“I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, 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”
(Romans 1:13)

One of the most striking things about Paul’s statement is his confident assurance of what God would do among them once he was able to visit Rome. He was expecting a harvest because of the gospel message. I imagine this is because he experienced it everywhere he went, and therefore Rome would not be different.

The Christians in Rome were established and reports of their faith was spreading, so Paul desired to go and preach the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone he encountered because the gospel produces a harvest. Jesus told his disciples in John 4, “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest?’ I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35). Jesus was preparing his disciples to reap what they had not sown themselves because others had already done the preparatory work. The same thing was happening in Rome, where seeds had been planted, the harvest was ready, and Paul was willing.

“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith” (Romans 1:11-12)

When the body of Christ is operating within our unique and special “giftings,” everyone benefits. God gives spiritual gifts to each of us so that we help build up and encourage each other. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7). In other words, we need each other as we all have different gifts, and when brought together, they make the Church stronger.

Paul was anxious to lay his hands on these believers to impart and share gifts in order to continue to strengthen and establish them. He explained in another letter that when the gifts of the Spirit operate within the Church they produce edification, exhortation, encouragement, and comfort. Similarly, when used privately, they edify the believers (1 Cor. 14:3-4).

Many years ago, my pastor laid his hands on me and prophesied that I would write to encourage and bless the Church. At that time, I had no idea what that looked like. Although I had spent a lot of time writing stories and plays while growing up, my efforts seemed a far cry from what he prayed over me. God had gifted me with a passion for writing, but this moment was significant in my journey to becoming a Christian blogger. He called out the gift of both knowledge and teaching and then encouraged me to continue developing my gifts.