First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Romans 1:8-12 ESV
Paul was set apart to preach the gospel of God as an Apostle, graced by God to impart knowledge of Jesus Christ to Gentiles. It would make sense that the Romans would likely have been eager to have Paul come to visit, knowing he would have much to offer them. Paul himself says he longed to impart some spiritual gift to strengthen and establish this church; what is surprising is that Paul also hoped to be mutually encouraged by their faith. It doesn’t matter how important and authoritative Paul was in the ministry and work of Jesus Christ; he could still benefit from the community of faith in Rome. We should praise God for the church of believers that surrounds us and be prepared to encourage others as well as be encouraged regardless of our role or gifting in Christ.