Romans 1:8

¶ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

First {G4412}{G3303}, I thank {G2168} my {G3450} God {G2316} through {G1223} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} for {G5228} you {G5216} all {G3956}, that {G3754} your {G5216} faith {G4102} is spoken {G2605} of throughout {G1722} the whole {G3650} world {G2889}.

First, I thank my God through Yeshua the Messiah for all of you, because the report of your trust is spreading throughout the whole world.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world.

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.

Romans 1:8 (KJV): "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world."

Context

This verse is part of the opening section of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. After identifying himself and his apostolic calling (Romans 1:1-7), Paul immediately expresses his gratitude to God for the believers in Rome. This expression of thanksgiving serves not only as a polite greeting but also establishes a tone of unity and shared purpose, highlighting the positive reputation of the Roman church even before Paul's intended visit. It sets the stage for the weighty theological discussion that follows.

Key Themes

  • Thanksgiving: Paul begins with gratitude, modeling the importance of giving thanks to God for the faith and spiritual state of others. This thankfulness is specifically directed to God through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the role of Christ in enabling access to God and in the life of faith.
  • The Faith of the Romans: The central reason for Paul's thanksgiving is the strong and visible faith of the Roman Christians. Their belief and trust in Christ were evidently remarkable and well-known.
  • Widespread Reputation: The phrase "spoken of throughout the whole world" indicates that the faith of the Roman church had gained a significant reputation, likely throughout the known Roman Empire or at least among Christian communities. This testifies to their impact and the power of their faith.
  • Unity in Christ: Although Paul had not yet met most of them, he feels a connection through their shared faith in Jesus Christ, for whom he gives thanks.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "faith" here is pistis, which encompasses belief, trust, and faithfulness. It's not just intellectual assent but a commitment of life. The phrase "spoken of" comes from kataggellō, meaning to proclaim, report, or announce widely. While "the whole world" (holos ho kosmos) is likely a hyperbole for the vast Roman Empire or the extent of the Christian network known to Paul, it powerfully conveys the significant impact and visibility of the Roman believers' faith.

Related Scriptures

Paul frequently begins his letters with thanksgiving for his readers, often mentioning their faith, love, or spiritual growth. We see a similar expression of gratitude for others' faith in 1 Thessalonians 1:8, where he notes that the Thessalonians' faith had "spread abroad in every place." Paul's practice of beginning with thankfulness through Christ is consistent with his teaching on giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20).

Practical Application

Romans 1:8 reminds us of several important things today. First, it models the practice of giving thanks to God for other believers and their spiritual growth. Our prayers should include gratitude for the work God is doing in others. Second, it highlights the potential for a community's faith to have a wide-reaching influence. When a group of believers lives out genuine faith, it can become a powerful testimony that is "spoken of" beyond their immediate circle. This encourages us to consider how our own faith, individually and collectively, is perceived and whether it brings glory to God.

Reflection

Paul's opening words set a beautiful example of acknowledging God's work in others and celebrating their faith. It underscores that our faith is not a private matter but has a public dimension and can be a source of encouragement and witness to others.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 16:19

    For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:4

    I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:8

    For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:9

    For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

  • Romans 6:17

    But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

  • 1 Peter 4:11

    If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

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