Romans 1:9

God is my witness. Only God could know the truth of such a declaration, and the apostle appeals to Him as witness (cf. 2 Cor. 1:23; 11:31; Gal. 1:20; Phil. 1:8; 1 Thess. 2:5, 10). Paul is writing his letter from Corinth, where his sincerity has recently been seriously questioned, especially because of the postponement of a promised visit (2 Cor. 1:15—24). Now he is about to leave for Jerusalem, apparently turning his back on the church at Rome. It is possible that his sincerity will again be doubted. It may even be suspected that he is ashamed to preach the gospel at Rome. At the moment Paul is not in a position to prove otherwise. He can only assert his love, his many prayers, his earnest desire to see them, and call the all-knowing God to witness that he is telling the truth (Rom. 1:9-16).

With my spirit. Or, “in my spirit.” Paul’s service is no more ceremonial function, but a spiritual one, a devotion of himself to God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ.

Without ceasing. Paul showed similar concern for other churches (see Eph. 1:15, 16; Phil. 1:3, 4; Col. 1:3, 4; 1 Thess. 1:2, 3; 2:13). The progress of the gospel everywhere was his one consuming interest.

Make mention. Paul had never seen the Christian community at Rome, but he never failed to remember them in his prayers.

Always. Many prefer to put a comma after “you,” thus connecting “always in my prayers” with v. 10, “always in my prayers making request ... to come unto you.”