Some Key Words (1/17/01)

Hindered (egkopto [1465]):

to cut into, to impede one's course by cutting off his way; to detain

Spain (spania [4681]):

'scarceness';

Helped on my way (propempo [4311]):

to send before, to send forward, accompany, escort, to fit and equip for a journey; to aid in travel

Serving (diakoneo [1247]):

serviceable labor, assistance with compassionate love for the needy, every labor that benefits others; to be a servant or domestic, to wait upon, to wait at table, to supply food and necessities of life, to relieve one's needs by collecting alms, to provide for, distribute aid to, to care for the poor and sick, to attend to another's interests, to serve by supplying; to be an attendant

Pleased (eudokia [2106]):

to think well, to appear good, good pleasure, a free will with intent to do good, benevolence, the outcome of agathosune [19]; it is one's good pleasure, to choose, think it good, to do willingly, to be ready to, to prefer, to take pleasure in, be favorably inclined toward; to approve

Indebted (opheiletes [3781]):

one who is indebted to another, one who is obliged to do something; one held by an obligation or bound by duty, one who has not yet made amends for an injury, one who owes God a penalty; a delinquent, a moral transgressor against God

Shared (koinoneo [2841]):

to partake, participate, be a partaker of; to come into communion or fellowship with, to be made a partner, to join oneself to an associate; to share with others

Minister (leitourgeo [3008]):

to serve publicly in sacred office or in works of charity, leading in public worship, performing priestly functions; to serve the state at one's own cost, to render public service to the state, to perform a work, a priest or Levite, Christian service by prayer, instruction, or other ways, those who aid the poor by their resources; a public servant, those who perform religious or charitable functions such as worship, obedience, or relief

Material things (sarkikos [4559]):

carnal; fleshly, under control of the animal appetites, governed by mere human nature, seated in the animal nature, human, pertaining to the flesh; bodily, temporal, unregenerate

Finished (epileteo [2005]):

to complete, perfect, accomplish; to bring to an end, execute, to make an end of for oneself, leave off, to impose upon; to fulfill further or completely, to terminate, undergo

Put my seal (sphragizo [4972]):

to mark with a seal for security from Satan, to hide, keep secret, to set a mark upon a person or thing by seal or stamp, to confirm or attest to, to authenticate and place beyond doubt, to prove one's testimony true; to stamp with a private mark for security or preservation

Fullness (pleroma [4138]):

a filling, something put in to fill up, a complete number, completion; what has been filled - such as a fully manned ship, the body of believers as filled with the presence and power of God, that with which a thing is filled, abundance, a fulfilling or keeping; what fills or is filled

Blessing (eulogia [2129]):

an expression of good wishes and praise to God, commendation to man, the good word or action of God, consecration or beneficence; praise, fine discourse, fair speech, benediction, a concrete blessing, a benefit; elegance of language, adoration

Christ (christos [5547]):

anointed, a term applied to the OT priests, and to those who acted as redeemers, a title of Jesus often used as a proper name, the society of which Christ is the head; Messiah, Son of God;

 

Paraphrase: (1/17/01)

2 Because of my ministry, I have been unable to visit you;23 but as the work is complete in these regions and I've wanted to visit you for so long 24 as I head for Spain - hoping to see you in passing and be helped upon my way by you. 25 But first, I head to Jerusalem in service to the saints, 26 for Macedonia and Achaia have given joyfully to the needs of the poor saints of Jerusalem. 27 Indeed, they were pleased to be able to repay in some wise their debt to their brothers. For where the Gentiles have had spiritual profit, they are materially indebted to the Jews. 28 So, as soon as I have delivered their gift, adding my witness to the fruit of their belief, I will be underway to Spain via Rome. 29 And I am confident that I will come to you in the fullness of Christ's blessing.

Key Verse: (1/17/01)

15:29 - I know that when I come, it will be with all the blessing of Christ upon me.

People Mentioned: (1/17/01)

N/A

Some Parallel Verses (1/17/01)

15:22

Ro 1:13 - Paul has often wanted to go to Rome, but has been prevented so far. 1Th 2:18 - He had also been prevented - by Satan - from reaching Thessalonica a number of times.

15:23

Ac 19:21 - Paul planned to head for Rome after returning to Jerusalem through Macedonia and Achaia. Ro 1:10 - His prayers had long included requests to be able to reach that city.

15:24

Ac 15:3 - Paul and Barnabas were sent on their way by the church. Ro 1:12 - His goal in Rome was mutual encouragement in faith.

15:25

Ac 19:21 - Paul's plan is to move through Macedonia and Achaia, into Jerusalem, and then on to Rome. Ac 24:17 - He came to Jerusalem to deliver alms and offerings from the Gentile provinces.

15:26

Ac 16:9 - Paul's trip to Macedonia came of a vision. 1Co 16:5 - After Macedonia, a stop in Corinth. 2Co 1:16 - He intended to depart Corinth for Macedonia, and stop once more on his return to gain assistance in returning to Judea. 2Co 2:13 - Paul left Troas for Macedonia, having not connected with Titus. 2Co 7:5 - But even there, he had no rest from afflictions within and without. 2Co 8:1 - The churches of Macedonia were full of God's grace. 2Co 9:2-4 - As Paul spoke of Corinth to stir the Macedonians to good works, so now he reminds Corinth of their pledge, to assure that they can fulfill it on his return and provide solid witness to any Macedonians who might come along. 2Co 11:9 - When in need, the Macedonians provided for Paul, leaving Corinth free of burden. Php 4:15 - When Paul left Macedonia, only the Philippians gave him support for his preaching. 1Th 1:7-8 - The Thessalonians were an example to all Macedonia and Achaia, as they provided for the advance of the Gospel. 1Th 4:10 - They were also well practiced in acting out of God's love towards all in Macedonia. 1Ti 1:3 - Paul reminds Timothy to remain in Ephesus to instruct in sound doctrine. Ac 18:12 - In Achaia, the Jews dragged Paul before the judgment seat of Gallio. Ac 19:21 - Paul plans to reach Rome after returning to Jerusalem from Macedonia and Achaia.

