serves as the basis for their reciprocal encouragement and comfort. Paul's entire letter to the Romans will unpack the profound implications of this "faith" as the means of righteousness and salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That is, that I may be comforted together with you":** Paul clarifies the purpose of his visit, stating his personal need for spiritual refreshment. The phrase "comforted together" highlights the communal and reciprocal nature of the spiritual benefit he anticipates. He expects to receive encouragement and strengthening from the Roman believers, just as he desires to impart it.
* **"by the mutual faith":** This phrase specifies the means by which this comfort will be achieved. It is not through human charisma or intellectual discourse alone, but through the shared, active faith in Jesus Christ that unites them. This underscores that Christian fellowship is rooted in a common spiritual reality.
* **"both of you and me":** This concluding phrase explicitly defines the parties involved in this mutual exchange. It emphasizes the reciprocity, making it clear that the faith is shared by both the Roman Christians and Paul himself, and that the comfort flows in both directions. It reinforces Paul's humility and his recognition that even an apostle benefits from the spiritual vitality of the wider body of Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 1:12 effectively employs several literary devices. **Reciprocity** is the most prominent, highlighted by the phrase "comforted together" and the explicit mention of "mutual faith both of you and me." This device emphasizes the two-way nature of spiritual growth and encouragement within the Christian community, contrasting with a hierarchical, one-sided model of ministry. Paul's use of **Inclusive Language** ("with you," "both of you and me") fosters a sense of unity and shared experience, drawing the Roman believers into a common spiritual endeavor with the apostle. Furthermore, there is an element of **Understatement** or **Humility** at play. While Paul is an apostle with unique authority, he presents himself as needing comfort from those he intends to minister to, subtly elevating the role and spiritual maturity of the Roman church. This approach builds rapport and establishes a foundation of equality in their shared faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 1:12 is profoundly theological, articulating a core principle of Christian community: the essential need for mutual spiritual edification. It counters any notion of isolated spirituality or a purely top-down model of ministry, even from an apostle. Paul, despite his unique calling and spiritual gifts, acknowledges his own vulnerability and need for the strength that comes from shared faith. This verse establishes that the health and vitality of the church depend not just on gifted leaders, but on the active, reciprocal spiritual life of all its members. It underscores the truth that every believer, regardless of their position or spiritual maturity, has something to contribute to the encouragement and establishment of others, and likewise, has a need to receive. This mutual dependence is a hallmark of the body of Christ, where each part serves and strengthens the whole, reflecting the very nature of God's communal being.

* [1 Thessalonians 5:11](/1_thessalonians/5-11 "Encourage One Another")
* [Hebrews 3:13](/hebrews/3-13 "Exhort One Another Daily")
* [Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Growing Up in Christ, the Head")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 1:12 offers a powerful reminder that the Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Paul, the great apostle, models humility and dependence by expressing his need for the mutual faith of the Roman believers. This challenges us to actively seek and cultivate genuine, reciprocal relationships within our own faith communities. Are we merely consumers of spiritual teaching, or are we also active participants in the mutual encouragement and edification of others? This verse calls us to move beyond superficial interactions to truly share our faith, our struggles, and our victories, allowing our shared commitment to Christ to be a source of comfort and strength for one another. It encourages us to be vulnerable enough to admit our need for others' faith, and generous enough to offer our own. In a world that often promotes individualism, this verse champions the profound beauty and necessity of Christian fellowship, where every believer contributes to and benefits from the collective spiritual journey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively participate in the "mutual faith" within my Christian community, both giving and receiving comfort?**
* **How does Paul's humility in seeking comfort from the Roman believers challenge my own understanding of spiritual leadership or maturity?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to foster deeper, more reciprocal relationships of faith with other believers?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "mutual faith" in Romans 1:12?**

Answer: By "mutual faith," Paul (using the Greek word _allḗlōn_ for "mutual") refers to the shared belief in Jesus Christ and the Gospel that unites him with the Roman Christians. It's not just that they both have faith individually, but that their faith is a common bond, an interactive and reciprocal spiritual reality. This shared faith serves as the foundation for their mutual comfort and encouragement. Paul implies that the very act of sharing and expressing this faith, whether through prayer, fellowship, or testimony, strengthens both parties involved. It highlights the communal aspect of Christian life, where the faith of one believer can inspire and uphold another, as seen in the early church's practice of "breaking of bread, and in prayers" ([Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "The Fellowship of the Early Church")).

**Why would Paul, an apostle, need to be "comforted" by ordinary believers?**

Answer: Paul's expression of needing to be "comforted together" (Greek, _symparakaléō_) by the Roman believers demonstrates his profound humility and his understanding of the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. Despite his apostolic authority and spiritual gifts, Paul recognized that he was still a human being in need of spiritual refreshment and encouragement, just like any other believer. This highlights that spiritual growth and strength are not solely dependent on a leader's impartation but are fostered through reciprocal relationships within the community of faith. It shows that even the most spiritually mature individuals benefit from the shared faith and fellowship of others, reinforcing the idea that "we are members one of another" ([Romans 12:5](/romans/12-5 "Members of One Body")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 1:12, while explicitly about Paul's desire for mutual encouragement with the Roman believers, points to a deeper Christ-centered fulfillment. The "mutual faith" that forms the basis of this comfort is ultimately faith *in Christ*. It is through Christ that believers are united, and it is His Spirit that empowers their reciprocal edification. Paul's own humility in seeking comfort from others mirrors Christ's self-emptying love, who, though God, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's Humility")). Jesus consistently modeled a life of dependence on the Father and fellowship with His disciples, demonstrating that true spiritual strength often comes through shared vulnerability and mutual support. The comfort Paul seeks and offers is ultimately derived from the "God of all comfort" ([2 Corinthians 1:3](/2_corinthians/1-3 "God of All Comfort")), whose comforting presence is mediated through the body of Christ. Thus, the mutual faith and comfort experienced by believers is a tangible expression of Christ's ongoing work in His church, building up His body until "we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God" ([Ephesians 4:13](/ephesians/4-13 "Unity in the Faith")).

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

1 Thessalonians 3:7

Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

1 Thessalonians 3:10

Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

3 John 1:3

¶ For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

3 John 1:4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Titus 1:4

To Titus, [mine] own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

2 Peter 1:1

¶ Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:

2 Corinthians 7:13

Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.