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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul opens his foundational letter to the Roman believers by expressing profound gratitude to God, channeled specifically through Jesus Christ, for the remarkable and widely recognized faith of their community. This thanksgiving highlights the spiritual vitality of the church in Rome, whose steadfast belief and commitment to Christ had become a celebrated testimony spoken of across the known world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 1:8 serves as the initial expression of Paul's thanksgiving, immediately following his formal salutation and self-introduction (Romans 1:1-7). After establishing his apostolic authority and the divine origin of the Gospel he preaches, Paul pivots to affirm his deep connection with the Roman Christians. This verse sets a positive and relational tone before he delves into the weighty theological arguments concerning sin, righteousness, and salvation. It also subtly prepares the readers for Paul's earnest desire to visit them and impart spiritual gifts, as he expresses later in [Romans 1:11-12](/romans/1-11-12 "Paul's Desire to Visit Rome"). This opening thanksgiving is a common Pauline epistolary feature, often found at the beginning of his letters, demonstrating his pastoral heart and shared joy in the spiritual progress of the churches.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Rome was the powerful capital of the vast Roman Empire, a melting pot of diverse cultures, religions, and philosophical schools. The Christian community in Rome was likely a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers, established not by Paul himself, but perhaps by converts from Pentecost (cf. [Acts 2:10](/acts/2-10 "Jews and Proselytes from Rome at Pentecost")) or early missionaries. The fact that their faith was "spoken of throughout the whole world" (likely referring to the Roman Empire or the widespread network of early Christian communities) is significant. It suggests that despite potential internal tensions or external pressures, the Roman church exhibited a vibrant and visible commitment to Christ that was widely acknowledged. This reputation would have been particularly impactful given Rome's central position, making it a hub for news and influence across the empire.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Romans and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Thanksgiving**, modeling a posture of gratitude to God for the spiritual state of others, a practice Paul frequently encourages (e.g., [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.")). It highlights the **Power and Reach of the Gospel**, demonstrating how the message of Christ transforms lives and creates communities whose faith becomes a public testimony. The phrase "through Jesus Christ" emphasizes the **Mediatorial Role of Christ**, through whom all blessings and access to God are granted. Finally, the widespread reputation of their faith points to the **Communal Nature of Faith** and its potential for global impact, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel's message that Paul will elaborate on throughout the epistle, particularly in chapters like [Romans 10](/romans/10 "Romans 10 - Israel's Rejection of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thank (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** From the root meaning "to be grateful," this verb signifies expressing gratitude. Paul's act of thanksgiving is not merely polite convention but a genuine, Spirit-prompted acknowledgment of God's work in the Roman believers. It implies a deep appreciation for the spiritual vitality and faithfulness evident in their lives.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This crucial term encompasses more than just intellectual assent; it denotes persuasion, credence, and moral conviction. In a religious context, it signifies reliance upon Christ for salvation and consistency in that profession. The Roman believers' "faith" was a living, active trust in God through Christ, manifesting in their lives and becoming widely known.
* **spoken of (Greek, _katangéllō'_):** Meaning "to proclaim," "promulgate," or "declare widely," this verb indicates that the Roman Christians' faith was not a private matter but was openly reported and discussed. It suggests an active dissemination of information about their spiritual state, testifying to its remarkable nature and impact.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"First, I thank my God":** Paul begins with a declaration of priority and personal devotion. "First" (G4412, _prōton_) indicates that this thanksgiving is his initial and primary sentiment. His gratitude is directed specifically to "my God" (G2316, _theós_, G3450, _moû_), emphasizing a personal relationship with the divine source of all blessings, rather than a generic deity.
* **"through Jesus Christ":** This crucial phrase (G1223, _diá_, G2424, _Iēsoûs_, G5547, _Christós_) identifies the indispensable channel through which Paul's thanksgiving, and indeed all access to God, is made possible. It underscores Christ's mediatorial role, signifying that genuine spiritual blessings and appropriate responses to God are only accomplished by means of His person and work.
* **"for you all":** Paul's gratitude is comprehensive, encompassing every believer in the Roman community (G5228, _hypér_, G5216, _hymōn_, G3956, _pâs_). This inclusive address fosters a sense of unity and shared spiritual identity, reinforcing his pastoral care for the entire body of believers.
* **"that your faith is spoken of":** The specific reason for Paul's thanksgiving is the widely acknowledged spiritual reputation of the Roman church. Their "faith" (G4102, _pístis_) – their trust, belief, and faithfulness in Christ – was not hidden but had become a subject of public report and proclamation (G2605, _katangéllō_).
* **"throughout the whole world":** This phrase (G1722, _en_, G3650, _hólos_, G2889, _kósmos_) emphasizes the extensive reach of the Roman church's reputation. While likely a hyperbole referring to the vast Roman Empire or the known Christian network of the time, it powerfully conveys the significant impact and visibility of their faith, testifying to the transformative power of the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this opening verse. The phrase "throughout the whole world" is a clear example of **Hyperbole**, a deliberate exaggeration used to emphasize the widespread renown of the Roman Christians' faith. While their faith was not literally known to every person on the planet, the expression powerfully conveys its significant and far-reaching impact within the known Roman Empire or the broader Christian community. This verse also exemplifies **Apostolic Thanksgiving**, a common feature in Paul's epistles where he begins by expressing gratitude for his readers, thereby establishing a positive rapport and affirming their spiritual standing before addressing more challenging topics. Furthermore, the precise phrasing "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ" demonstrates **Emphasis**, highlighting the priority of gratitude and the centrality of Christ in all spiritual matters, setting a foundational theological principle for the entire letter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 1:8 profoundly illustrates the interconnectedness of divine grace, human response, and communal testimony. Paul's thanksgiving to God, channeled through Christ, underscores the theological truth that all spiritual blessings and the very existence of faith are gifts from God, mediated by His Son. The widespread reputation of the Roman believers' faith serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, demonstrating that genuine faith is not merely an internal conviction but a dynamic force that shapes lives and communities, becoming a visible witness to the world. This verse thus connects to the broader theme of the global reach of God's redemptive plan and the church's role as a light to the nations.