15:27

1Co 9:11 - Isn't it acceptable to receive material reward when one has delivered spiritual wealth?

15:28

Jn 3:33 - The one who receives God's witness sets his seal to the fact that God is true.

15:29

Ac 19:21 - Paul desires to reach Rome. Ro 1:10-11 - Paul prays and desires that he might see Rome, and there share spiritual gifts with the believers.

 

New Thoughts (1/18/01)

There are two things that strike me in this portion of study. First is the fact that Paul was able to differentiate between God and Satan opposing his plans. In Ro 1:13, he speaks of having been prevented from reaching Rome so many times, but he clearly understands this to be God's leading, as indicated in the current passage. For the reason he'd never been there was because the Gospel had not yet been spread as far as he was responsible to spread it. We also know Paul was prevented by the Lord from preaching in Asia, for reasons known only to God's counsel, but Paul was clear that this was the Lord's word, and naught else. We know that when Paul first went to Macedonia, it was not his original intent, but was the result of being led by the Lord's Spirit. Yet, in 1Th 2:18, he is equally clear that Satan was the cause for his having failed to reach Thessalonica so many times. Why do I labor this point? Because in our thoroughly modern age, there are two major tendencies amongst Christians. There are those who will blame Satan for every opposition to their will, and those that refuse to see Satan's hand in anything that happens. I'm not sure which is the most insidious error. The former case is so blatantly foolish that it amazes me that any can fall prey to it. But of course, it's one more face of our old enemy pride, for it is simply the statement that anything I will simply must be God's will. Why else would all opposition to me be automatically attributed to Satan? In the end, it reflects a nature that could really care less what God's will is, and wants only its own desires. But the latter error is such a danger to its holder, for it leaves such a one open to so many attacks that needn't be suffered. Who will put on the full armor of God in the belief that there's no battle ahead? Armor is uncomfortable. It's heavy, requiring greater strength from us in the pursuit of our daily activities. In many ways, it restricts our movements. It's best restriction, when it comes to God's armor, is that it requires of us that we check with Him before making a move. When we put on the full armor of God, we cannot so much as take a step in any direction without first seeking the counsel of our commander. Also, the weapons we are to carry keep our hands full. We are not at liberty to pick up the things our fleshly minds are inclined to, when we are properly armored. This is a major inconvenience to the natural man, and our bodies will ever fight against the idea of being so restricted. All the more so, if our spirit is not allowed to inform our flesh of the dangers about us. Flesh that feels safe will not inconvenience itself to protect against nonexistent threats! But Paul knew the dangers were there. Daily, he put on all the protection and weaponry that God had provided him to continue with. Consistently, he checked with his commander in determining when to proceed, and when to hold up. It seems clear that even in the writing of letters, he assured himself first of God's participation in the writing. It would be convenient to think that Paul's confidence came of having abandoned his own will completely, but it's not that simple. He was still a man with a will. He still had his own ideas, and sought to pursue courses he thought right, only to be corrected. But, and I think this to be the key, he was a man of prayer. When he found his way blocked, he knew better than to simply fight first and ask questions later. No! His first step had to have been consultation with his Lord! Wrong road, Lord? OK, I turn. Right road, Lord? Then lead on, and we'll surely fight through! This is the exemplary spirit of the true Christian. Fearless but not foolish, ever the proper soldier, thinking for himself, but always subject to his Lord and Commander.

The other thing that really jumps out at me is the closing verse of this passage. The more so because this letter comes during the third missionary trip. Paul is here contemplating his return to Jerusalem. Before ever he gets there, we know he is well aware of what awaits. Of course, true and earnest soldier of Christ that he is, this knowledge changes nothing in his course of action. What struck me, is that this expression of confidence as to the manner of his personal estate upon reaching Rome comes perhaps, just perhaps, with already a glimpse of what was to come. Isn't it possible, if not even likely, that Paul already suspected what must come of returning to Jerusalem? When first he returned to Jerusalem a Christian, he had had to leave abruptly for fear of Jewish hostilities. Wherever he had brought news of Christ's redemption into the synagogues, he had met violent opposition from amongst the Jews. Surely he had some suspicions that another trip to Jerusalem was likely to bring trials, whether or not he realized the full scope of those trials yet. And yet, here Paul speaks of confidence of the full blessings of Christ upon his arrival in Rome. One could argue that this is a prophetic utterance on Paul's part, a speaking of God through Paul to Paul. I wonder how often this very promise of God came back to Paul's mind as he sat imprisoned, waiting on the whims of Rome's provincial officers to hear him. Never in that time, do we hear of him failing in his zeal to preach the good news to any who could hear him. No sign of discouragement is to be found in the record. Why? Because the confidence expressed here was the reality Paul lived daily. God, I'm so easily discouraged by the events of any given day. I know the things You have spoken to my soul. I know that Your plans and purposes for me have yet to be completed, and I know they are sure. Yet, I lack that absolute confidence that Your servants ought to be possessed of. Father, help me to remember, help me to accept the inconvenience of Your arms and armor each day, help me to take that time to seek You out before I venture forth, instead of after I hit trouble. Teach me, oh Lord, to remain in the center of Your will at all times, to follow the instructions You've clearly provided, to pray early and often, to be in the stillness of Your presence so as to hear Your answers when they come, to fight fearlessly and valiantly at Your command, to rest also at Your command. Help me, God, to imitate the example Paul has set for me.