Romans 1:15

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you also that are in Rome.

Students of the Greek language are amazed to find that a single word in that language is translated "preach the gospel"; but Macknight's explanation fully justifies it:

The original word was first used by the LXX to signify the publishing of any good news: and, having inserted it in their translation of Isaiah 60:6; 61:1, where Messiah's preaching good tidings to the poor is foretold (Luke 4:21), the apostles justly appropriated it to the preaching of the gospel, as the best news mankind could hear.[21]

This verse also supports the conclusion that Romans was addressed to all the inhabitants in Rome, and not merely to believers alone, but to Barbarians, foolish, and, in short, all people. The tremendous motivation of Paul's life appears in the twin declarations, "I am debtor" (Romans 1:14) and "I am ready" (Romans 1:15).

With this solid shot, Paul dispelled any notion that he had been holding back from a trip to Rome due to any considerations like being ashamed to preach there. Having already affirmed the credentials of his apostolic calling, he waived all privileges of rank and all the honors of such an office and presented himself in this verse to the total population of that great city, not merely as the great ambassador, which he surely was, but also as a human brother, a fellow-Christian who had long loved them, prayed for them, and longed to visit them. Choosing exactly the right words, Paul in this perfect introduction presented himself as one who actually considered himself in debt to the whole community, indeed to all people, and as a brother in Christ who was eager to preach to them. How tender and beautiful are the sentiments expressed upon this sacred page! As Beet put it,

Our spirits bowed before one who stood so high in the service of so great a Master. But now the Ambassador of Christ comes to us like one of ourselves. Across the waters which roll between him and us, we hear a brother's voice, and see a brother's face.[22]

[21] James Macknight, op. cit., p. 57.

[22] J. A. Beet, St. Paul's Epistles to the Romans, p. 47.