“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 1:11–12
Paul here is indicating why he longs to go to Rome and see the believers there; and, he gives the basic reason as mutual encouragement. First, he wants to impart some spiritual gift to strengthen them and, second, he wants to be encouraged by their faith as they will be encouraged by his.
Spiritual gift (πνευματικὸν χάρισμα = pnuematikon charisma) is used in a general sense, meaning anything that builds up their spiritual life. Spiritual gifts are mentioned again in his letters to the Corinthians (12:1-11) and to the Ephesians (4:7-16). While there has been much debate in the modern church as to what the spiritual gifts consist of, it’s clear in the context of Paul’s other letters that in contrast to being worshippers of dead idols, the living Holy Spirit of God issues gifts to Christ’s followers as he pleases and when he wills in order to support the common good and the advancement of the gospel.
Paul is not suggesting he had the power to impart these gifts but that through his ministry, the Spirit would work (ἐνεργῶν Cf. 1 Corinthians 12:6) to strengthen the faith of the Roman Christians as well as his own through their ministry to him. His coming would be for their mutual benefit.
This is one example of why it is essential for believers to live in covenantal community with one another.
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