Romans as a missions letter

While reading Paul's letter to the Romans, I was struck with how it may be viewed as a missions letter ultimately. It seems that Paul was hoping to develop a deeper bond with the Romans so that when he travelled beyond Rome, towards the west, that they would be excited about investing in his mission there.

Then I found this in Dr. Douglas Moo's NICNT on Romans, pg 290.

"In this letter to the Romans, Paul explains and defends his gospel to a Christian community he has neither founded nor visited but which he hopes to enlist as supporters of an evangelistic campaign in the western Mediterranean."

That's exactly what I thought when I read the letter through in one sitting.

What better way to encourage people to invest in a church planting ministry than for the Apostle to lay out his teaching in a clear and inspiringly thorough way so there are no questions about what he teaches or why he teaches it?

I think this is a hidden lesson for missionaries today and for church planters. Minister to those you would like to receive support from and do not go heavy on the request for aid stuff. Lay out the wonderful gospel and what you believe. Enrich the lives of those you hope will assist you.

Ephesians

We are enjoying the book of Ephesians right now. As I've been studying it, I've come to appreciate Dr. F.F.Bruce's commentary. He seems to handle the Greek text very well.

That's my recommended commentary on Ephesians. I also have seen a several places where my old favorite has probably missed the Greek text...so I am not really that hot on Stott's commentary for Greek issues. However, for laying out a pastoral outline, he's really great!