Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 1:8

"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world." — Romans 1:8 (ASV)

The Apostle congratulates the Romans on the good report he had heard about them. He had long and earnestly desired to visit them in person. Yes, even in Rome he must preach the gospel—of which he is not ashamed, but proud. It is filled with nothing less than salvation itself, for both Jew and Gentile. In it is revealed that great plan or design of God by which humanity is made just before Him.

To the modern reader who does not make an effort to enter into the mind of the Apostle, the language of these verses may seem too high-pitched for the occasion. It is not easy to realize the intensity with which St. Paul felt about anything, however small, that affected the spiritual life of those who acknowledged the same Master as he did. He had few of those petty distractions that we have.

The whole force of his rich and impressible nature was concentrated upon this one subject; and his expressions reflect the state of tension in which he felt himself to be. Thus, they take on a solemnity and earnestness to which an ordinary correspondence would not attain.

I thank my God through Jesus Christ.—How can the Apostle be said to thank God through Jesus Christ? Christ is, as it were, the medium through whom God has been brought into close relation to man. Hence all interaction between God and man is represented as passing through Him. He is not only the divine Logos by whom God is revealed to man, but He is also the Head of humanity by whom the tribute of thanks and praise is offered to God.

Throughout the whole world.—A hyperbole, which is the more natural as the Apostle is speaking of Rome, the centre and metropolis of the world as he knew it.