Romans 15:23-33

 

Rom 15:23 (KJV)
But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

Now Paul is stating that he has now completed his task in the area which he was now in. Probably he had finished the circuit from Jerusalem to Illyricum and since he has had a great desire to visit the Roman Christians, now may be the proper time since he is in the area.

Rom 15:24 (KJV)
Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

Spain was obviously another place where the Gospel had not been preached so on his way to Spain, he would be able to stop and visit the Roman Church. It is important to note here that it was Paul who had dealings with the Roman Church and not Peter as the Roman Catholic Church has erroneously proclaimed throughout history. There is no evidence that Peter was ever in Rome. Paul was hoping that when he came to Rome that he would be filled or satisfied with the fellowship of these Christians. Whenever Paul visited the churches, he would always be refreshed by the groups in those churches and he was hoping for the same refreshment when he visited them.

Rom 15:25 (KJV)
But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

Here is tremendous insight into the mindset of the Apostle Paul. He was probably about 1,000 miles (1609 KM) from Jerusalem, yet instead of going into Italy for a short visit, which was closer, with the Roman Christians, he instead, backtracked and went back to Jerusalem to minister unto those saints. How many of us would make a plan and then reroute ourselves way out of the way to meet the needs of Christians?

Rom 15:26 (KJV)
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

The Christians in the regions of Macedonia and Achaia, which were both south of Illyricum. There was tremendous need at the church in Jerusalem, so Paul rather would make the journey to Jerusalem to bring some relief before he continued on his journey. I wonder how many of us would divert funds from ourselves to those who have bigger needs than we do? This is a great Christian principle. Paul was willing to back track hundreds of miles to help others instead of going on with his trip. He took care of the more urgent needs at the moment. We can all learn from this.

Rom 15:27 (KJV)
It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

The church was birthed at Jerusalem and here Paul is making sure that these Roman Christians know that it was from Jerusalem the Gospel first went forth and the churches in Macedonia and Achaia were indebted to them since the first missionaries went out from Jerusalem to the Roman Empire. Since these Greek churches were now sharing in the spiritual blessings which at one time were strictly in Israel, now the church at Jerusalem is in need of finances and those who are benefiting from the spiritual blessings should help bear the blessings of their carnal needs. Paul tells them that it was their duty to help these brethren who were in need. Some of the churches in that area were Thessalonica, Corinth, and Philippi. Paul does not hesitate to tell these Christians that they have a responsibility to share their carnal things with those who minister the Gospel to them. (Gal 6:6 KJV) Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. The word “communicate” carries with it the meaning of “having a thing in common or having a share.” Is there someone in your church who has ministered to you and has some physical needs at this time? Then it is your duty to help that person or persons to give them some relief.

Rom 15:28 (KJV)
When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

Once Paul has fulfilled this mission, then he will attempt to go to Spain and he will stop by and visit the Roman Christians, but the work of the Gospel must come first before a time of fellowship can take place. Paul did not waste any time in his journeys as we see that his plans to visit Rome are in concert with his plans to preach the Gospel in Spain.

Rom 15:29 (KJV)
And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

Paul was very sure that when he finally came to Rome it would be with the full blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul never planned any missionary trips out of his own desire to visit a place but took direction from the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was strictly sold out for the sake of the Gospel and knew that his foremost reason of existence in this life was the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ. He never looked that that as a secondary reason for living but his primary reason of existence.

Rom 15:30 (KJV)
Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

Here Paul asks the Roman Christians to help pray with him to God for the safe deliverance of the funds to the church at Jerusalem. By praying for someone, we are sharing in their ministry, so when you pray for someone you are having an active part in their life. This is why it is very important to pray for those in ministry, particularly those on the mission field because you are partaking of their ministry and the struggles that go with that ministry. Never concern yourself that you do not know exactly what to pray for, all you need do is lift that person up before the throne of grace and the Holy Spirit will interpret those prayers for you.

Rom 15:31 (KJV)
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

Paul has a two-fold prayer request. First, he prays that he would be delivered or rescued from those who did not believe in Judaea. The Judaizers had plagued Paul throughout his ministry always trying to get the Christians to believe that it was necessary for one to keep the Mosaic law as an addition to grace. He also prays for deliverance so he will not be attacked while on the road so he could safely deliver the donations to the Jerusalem Church. He also asks prayer that his service to the Jerusalem Christians would be acceptable unto them meeting their needs to the fullest.

Rom 15:32 (KJV)
That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

He also asks prayer that he could come to visit the Roman Christians joyfully but he also asks that if it would be the will of God. It is necessary for Christians to realize that even though we may make plans which are proper, God has the right to change those plans according to His will. Paul also seeks prayer in that when he comes to visit them, he would be refreshed. (2 Tim 1:16 KJV) The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: The word “refreshed” carries with it the meaning of “resting together.” After a long missionary journey, Paul would have coveted a time of refreshing.

Rom 15:33 (KJV)
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

It seems like Paul has ended his letter here with his closing but he just desires that the God of Peace be with them. The peace that he has in mind is the peace which God creates between Himself and the saved through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 5:1 KJV) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Paul has already mentioned the peace that salvation brings between God and the redeemed. May God rule in their church and that truth will always be present.