“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.”
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. Paul's thanksgiving establishes his pastoral concern and affirms the Roman church's witness. The phrase through Jesus Christ indicates that all prayer and thanksgiving ascend to God through Christ as the mediator and advocate. Their faith (pistis) has become a testimony known throughout the Christian movement, suggesting both the quality of their discipleship and the reach of the Gospel.
Church Fathers on Romans 1:8
An exordium worthy of this blessed spirit, and able to teach all men to offer unto God the firstlings of their good deeds and words, and to render thanks not only for their own, but also for others' well-doings: which also makes the soul pure from envy and grudging, and draws God in a greater measure towards the loving spirit of them that so render thanks. Wherefore also elsewhere he says, “Blessed be God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with all…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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