Romans 1:8
Romans 1:8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
In this verse, Paul makes some personal remarks regarding the Christians in Rome. Paul is thankful for the Romans because their faith is proclaimed throughout the world. Paul's prayer life is something we should take note of. Through Jesus, he models for us how to pray to God, including giving thanks. Without Christ, we would not be able to approach God on our own due to our sin. In Paul, we see an example of a man who strives to encourage and edify the saints while maintaining the truth of the glorious gospel of grace. Throughout Paul's ministry, he was aware that he had been called to reveal how great the splendor of this mystery is among the Gentiles. He was aware that he was called to plant the seed of the Word, while another was called to water it, but that God alone would give the increase. So, by expressing gratitude to God through Jesus Christ, God's chosen apostle, who was called to preach the wisdom of God to Jews and Gentiles alike, opened his epistle to these believers. For Paul, hearing about their faith throughout the world was a source of great joy.
Psalm 147:7
Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God.
1 Chronicles 16:8
Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
Psalm 107:8
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Psalms 116:12
What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?