* [1 Thessalonians 1:8](/1_thessalonians/1-8 "Thessalonians' Faith Spoken of Everywhere")
* [Philippians 1:3-6](/philippians/1-3-6 "Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Philippians")
* [Ephesians 5:20](/ephesians/5-20 "Giving Thanks Always for All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's opening words in Romans 1:8 offer a profound model for contemporary believers and churches. His immediate posture of thanksgiving reminds us of the importance of regularly acknowledging and celebrating God's work in the lives of fellow Christians. It challenges us to look beyond our own spiritual journeys and cultivate a spirit of gratitude for the faith, growth, and witness of the wider body of Christ. Furthermore, the fact that the Roman church's faith was "spoken of throughout the whole world" serves as a powerful encouragement and a call to intentional living. It highlights that our collective faith, when genuine and vibrant, has the potential for far-reaching influence, becoming a public testimony that brings glory to God. This prompts us to consider how our individual and communal expressions of faith are perceived by those outside the church, and whether they genuinely reflect the transformative power of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's example of giving thanks for others' faith challenge my own prayer life and perspective on the Christian community?**
* **In what ways is my faith, or the faith of my local church, "spoken of" in my community or beyond? What kind of reputation does it have?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more visible and impactful faith that brings glory to God and encourages others?**

### FAQ

**What does "First" mean in this verse?**
Answer: The word "First" (G4412, _prōton_) indicates that Paul's expression of thanksgiving is his initial and primary sentiment as he begins his letter. It signifies the priority and importance he places on giving thanks to God for the Roman believers' faith, setting a positive and grateful tone before he delves into the deeper theological exposition that follows in the rest of [Romans](/romans "The Book of Romans"). It's not merely a chronological marker but an emphasis on the foundational nature of his gratitude.

**Was the Roman church's faith literally known "throughout the whole world"?**
Answer: The phrase "throughout the whole world" (G3650, _hólos_, G2889, _kósmos_) is best understood as a **hyperbole**, a common literary device used to emphasize a point. It's highly unlikely that every single person on the planet was aware of the Roman church's faith. Instead, it most likely refers to the extensive reach within the known Roman Empire or the widespread network of early Christian communities. Rome, as the capital, was a central hub for news and travel, so the reputation of its Christian community would naturally spread far and wide among those connected to the nascent Christian movement. This emphasizes the significant impact and visibility of their faith, demonstrating the powerful influence of the Gospel even in its early stages, as seen in other places where the gospel "spread rapidly" (e.g., [Acts 19:20](/acts/19-20 "So the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 1:8, while a personal expression of thanksgiving, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ. Paul's gratitude is not merely for the Roman believers' faith in general, but specifically for their faith *in Jesus Christ*. He explicitly states that his thanks are offered "through Jesus Christ," underscoring Christ's indispensable mediatorial role as the one through whom all blessings flow from God and through whom all acceptable worship and gratitude ascend to God. The very faith that is "spoken of throughout the whole world" is faith in the person and work of Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—which is the core message of the Gospel (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection")). The widespread reputation of their faith is a testament to the power of Christ's transforming work, fulfilling His commission for His followers to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (cf. [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.")). Thus, this verse points to Christ as the object, channel, and ultimate purpose of saving faith, whose global reign and redemptive work are increasingly manifested through the faithful witness of His church (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")).

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

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.