Solving the Interpretive Issue

In light of Romans 15:26-28, the sharing in spiritual things and responding with material things, it seems that the following is the best interpretation of Romans 1:11-13.

Interpretation

Paul wants to impart a gift of spiritual nature to the Christians in 1:11a. This would be his apostolic teaching ministry that would have the result "that you may be established"(1:11b). Since the Romans would be benefiting spiritually from Paul's ministry, they are then honor-bound to respond with a material gift for the Jerusalem Church. The reason Paul uses the term "fruit" is because money was a delicate issue and Paul was using a euphemism. Romans 15:28 helps clarify what this "fruit" exactly is.