[Paul] thanked God, and took courage.
Paul thanked God for bringing Christians to him who were an encouragement to him in his journey towards Rome. Even those who labor for the Lord on a full-time basis sometimes get discouraged. It is so much of an encouragement for each of us when we meet other Christians who, like us, are trying to live for the Lord and who are watching for the Lord’s coming. We can encourage one another and take courage from the lives of others.