Romans 1:9

Berean Standard Bible
God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
 
King James Bible
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
 
NET Bible
For God, whom I serve in my spirit by preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness that I continually remember you
 
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Study Bible:
 
For God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
 
For God
The phrase "For God" sets the foundation of the verse, emphasizing the divine authority and presence in Paul's life. The Greek word for God here is "Theos," which signifies the supreme deity, the Creator, and Sustainer of all. In a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the belief in a personal God who is actively involved in the lives of believers. The invocation of God as a witness highlights the seriousness and sincerity of Paul's statement, as God is the ultimate judge of truth.
 
whom I serve
The word "serve" is translated from the Greek "latreuō," which means to worship or render religious service. This indicates that Paul's service is not merely a duty but an act of worship. In the historical context of the early church, this service was often marked by sacrifice and dedication, reflecting a life wholly devoted to God's purposes. For Paul, serving God is intertwined with his identity and mission, demonstrating a life surrendered to divine calling.
 
in my spirit
The phrase "in my spirit" suggests an inner, heartfelt devotion rather than mere external compliance. The Greek word "pneuma" for spirit indicates the immaterial part of a person, the seat of emotions and will. This highlights the depth of Paul's commitment, showing that his service to God is not superficial but deeply rooted in his innermost being. It reflects a conservative Christian understanding of true worship as originating from the heart, aligning with Jesus' teaching that worship must be in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
 
in preaching the gospel of His Son
"Preaching the gospel of His Son" refers to the proclamation of the good news about Jesus Christ. The Greek word for gospel, "euangelion," means good news, specifically the message of salvation through Jesus. This phrase underscores the centrality of Christ in Paul's ministry. Historically, the early church faced significant challenges in spreading this message, yet it remained the core of their mission. For conservative Christians, this emphasizes the importance of evangelism and the belief that Jesus is the only way to salvation.
 
is my witness
The phrase "is my witness" invokes God as the one who can attest to the truth of Paul's words. In the ancient world, calling upon a deity as a witness was a serious matter, indicating the speaker's sincerity and the gravity of the statement. For Paul, God as his witness assures the Roman believers of his genuine concern and constant prayers for them. This reflects a conservative Christian view of integrity and accountability before God.
 
how constantly I remember you
"How constantly I remember you" reveals Paul's continual intercession for the Roman believers. The Greek word "adialeiptōs" for constantly suggests an unceasing, persistent action. This highlights the importance of prayer in the life of a believer, demonstrating Paul's pastoral heart and commitment to the spiritual well-being of others. In a conservative Christian context, this underscores the power and necessity of prayer as a means of support and connection within the body of Christ.
 
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"For God is my witness" - Paul is invoking God as a witness to the truth of what he's about to say. This is a way to emphasize the sincerity and truthfulness of his statement.
 
"whom I serve with my spirit" - Here, Paul speaks of his service to God. He indicates that his service is not just outward or ritualistic but comes from the very essence of his being, his spirit. This reflects a deep, personal commitment to God.
 
"in the gospel of his Son" - Paul specifies that his service to God is through or in the context of spreading the gospel (good news) about Jesus Christ, God's Son. This underscores that his mission is centered around the message of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection.
 
"that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers" - Paul conveys that he is constantly praying for the Roman Christians. This phrase indicates ongoing, persistent prayer, showing his concern and affection for the community in Rome.
 
In the broader context of Romans, this verse is part of Paul's introduction where he explains his longing to visit the believers in Rome and his spiritual connection with them, despite never having met them in person. This verse highlights themes of spiritual service, devotion through prayer, and the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities.
 
This passage serves to establish Paul's credibility as a minister of the Gospel and to assure the Romans of his genuine love and concern for them, setting the tone for the theological depth and pastoral care that characterizes the rest of the epistle.
 
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John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible:
 
For God is my witness, whom I serve,.... These words are an appeal to God, and carry in them the nature and form of an oath; the reason of the apostle's using it was, because he was personally unknown to the Romans, and they to him, and so might doubt of his affectionate regard unto them; and therefore for the confirmation thereof he uses it: this was a case which was only known to God and himself, and hence he appeals to him for the truth of it. The object of his oath or appeal, or by which he speaks, is not himself, or anything that belonged to him, nor any creature in heaven or on earth, but God; who in a solemn oath is only to be appealed to and sworn by: he describes him as the God "whom he served", to distinguish him from all false gods, and to show that he that takes an oath, should be one that fears and serves the Lord; what he served him in was not the law, but
 
the Gospel of his Son; Jesus Christ, who is the author, minister, and subject matter of it: he served him in it, by preaching, spreading, and defending it. This is a service, and a very laborious one, and makes for the honour and glory of God. The manner in which he served him was, as he says,
 
with my Spirit; either with the Spirit of God, which was given to him; or in a spiritual manner, in opposition to the carnal worship of the Jews; internally, in opposition to bodily exercise only, and voluntarily, with his whole heart, soul, and spirit. The matter or substance of his appeal or oath was,
 
that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; whence may be observed, that prayer to God ought to be constant; and that we should be concerned for others as well as for ourselves; all the saints should share therein.
 
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Cross References:
 
2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did my forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers.
 
2 Corinthians 11:31
The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying.
 
Colossians 1:9
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,