Observations on Romans 1:8
In his usual fashion, it doesn't take Paul long to get to expressing thanks to God for the people he's writing too. He did this in almost all his letters (notably not Galatians!). And unlike most of us, even Paul's thanksgiving is expressed in a theologically deep way.
He's not just thanking God, but thanking Him through Jesus Christ. I love seeing how in Paul's mind Jesus and God the Father are inseparable. I think that Paul would be absolutely astounded that any Christian would question the divinity of Jesus. In Paul's mind, the very thought is unthinkable for the believer! So once again, Paul's faith is tightly centered in and around Jesus Christ.
One other observation: Interesting isn't it that what impresses Paul about the Roman church is that their faith is being talked about all over the Roman Empire. Faith doesn't just move God, it also moves those who follow Jesus, as it did Jesus Himself.
He's not just thanking God, but thanking Him through Jesus Christ. I love seeing how in Paul's mind Jesus and God the Father are inseparable. I think that Paul would be absolutely astounded that any Christian would question the divinity of Jesus. In Paul's mind, the very thought is unthinkable for the believer! So once again, Paul's faith is tightly centered in and around Jesus Christ.
One other observation: Interesting isn't it that what impresses Paul about the Roman church is that their faith is being talked about all over the Roman Empire. Faith doesn't just move God, it also moves those who follow Jesus, as it did Jesus Himself.
