What does Romans 1:8 mean?
Having completed the opening greeting of his letter (Romans 1:1–7), Paul launches into some personal words to the Christians in Rome. His letters to Christians and churches in various cities often begin with a declaration of his gratitude for those to whom he is writing.The reason for Paul's thankfulness for the Romans is that their faith is proclaimed in all the world. In other words, the Christians in Rome have become famous far and wide for believing in Jesus. This is exactly Paul's mission in life, given to him by Christ Himself: to see belief in Christ spread to all the nations of the world (Romans 1:5). So, it is not surprising to hear him thank God through Jesus Christ for this.
We should take note of Paul's prayer life. He is modeling for us that prayers to God, including giving thanks, happen through Jesus. Most Christians have formalized this practice by ending our prayers with "in Jesus' name." We do this because our access to God the Father is possible only because we are "in Christ." We could never approach God on our own, in our sin, without Christ.
Romans 1:8–15 contains Paul's description to the Roman Christians of his longing to travel to Rome to be with them. He prays continually that he may be allowed by God to come. He wants to give to them a spiritual gift and for them to mutually encourage each other's faith. Part of his reason for wanting to come to them is that his mission in life is to carry the gospel of Jesus to all people groups, many of whom are represented in Rome.
Romans 1 introduces Paul and his purpose in writing this letter to the Christians in Rome. As servant and apostle of Jesus, Paul's mission in life is to preach the gospel of Jesus to all people groups, both Jews and Gentiles. He hopes to do so in Rome soon. Paul is not ashamed of the gospel. It is God's power for the salvation of all people by faith in Christ. We need to be saved because God is angry with us. Because of our sin, humanity has rejected Him as creator and provider. We worship created things, instead. In response, God has given us over to indulge in all kinds of sinful practices that lead to misery now and His angry judgment later.
