J O H N W. M O O R E
WHY GO TO ROME?
Why are preachers and other Christians always traveling to Europe, Asia, New England, the West Indies, Africa, Australia, etc.? "Why go to Old Harbour, Jamaica?" "What's over in Timbuktu?" What motivates a preacher to leave home and family to travel in unfamiliar territory? I submit it is for the very same reasons that Paul wanted to go to Rome, as outlined in Romans 1:9-18. Most likely, some in the first century were questioning Paul's desire to go to Rome. "Why go to Rome?" may have been the solicitations of some well-meaning brethren. Some may have even discouraged Paul by remarking that Rome was the seat of paganism and the representative of all that was evil. Others might have questioned his motivation for going to such a beautiful and well-known city of opulence and entertainment. For whatever reason, Paul makes known, in Romans chapter one, his rationale for having a continued desire to go to Rome. Notice in the following points some of the reasons Paul wanted to go to Rome.
First, Paul explains his obligation. Paul was in debt (1:4). He was a debtor to humanity. He had found an antidote and cure for the spiritual sickness and disease that had plagued society. Spiritually, Paul himself had been a dying man, disease-ridden and without hope. He was the chief of sinners, yet he obtained mercy and salvation through the "grace of our Lord" (I Tim. 1:14). Today, if you or I found a cure for the eradication of all types of cancer, we would feel a tremendous burden and guilt if we allowed thousands upon thousands to die, all the while hoarding what could restore life and health. Far greater, and eternally more significant, is the loss of spiritual life. Paul could help those who were dying in sin. He found a "cure-all" for man's eternally-doomed spirit, and he could not rest until all men knew of this free gift available in Christ. Every child of God, and especially preachers, should feel and know this obligation. We have tasted that the Lord is gracious (I Pet. 2:3) and should, therefore, desire to go wherever there are souls.
Second, Paul was ready to go to Rome because he wanted to preach the gospel (1:15). In no way was Paul ashamed of the Gospel. He knew of its power to save all classes of people. He understood that it was only through the Gospel that men could be saved. He further details that men come to know of God's righteousness through the Gospel (1:17), as well as His wrath (1:18). If Paul or someone else did not preach the Gospel in Rome, then souls would be lost and the unrighteous would not be warned of their impending judgment and destruction. They would not know of the love, mercy, kindness, and grace of God if the Gospel was not preached. No wonder Paul said, "Woe unto me if I preach not the Gospel." (I Cor. 9:16)
Third, Paul was longing to go to Rome because he wanted to strengthen the church (1:11). It is obvious that Paul loved the church. He had daily concerns about the church (II Cor. 11:28). The church was but an infant and needed regular monitoring and encouragement. They needed to be exhorted to continue in the faith and informed on what persecution might lie ahead for a faithful child of God (Acts 14:22). Paul knew of the important task and essential nature of edifying the saints. If the church was to be strong in the Lord and for truth, then members have to be taught and retaught and taught again.
Paul went to Rome because: (1) He was a debtor; (2) He was ready to preach the Gospel; and (3) He loved the church and wanted to strengthen her. What motivates the preacher today? Why go to Jamaica? Why go to Austin? Why go anywhere? May it be for the very same reasons for which Paul desired to go to Rome.
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