It is possible, therefore, that he refers to a gift of this kind, and the exact language he uses certainly suggests some definite endowment, for the bestowal of which his bodily presence was necessary. The thought of the miraculous power working through him, 'the power of signs and wonders, the power of the Holy Ghost[6],' was not far from his mind when he wrote this epistle. Origen's comment on this passage also is {62} interesting. 'First of all we ought to learn that it is an apostolic work to long to see our brethren, but for no other reason than that we may confer on them something in the way of a spiritual gift if we can, and if we cannot, that we may receive in the same kind from them. Otherwise, the longing to go about among the brethren is not to be approved.' We cannot doubt, I think, that when St. Paul's letter was read at Rome this introduction, so full of tact, would have given him access to many hearts inclined at starting to be prejudiced against him. [1] Rom. xv. 29. [2] 'To encourage' and 'encouragement' are probably the best words to translate what in our Bible is rendered by 'comfort.' [3] Hadrian and Trajan: see _C.I.G._ vol. ii. p. 1068, No. 2349 m.; vol. iii. p. 170, No. 4339, p. 191, No. 4380. These references I owe to Mr. H. W. B. Joseph, of New College. [4] Hab. ii. 4; cf. app. note A on meanings of the word 'faith.' [5] Rom. xv. 25 ff.; Acts xx. 22. [6] Rom. xv. 19. {63} DIVISION I. (CHAPTERS I. 18-III. 20.) _The universality of sin and condemnation._