Bible Strands
Romans 1:12
that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Roman church, explaining his long-planned visit after stating his desire to impart a spiritual gift to strengthen them. He frames his upcoming arrival as a moment of shared spiritual exchange rather than a one-sided ministry.
The words — The Greek term συμπαρακληθῆναι (sumparaklēthēnai) literally means "to be encouraged together," indicating mutual strengthening. The preposition διὰ (dia) specifies that this mutual encouragement flows through each party's faith.
The thread — This pattern of mutual encouragement through faith appears in 1 Thessalonians 3:7, where Paul is reassured by the Thessalonians' faith, and in 3 John 1:3, where joy follows reports of believers walking in truth. Paul reiterates the expectation of shared refreshment in Romans 15:32.
Why it lands — The text demands that believers approach ministry as a two-way exchange where mutual faith strengthens both parties. It requires readers to relinquish the assumption that spiritual leadership is solely about imparting gifts rather than receiving them.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
Cross-references
- 1 Thessalonians 3:7 For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith.
- 3 John 1:3 For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.
- Romans 15:32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.
- 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.
- 2 Corinthians 7:13 On account of this, we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were even more delighted by the joy of Titus. For his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
- Titus 1:4 To Titus, my true child in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
- 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
- Acts 11:23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.
- 2 Corinthians 2:1 So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17 Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.