Romans 1:15 concludes Paul’s opening expression of longing to visit the believers in Rome (vv. 8–15). After describing his prayers, obligations to all people, and desire to impart a spiritual gift (vv. 11–14), Paul declares his readiness to preach the gospel even in Rome — the capital of the empire. This verse serves as a hinge, transitioning from the introduction into the main theological thesis (v. 16).
Structural Analysis
οὕτω τὸ κατ’ ἐμὲ πρόθυμον
καὶ ὑμῖν τοῖς ἐν Ῥώμῃ εὐαγγελίσασθαι.
The sentence consists of:
(1) the adverbial particle οὕτω (“thus/so”),
(2) a nominal clause τὸ κατ’ ἐμὲ πρόθυμον — “my readiness” or “what is eager in me,” and
(3) an infinitive of purpose εὐαγγελίσασθαι (“to preach the gospel”), with its dative object ὑμῖν τοῖς ἐν Ῥώμῃ (“to you in Rome”).
Semantic Nuances
οὕτω — “thus” or “so” — refers backward to Paul’s previous statements, especially his sense of obligation (v. 14). It conveys logical or emotional consequence: because I am indebted to all, I am therefore ready.
τὸ κατ’ ἐμὲ πρόθυμον — literally, “the [thing] according to me [that is] eager.” This unusual construction personalizes Paul’s zeal. πρόθυμον (from πρόθυμος) denotes eagerness, willingness, readiness — a heartfelt desire. The phrase κατ’ ἐμὲ (“as far as it depends on me”) adds emphasis: Paul is wholly inclined.
εὐαγγελίσασθαι — aorist middle infinitive of εὐαγγελίζομαι, meaning “to proclaim the good news” or “to evangelize.” The middle voice stresses Paul’s personal engagement in the action.
ὑμῖν τοῖς ἐν Ῥώμῃ — “to you who are in Rome.” The dative indicates the recipients of the preaching. τοῖς ἐν Ῥώμῃ qualifies ὑμῖν and shows that the Roman believers are the specific audience Paul longs to reach.
Syntactical Insight
The nominal phrase τὸ… πρόθυμον acts as the subject of the sentence, with the infinitive εὐαγγελίσασθαι as its complement or goal. The ellipsis of the main verb (e.g., ἐστίν) is idiomatic in Greek, leaving the statement punchy and fluid.
Paul’s use of κατ’ ἐμὲ subtly acknowledges that while he is ready, his plans are subject to God’s will — a theme echoed throughout Romans (cf. Romans 15:22–24).
Historical and Cultural Background
Rome was the seat of imperial power, wealth, and cultural diversity. For Paul to express eagerness to preach there signaled his boldness and universal mission. Preaching the gospel in the empire’s heart was both dangerous and strategic.
The Roman church was not founded by Paul, yet he considered it part of his apostolic mission — showing the scope of his Gentile-focused calling (cf. Romans 15:20).
Intertextuality
- Acts 19:21: Paul resolves in the Spirit to go to Rome — a long-standing goal.
- Romans 15:20: Paul desires to preach where Christ has not been named — which explains his plans regarding Rome and Spain.
- 1 Corinthians 9:16: “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” — expressing the same inner compulsion seen here in πρόθυμον.
Hermeneutical Reflection
Romans 1:15 reminds us that gospel proclamation is not mere duty — it is desire. Paul’s phrase τὸ κατ’ ἐμὲ πρόθυμον reveals his inward orientation: this is not just external obligation but deep compulsion. And though Rome is intimidating, Paul’s focus is not on fear but faithfulness. His syntax testifies that the gospel belongs even in the empire’s heart — because Christ is Lord of all.
The Urgency of Proclamation
Paul’s Greek in Romans 1:15 is compact but compelling. οὕτω connects passion to purpose. πρόθυμον reveals the posture of his soul. εὐαγγελίσασθαι shows that gospel ministry is not abstract — it is directed, intentional, embodied. And ὑμῖν τοῖς ἐν Ῥώμῃ is Paul’s way of saying: “Even you — especially you.” The apostle’s grammar does not just describe readiness. It enacts it.
