What does Romans 1:12 mean?

Paul cares deeply for the people to whom he is writing this letter. He has expressed his deep desire to travel to Rome and visit them in person. In part, he wants to help strengthen them by giving to them, or serving them with, some kind of spiritual gift (Romans 1:11).

Now Paul acknowledges that he knows the encouragement would be mutual. Both they and he would end up being encouraged by each other's faith. Trusting God can sometimes feel like a hard and lonely road. It is not meant to be walked alone. Seeing how others trust God encourages and challenges us. It reconfirms what we know to be true and helps to renew our commitment to continue in the "obedience of faith" (Romans 1:5).

This is one reason the writer of Hebrews put it this way: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Paul's meeting with the Christians in Rome will have to wait, however.