Tuesday 28 January 2014

Background

For a long time Paul had had a strong pastoralmotivation to visit the Christian congregation in Rome, which wasrenowned everywhere for its faith. Paul had had nothing to do withthe birth or nurture of that community. But he longs to addstrength and encouragement in the Christian way to hisfellow-Christians in Rome. He looks forward even more to thesupport that he will receive as they share their spiritual giftswith him. Such a mutually edifying encounter would be essential toPaul fulfilling his vocation, to be God's apostle (messenger) toGentiles (non Jews) in every part of the world.

Paul is searching for common ground betweenhimself and the Roman church: what binds them together is God'sgospel (good news of Christ). So in verses 16-17 he restates in hisown words the gospel he has already summarised in traditionalphrases in verses 3-4. Paul preaches everywhere that inthe life, suffering and death of Jesus, whom God raised from thedead, God with unprompted generosity has laid out an offer offorgiveness for sinful men and women; God has promised to dealmercifully and justly with us (God's 'righteousness' has beenrevealed). Furthermore God has powerfully opened a door to freedomfor human beings ('salvation'). By faith, anyone can take advantageof God's offer and promise, and be delivered from the prison of sinand death, to live a new life of love.

In verse 17 Paul cites Habakkuk 2:4. It is meant to clinch hispresentation of the gospel. However it is so cryptically quotedthat its meaning is uncertain. This is why many Englishtranslations of the verse provide an alternative in a footnote. Butthis slight confusion does not distract from Paul's description ofthe gospel.

To Ponder

• Within your Christian fellowship, where are you most at ease inhelping others and receiving spiritual gifts from them? Could morebe done in your church to build up one another in faith?

• How have you experienced a visiting preacher or a new face inyour congregation? As someone strange, who unsettles you? Or assomeone who brings fresh energy and insight to the Christianlife?

• If you were asked to put into words three things of greatestimportance in the Christian message today, what would theybe?