Romans 1:9

Verse 9. For God is my witness. The reason of this strong appeal to God is to show to the Romans the deep interest which he felt in their welfare. This interest was manifested in his prayers, and in his earnest desires to see them. A deep interest shown in this way was well-fitted to prepare them to receive what he had to say to them. Whom I serve. See Ro 1:1, comp. Ac 27:23. The expression denotes that he was devoted to God in this manner; that he obeyed him, and had given himself to do his will in making known his gospel. With my spirit. Greek--en--in my spirit, i.e., with my heart. It is not an external service merely; it is internal, real, sincere.