Romans 1:12 Meaning and Explanation
“That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Even the great apostle expects to be strengthened by the faith of ordinary believers, not only to strengthen them.
The Context of Romans 1:12
Paul has just said he longs to come and impart some spiritual gift to the Romans (verse 11). Here he gently corrects any sense that the blessing would flow only one way, adding "that is" to clarify what he really means.
What Does Romans 1:12 Mean?
Paul catches himself and rounds out his thought. He had spoken of giving something to the Roman believers, and now he says what he truly hopes for: that they will be "comforted together," strengthened side by side, "by the mutual faith both of you and me." The encouragement runs both directions. The apostle who could teach them anything still expects to be built up by their trust in God, and he says so without embarrassment. Faith, when shared, strengthens everyone in the room.
There is real humility here, and it reflects how Christ designed His people to live. No one believer carries the whole weight; we lean on one another, and the same Spirit who works in one works in all. When we gather around our common trust in Jesus, the youngest believer can steady the oldest, and the one who came to give often leaves having received. This is the warmth of belonging to Christ together, a faith held in common that lifts us all.
Romans 1:12 in the Original Language
sumparakaleo (συμπαρακαλέω), 'comforted together' -- to be encouraged alongside one another, mutually strengthened.
How to Apply Romans 1:12 Today
This verse frees us from thinking encouragement only flows from the strong to the weak. Whatever our age or experience, our faith can strengthen others, and theirs can strengthen us. When we gather with fellow believers around our shared trust in Jesus, we can both give and receive, expecting to leave more encouraged than we came.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 1:12
What does Romans 1:12 mean?
Even the great apostle expects to be strengthened by the faith of ordinary believers, not only to strengthen them.
What is the context of Romans 1:12?
Paul has just said he longs to come and impart some spiritual gift to the Romans (verse 11). Here he gently corrects any sense that the blessing would flow only one way, adding "that is" to clarify what he really means.
How can I apply Romans 1:12 today?
This verse frees us from thinking encouragement only flows from the strong to the weak. Whatever our age or experience, our faith can strengthen others, and theirs can strengthen us. When we gather with fellow believers around our shared trust in Jesus, we can both give and receive, expecting to leave more encouraged than we came.