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Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

1 Kings 8:18
And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.

Mark 14:8
She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

I.

Isaiah 6:8
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Heream I; send me.

Matthew 9:38
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

John 4:34
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

to preach the gospel
The gospel, or "good news," is central to Paul's ministry. It encompasses the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, offering salvation to all who believe. Paul's focus on preaching highlights the importance of verbal proclamation in spreading the Christian faith. This aligns with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Paul's dedication to preaching is a model for Christian evangelism.

also to you who are in Rome
Rome, the heart of the Roman Empire, was a significant and strategic location for the spread of Christianity. The city's diverse population and status as a cultural and political hub made it an ideal place for the gospel to take root and spread throughout the empire. Paul's desire to visit Rome reflects his strategic approach to mission work, aiming to establish a strong Christian presence in influential cities. The Roman church, likely founded by Jewish and Gentile converts, faced challenges of unity and cultural integration, which Paul addresses in his letter.

Paul has spent verses 8–14 recounting his prayers for the Roman believers and his longing to visit them. The phrase “That is why” anchors v. 15 directly to that flow of thought.

• His gratitude for their faith (Romans 1:8) compels him.

• His constant petitions before God for an open door (Romans 1:9–10) propel him.

• His desire to impart spiritual strength and be mutually encouraged (Romans 1:11–12) drives him.

Just as Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be” (Matthew 6:21), Paul’s heart is entirely invested in God’s purposes, so “That is why” he moves from prayerful longing to planned action.

The word shows intense personal desire, not reluctant duty.

•Acts 20:22–24 pictures Paul valuing the gospel above his own life.

• In1 Corinthians 9:16 he cries, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”

•2 Corinthians 5:14 adds the motive: “For Christ’s love compels us.”

His eagerness demonstrates that genuine faith produces zeal, echoingPsalm 119:139, “My zeal consumes me.” Followers of Christ today can gauge spiritual health by that same eagerness to honor Him.

The content of Paul’s passion is clear: “the gospel… the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16).

•Mark 16:15: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

•Acts 1:8: the mission expands from Jerusalem “to the ends of the earth.”

•Galatians 1:8–9 warns against any altered message, underscoring why Paul stays fixed on the true gospel.

He is not offering philosophy or moral advice but God’s announced rescue through Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). This proclamation calls for repentance and faith, promising eternal life (John 3:16).

Paul has already preached in Jerusalem, Antioch, Asia Minor, and Greece (Acts 13–20). Now he adds “also to you,” placing Roman believers on equal footing with previous audiences.

•Romans 2:11: “For God does not show favoritism.”

•Ephesians 3:6: Gentiles are “fellow heirs… in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”

By including “also,” he affirms that no church, however mature, outgrows the need for the gospel’s continued proclamation and application.

Rome, the empire’s capital, represents political power, cultural influence, and spiritual darkness rife with idolatry (Acts 28:16–22).

•Acts 19:21 reveals Paul’s long-standing plan: “I must see Rome also.”

• Later, from Rome itself, he writes that his chains have advanced the gospel “throughout the whole palace guard” (Philippians 1:13).

Bringing the gospel to Rome fulfills Jesus’ promise that His witnesses would reach “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Paul’s intent underscores that the message of Christ can penetrate any stronghold, whether personal or societal.

Romans 1:15 unfolds Paul’s heart: because of his prayers and longing, he burns with zeal to proclaim the unchanging, saving gospel—even to the influential believers living in Rome. The verse invites every follower of Christ to cultivate that same eagerness, confident that the gospel’s power is sufficient for all people, in every place, at every stage of their walk with the Lord.

So, as much as in me is.--There are three ways of taking this sentence, though the meaning remains in any case the same:--(1) "I (literally,that which concerns me) am ready." But it is doubtful whether this is sanctioned by Greek usage. (2) Still keeping the two phrases separate, "As far as concerns me (there is) readiness." (3) Combining them, "The readiness or inclination on my part (literally,The on-my-part readiness or inclination) is," &c. Perhaps of these three the last, which looks the most unnatural in English, is the most natural in the Greek.

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