Topical Bible: Love: Roman Christians for Paul

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The love exhibited by the Roman Christians towards the Apostle Paul is a profound testament to the early Christian community's commitment to mutual support, hospitality, and spiritual kinship. This love is evident in various passages of the New Testament, particularly in Paul's epistle to the Romans, where he acknowledges and appreciates the believers in Rome.

Paul's Longing to Visit Rome

Paul's epistle to the Romans is a theological masterpiece, but it also reveals his deep affection for the Roman Christians. In Romans 1:11-12 , Paul writes, "For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith." This passage highlights the reciprocal nature of love and encouragement that Paul anticipates sharing with the Roman believers. His desire to visit them is not merely for teaching but for mutual edification, reflecting a deep bond of love and respect.

Support and Prayer

The Roman Christians' love for Paul is also demonstrated through their support and prayers. In Romans 15:30-32 , Paul appeals to them, saying, "Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed." This plea for prayer underscores the spiritual solidarity and love that the Roman Christians have for Paul, as they are called to participate in his ministry through intercession.

Hospitality and Provision

The Roman Christians' love is further exemplified by their hospitality and provision for Paul and other believers. In Romans 16, Paul sends personal greetings to numerous individuals in the Roman church, acknowledging their contributions and support. For instance, he commends Phoebe, a deaconess of the church in Cenchreae, who is likely the bearer of the letter, urging the Roman Christians to "welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her with whatever she may need from you" (Romans 16:2). This call to hospitality reflects the love and care that characterized the Roman church.

Unity in Diversity

The Roman Christians' love for Paul is also evident in their unity amidst diversity. The church in Rome was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, and Paul addresses this diversity throughout his letter. In Romans 12:9-10 , he exhorts them, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This call to sincere love and mutual honor is a reflection of the love that the Roman Christians were to have for Paul and for each other, transcending cultural and ethnic differences.

Conclusion

The love of the Roman Christians for Paul is a powerful example of the early church's commitment to living out the teachings of Christ. Through their prayers, hospitality, and unity, they demonstrated a love that was both practical and spiritual, embodying the essence of Christian fellowship and support.

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Acts 28:15
And from there, when the brothers heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
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Library

Paul and his Requests for Prayer
... in order to bless and refresh mutually the Roman Christians. ... things does his request
to the Roman Church include ... Jesus Christ's sake!" Also for the love we bear ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xv paul and his requests.htm

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans
... able to separate us from the love of God ... Paul insists upon certain practical duties
(xii.-xv.13 ... years later by the wanton persecution of the Roman Christians. ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xiii the epistle of.htm

Love and the Day
... The great stimulus to love and to all purity is set forth ... most part sins of flesh,
such as even these Roman Christians had to ... But Paul has one more word to say ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/love and the day.htm

Paul and his Praying (Continued)
... And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another ... With what
solemnity does Paul call the attention of the Roman Christians to the ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xiv paul and his praying.htm

Paul's Longing
... Or, in simpler words, what Paul wanted to give ... fuller possession of Jesus Christ,
His love and power ... possible result of his meeting the Roman Christians, he is ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/pauls longing.htm

The Last Glimpse of Paul
... Kingdom, but to draw them with cords of love. ... imprisonments and hearings before the
various Roman authorities is ... boldness is the duty of us Christians who have ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the last glimpse of paul.htm

The Interceding Spirit
... the redemption of the body which Paul here takes it ... granted that the experience of
the Roman Christians will universally ... We know that to them that love God all ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the interceding spirit.htm

Paul's Second Imprisonment, and Martyrdom; Peter, his Epistles ...
... but unto all them also that love his appearing ... as we have seen, addressed to Jewish
Christians, and written ... Paul's liberation from his first Roman imprisonment. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter x pauls second imprisonment.htm

The Beginning of the New Testament
... not need to remind them to love one another ... Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and
imprisoned in Caesarea. ... written a most wonderful letter to the Roman Christians. ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter x the beginning of.htm

The Epistles of St. Paul
... does sin appear more awful, and the love of God ... responsible for the public worship
of the Roman emperor. ... Nero an active persecution of the Christians was set ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter viii the epistles of.htm