COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS OF APOSTLE PAUL’S STATEMENT IN ROMANS 1:11
Romans 1:11, where he says: “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established.” (Romans 1:11, NKJV)
Let’s unpack this theologically and biblically.
1. The Context of Romans 1:11
Paul wrote this to the believers in Rome — a church he had not yet visited. His desire was to strengthen and establish them in their faith (Romans 1:11–12).
The phrase
“impart some spiritual gift” does not mean Paul intended to make individuals prophets or to “transfer” supernatural abilities. Rather, he was expressing his apostolic desire to help them grow spiritually by ministering among them through his God-given grace and teaching.
- “Spiritual Gift” (Greek: charisma pneumatikon)
The word
charisma simply means a gracious gift or divine enablement — something that comes from God’s grace (
charis). Paul elsewhere makes clear that spiritual gifts are given directly by the Holy Spirit, not by any human being:
“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
So when Paul says he wants to “impart” (
metadō) some spiritual gift, he is not claiming the power to bestow gifts like prophecy or tongues. He is saying he wants to minister in such a way that the believers are strengthened and that the Spirit’s gifts already working among them would be stirred up and deepened.
3. Paul’s Ministry Focus — Mutual Encouragement
Paul clarifies his intent in the very next verse: “That is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.”
Romans 1:12
This verse defines what he means by “imparting spiritual gifts.” His goal was mutual edification, not the creation of new prophets or apostles. Paul expected both to give and receive encouragement through shared faith and fellowship in Christ.
4. Theological Understanding
From a sound theological perspective:
- God alone gives spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4–11).
- Apostles and ministers can strengthen or stir up the exercise of those gifts (2 Timothy 1:6).
- Paul’s role was instrumental, not causative — he was a vessel God used to build up the saints, not to create new gifts.
Thus, Paul’s statement aligns with his broader theology: the Spirit sovereignly gives gifts, while ministers of the Word nurture, equip, and mature the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11–13).
5. Supporting Scriptures
Here are passages that illuminate the meaning:
- Romans 1:11–12 — His desire was for mutual strengthening in faith.
- 1 Corinthians 12:4–11 — The Holy Spirit alone distributes gifts.
- 2 Timothy 1:6 — Paul exhorts Timothy to “stir up” the gift already given, not to receive a new one from Paul.
- Ephesians 4:11–13 — Ministry gifts (apostles, prophets, pastors, ) exist to equip the saints, not to bestow spiritual powers.
- Acts 8:18–20 — When Simon the sorcerer tried to “buy” the ability to impart the Spirit, Peter rebuked him, showing this power does not belong to men.
In short:
When Paul says,
“I want to impart to you some spiritual gift,” he is expressing his pastoral desire to build up the church spiritually, not to make prophets or transfer miraculous powers. The Holy Spirit alone gives such gifts — Paul simply wanted to strengthen the believers’ faith and ministry through his apostolic teaching and fellowship.
the laying on of hands and activation of gifts helps complete the biblical picture. Let’s build on the earlier explanation and clarify how those concepts fit
without contradicting Paul’s meaning in Romans 1:11.
