11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. (Romans 1:11-12 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Apostle Paul having declared in the foregoing verses how fervently he prayed for them and how passionately he desired to come to them, now acquaints them with the reason for that desire; namely, For the furtherance of his own joy and their establishment; I long to see you that you may be established, and I may be comforted.
Learn hence, 1. That establishment in faith and holiness is that which the holiest and best of Christians do need.
Learn, 2. That the presence of the ministers of Christ with and among their people, as well as their preaching the doctrine of faith to them, is necessary for their establishment; God has joined the duties of public preaching and private inspection together, and woe to us, if by our non-residence, and not dwelling among our people, or, if living with them, we haughtily refuse, or slothfully neglect personally to converse with them, we deny them one special means for their edification and establishment.
Observe, lastly, That the apostle desired to be personally present with the church and saints at Rome, for his own benefit, as well as for their advantage; That I may be comforted.
Learn hence, That the ministers of Christ do certainly improve and benefit themselves, as well as edify and establish their people, by their conferring with them; as iron sharpeneth iron and the rubbing of one hand warms another, so the meanest of Christ’s members may contribute to the advantage of the greatest apostle; God’s weak servants may strengthen thy strong shoulders; Verily, I have sometimes gained more knowledge by an hour’s conference with a private and experienced Christian, than by half a day’s study. Most certainly the ministers of God are great losers by being strangers to their people.