EAGER TO SHARE THE GOSPEL
Play Audio
If you prefer listening to today’s Bible guide reading, play this audio file.
If the audio bar is not appearing, click here to play the audio.
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you! It is a marvel to me that my name is written in heaven.1
Read ROMANS 1:8—17
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
11I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
14I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Reflect
‘Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.’2
Paul had heard so much about this place (he was, of course, a Roman citizen himself).3 He had met many of the Christians who were now in Rome and had heard of the church there because of its reputation (v. 8).4 Although he was confident in the gospel of Jesus, we might nevertheless detect a little human cautiousness (or wisdom!) as he begins his letter to these renowned believers (v. 8).
Before he gets to more complex matters, he praises the Roman Christians’ faith and assures them of his prayers (vv. 8—10). He longs to see them for their mutual encouragement (v. 12)—and gives his reason for not having visited earlier (v. 13). Now, though, he wants to encourage their spiritual growth and ‘have a harvest’ among them, as in other places. The evangelist Paul won’t let go of his calling (v. 1). As always, he is aware of the context into which he speaks. He has an obligation to gentiles and barbarians, the educated and the uneducated (vv. 14, 15). This obligation is also to Christ—to preach his gospel. As we read, we feel Paul’s passion and conviction! Do we have such eagerness to share the good news of Jesus today?
Now, to the core of his letter. Before his arrival in Rome, Paul’s emphasis on Christ crucified5 had raised questions for some, so here he declares boldly, ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel’ (v. 16), because this is good news for everyone! Whatever your ethnic or religious background, God accepts you because of the ‘righteousness’ revealed in Christ (v. 17). Paul announces his theme: the key to receiving God’s gift of salvation is faith (v. 17)—and that, in itself, is a fulfillment of the Scriptures: ‘the righteous shall live by his faith.’6
Apply
Ask yourself, before God, how eager you are to share the gospel of Christ with others—even though that might be costly for your own earthly future.6
Closing prayer
Jesus, thank you for those who were faithful in their call to share the gospel with me. Please help me not only to be willing but to be eager to share who you are with others.
1 Luke 10:20 2 Eph 6:19 3 Acts 22:22—29 4 Rom 16:1—16; Acts 18:2 5 See Gal 3:13, 14; 1 Cor 1:23—25 6 Hab 2:4, ESV 7 Eph 6:20.
Book and Author Intros
Extras
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2026 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Encounter with God is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.