“20 My aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but, as it is written, Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. 22 That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you. 23 But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions, and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you 24 whenever I travel to Spain. For I hope to see you when I pass through and to be assisted by you for my journey there, once I have first enjoyed your company for a while.”
As he comes to the end of his letter to the church in Rome, Paul speaks in 15:22-33 of his travel plans for the coming season, much of which focuses on coming to see the church in Rome in person. A modern reader of Paul’s letter may be tempted to skip over this portion of his letter, thinking it unimportant. However, there are two main points that we can learn from this text. First, Paul is giving the Christians at the church in Rome a practical way to apply and practice all of what Paul has just told them they should be doing as Christians. In these verses, Paul gives them the examples of ways that other churches and Christian’s have helped him along his journey. Paul also invites the church at Rome to pray with him and for him about many needs among the Christians. Paul also says that he hopes he will be helped along in his journey by the church in Rome when he comes to visit them, and that they might help him on his way to Spain. Second, we can learn from Paul’s determination to serve the Lord as he had many plans that he might serve the Christians in many places, and ultimately take the gospel to those in Spain, to those who had never heard it.
Paul mentions in verse 22 that he has been prevented from visiting the church in Rome thus far. What has been preventing him? “My aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation, but, as it is written, Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” (v. 20-21) Paul has felt called to build a theological foundation among the Gentiles while he has the opportunity. The beginning of Paul’s letter gives us additional insight, as well as serves as a reminder to Paul’s Roman readers that he was trying very hard to come and visit them.
“God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in telling the good news about his Son — that I constantly mention you, always asking in my prayers that if it is somehow in God’s will, I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I want very much to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Now I don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as I have had among the rest of the Gentiles. I am obligated both to Greeks and barbarians, both to the wise and the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.” — Romans 1:9-15
Paul gives the idea that he has had a rather fruitful ministry among the Gentiles and has had much to do there (The book of Acts attests to this). He also reminds the Jews in Rome that he is obligated both to the Gentiles and the Jews, and thus must divide his time among them both.
In verse 23, Paul reveals that he feels his work is done among the Gentiles where he is currently, and he will be moving on. This is where the Roman churches he is writing to have an opportunity to practice what Paul has been preaching. Paul is hoping that as he stays with the Romans on his way to Spain he will be helped along in his journey by them. Paul is saying, remember all that I told you about serving one another in selfless love, being hospitable, and fulfilling the needs of the saints? Now is your chance to put all of this into practice when I come to you.
Let us as the church today resolve to look out for such opportunities to serve those both in and out of the body of Christ. Look for ways to help those God has put in front of you this week. You may say, “But I’m not good at talking to people, listening, or being hospitable.” You may feel as though you have nothing you can contribute to the needs of the saints, or that you are not able to serve in any meaningful way. Notice that Paul does not account for any exceptions for those who are to serve the saints. Each and every part of the body of Christ has a meaningful way of contributing to those in need and is a pivotal part of showing others the love of Jesus.
“Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another. Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.” — Romans 12:10-13