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Romans 15:22–24
But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you (Rom. 15:23–24a).
While Paul derived great joy and satisfaction out of being used by Christ to take the Gospel to many unreached areas of the Roman world, this calling did leave him with at least one “disappointment”—he had never been able to go to Rome. He knows God has led him every step of the way as he has pushed the boundaries of Christianity across Asia Minor and into Europe. But he also can say in the passage before us today that all the work he was given to do in those regions “hindered” him from crossing the Adriatic Sea in order to visit Rome. We know that Paul tended to focus his ministry on large urban areas, and perhaps he dreamed and prayed that he might be the one to take the Gospel to the capital city of the Roman Empire. God had other plans and the Gospel got to Rome before Paul, but he still longed to minister there.
As Paul writes to the Romans, however, his situation is changing. He speaks of “no longer having a place in these parts.” Scholars are unsure what this means. Perhaps he is saying that he sees no other places to establish beachhead churches, that the churches he has planted are thriving, and the pastors and elders of those congregations are working diligently to establish more churches in their surrounding areas. In other words, perhaps Paul is saying that the foundation has been laid in the areas where he has labored, and others now are beginning to build on it. What is a “foundation builder” to do? The only answer is to press on. And that is exactly what Paul wants to do. He not only wants to cross to Italy, he wants to go even further west, to the Iberian peninsula, to Spain. But as he contemplates this journey, he cannot help but note that the most direct route to Spain passes through Rome. As he goes west to fulfill his missionary task, he will have the chance to fulfill his long-held desire to visit the capital city.
Paul hopes for two things from the Romans. First, he would like their help on his journey to Spain. Second, he hopes “to enjoy your company for a while.” He is not planning to stop only long enough to pick up a support check. Rather, he wants to “impart to you some spiritual gift” (1:11), and both give and receive encouragement (1:12). Paul loves to minister and he loves to be among God’s people, and he is looking forward to doing both in this important church.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
The Roman Christians were probably excited about the coming apostolic visit, for they would receive inspired teaching. But Paul was hoping to be ministered to by them. We, too, must remember that ministers need what we can give them—prayers, encouragement, and other helps. What can you “give back” to your pastor?
For Further Study
- 1 Thessalonians 5:25
- 1 Timothy 5:17–18
- Hebrews 13:17
- 1 Peter 5:5