Romans 1:9

For God is my witness A characteristic appeal. Cp. 2 Corinthians 1:23; 2Co 11:31; 2 Corinthians 12:19; Galatians 1:20; Philippians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:10. This is traceable in part, perhaps, to the incessant calumnies against his sincerity and veracity which grieved St Paul's heart.

whom I serve The word here rendered "serve" has special reference to religious worship, whether paid by priests or by people. But it naturally implies also active obedience to the God so worshipped, and its classicalusage points entirely this way.

with my spirit Lit. in my spirit. Much has been said on the risk of confounding "in" and the instrumental "with," in such cases; and this risk must never be slighted. But in Heb. both ideas have the same sign, and the Hebraistic tinge of N. T. Greek makes it highly likely that in many instances there will be no practical distinction of "in" and "with." We may well explain the present phrase, "I serve Him withmy spirit as the instrument." The spirit was usedin every various way in the Master's work.

in the gospel of his Son Here obviously, on the other hand, "in" bears its proper meaning. The Gospel was the field of energy and effort; in it, in expounding and spreading its message, St Paul spent his spiritual powers. "Of His Son:" see for the same idea in fuller terms, 2 Corinthians 4:4, where lit. "The Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." The Eternal Son is Himself "the Gospel." The Gospel is His, because He is not only the great Teacher but the essential Doctrine.

without ceasing As a continual and diligent habit. The same word occurs 1 Thessalonians 5:17, in the same sense.

always in my prayers Lit. always, upon my prayers; i.e., "on every occasion of prayer." "Myprayers;" no doubt specially "my privateprayers." The Apostle did indeed "labour fervently in prayer" for his beloved converts and brethren, in his hours of direct intercourse with God. From ch. 16 we gather how individual and detailed his remembrance at such times would be.