Romans 15:22-15:29 - Travel Plans

Calvin (7/9/02)

15:22-15:23: The same grace and office that had constrained Paul to preach to all the regions he had thus far reached also had constrained him from pursuing his long held desire to reach the church in Rome. It was not for lack of interest on his part that he had not traveled there, but solely the will of God that had restrained him.
15:24: Some attempt to take from this verse a proof that Paul reached Spain, yet he is only stating his hopes, which - in matters of earthly activity - do not always enjoy fulfillment. Footnote: There is no evidence in the writings of the Fathers of the Church that would suggest Paul went to Spain, nor is any evidence of a Pauline church to be found there. The record shows that he returned to Asia when he was freed by Nero. Researchers note that, in spite of the absence of any record among the early Church Fathers, later writers seem to have come across (or invented) traces of evidence for a Spanish journey. In all, they conclude that this is akin to the story of Peter's founding of the Roman Church. He also notes his reasons for wanting to come to Rome: to share fellowship with them, and to be known personally in his apostolic role. "By the coming of the Apostles the Gospel also came." By praising their willingness to provide for his needs as he progresses to Spain, he generates a more assured response on their part, for we are ever unwilling to act in ways that would belie the good opinion formed of us. He also shows his good opinion of them in that he expects to benefit from their fellowship, as well as benefit them, and in making known to them the necessity of their involvement for the furtherance of the Gospel.
15:25-15:26: Paul notes his present journey to Jerusalem so that the Romans will not think themselves deceived when his arrival there is delayed. In praising the contribution made by the Gentile churches, Paul seeks to stir the Romans to a similar action, for in saying that the other churches had done as they ought, he implies that the Romans - with the same debt to the Jewish Christians - ought do the same. (2Co 9:2 - I know how ready you are to give, and have boasted of this to the Macedonians, thus stirring up their zeal by the report of your own.) It is most commendable of the Grecian churches that in spite of the distance separating them from Jerusalem they were willing to contribute, feeling a closeness to those to whom they were united by faith. In contributing, we communicate our love and concern for those we help. In all this, Paul shows that his delayed arrival in Rome is due only to legal (in the godly sense) occupations that needed more immediate attention.
15:27: Footnote: The word that NASB translates as 'material' is the same word as is usually translated 'carnal.' However, 'carnal' does not convey the meaning here, as it has stronger negative connotations than apply at present. A better word might be 'temporal,' as we are comparing with spiritual things, yet without the usual negative view of the flesh. The word admits of a range of meanings, from 'human' to 'weak' to 'sinful' (1Co 9:11 - If we have planted a spiritual seed among you, do we ask too much in seeking to reap a material harvest from you? 2Co 1:12 - Our confidence is that our conscience testifies that with all holiness and sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in God's grace, we have conducted ourselves on this earth, especially as regards yourselves. 2Co 10:4 - Our weapons are not of the flesh, but of divine power sufficient to destroy fortresses. Ro 7:14 - We know the Law to be spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 1Pe 2:11 - As strangers to this land, I urge you to abstain from fleshly lusts, for they battle against the soul. 1Co 3:1 - I could not speak to you as men of the spirit, but had to speak as to men of flesh - babes in Christ. Heb 7:16 - One becomes a priest of Melchizedek's order not by some physical law, but by the power of an indestructible life.) Clearly, this mention of the Greek contribution is meant to stir the Roman church to similar action. In doing so, Paul shows how little is the worth of the material contribution sought when compared to the eternal worth of the spiritual contribution of the Gospel. He also shows the great value of the Gospel by declaring that not only is the preacher worthy of support for its coming, but also that whole nation who had been the source of that Gospel. In speaking of the offering as a ministering, he looks at it as a duty of office, in this case the duty of love, a debt of compassion. In offering this, they are but offering an acceptable sacrifice to God.
15:28: Paul's faithfulness in carrying this contribution untouched and unaltered to Jerusalem is as strong as if the contribution had been officially sealed prior to transport. Footnote: The sealing refers to the fact that Paul intends to accompany this offering until he is certain by his own evidence that the alms provided have been distributed to the need. He will not cease his office of almsman until the job is completed. The contribution is spoken of as fruit, reflecting that it is the natural return on the seed planted in sending the Gospel out to the Gentiles.
15:29: It may be that Paul is saying that he expects to find in Rome the good works which are the fruit to be expected of the Gospel seed, which good works cannot be reasonably restricted to almsgiving. Alternatively, he is expressing assurance that his coming to Rome will increase the spread of the Gospel in that city, as well, by the combined power of God in his preaching and their faith. Thus, he assures them that they shall have no less from their apostle for being an established church. He will give his all wherever he gives at all. It seems more likely that the first meaning is to be taken, for Paul hopes for great and abounding joy at his coming to Rome, seeing the Gospel flourishing, alive and well when he comes. Footnote: Chrysostom followed this view, but the majority of divines have preferred the latter, as correlating with Paul's comment in Chapter 1. (Ro 1:11 - I long to see you so as to give to you spiritual gifts, and thus to establish you the more.) Thus, Paul is declaring that he will come preaching with the same fullness of the Gospel by which he has been planting churches. A blessing is that which is freely given. (Gal 3:14 - Because of Christ Jesus, the blessing of Abraham has come to the Gentiles, that they might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Eph 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ.) Some texts include 'of the Gospel,' making it the blessing of the Gospel of Christ, but most believe the words to be an insertion.

Matthew Henry (7/9/02-7/11/02)

15:22: Paul declares his reasons for coming to Rome, yet in discussing such ordinary issues, his words are still filled with the grace of God. We should take our example from this, and seek that all our words, no matter the subject, should be so full of God's grace. Thus do we identify ourselves as citizens of heaven. It was certainly fitting that the apostle to the Gentiles should visit the capitol of the Gentile nations, so it was fitting to explain why this had not as yet occurred. Here again we see Paul staying one step ahead of any possible exception that could be taken to his ministry, yet still free of any imperious tone. Any desire he had to see Rome was not wrapped up in explorations of its splendors, nor in conversations with its famed philosophers. His sole desire was to fellowship with the saints of Christ. (Ps 16:3 - The saints on the earth are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.) Their reputation was all the more commendation for making their acquaintance more fully, which Paul had long hoped to do, but had thus far been trumped by God's providence. Even His greatest servants are not given every desire of their heart, yet all who delight in God know all their desires fulfilled, even if they are not humored. (Ps 37:4 - Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.) That he had not come to Rome thus far, he attributes to the work that God had occupied him with in other parts. It should be clearly noted that the minister does not direct God, but God directs the minister. (1Th 2:18 - We wanted to come to you, yet Satan thwarted us. Ac 16:7 - They were in Mysia, thinking to go to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn't permit them to. Pr 16:9 - Man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. Pr 19:21 - Men make many plans, but in the end it is the LORD's counsel that will stand. Jer 10:23 - LORD, I know that men cannot direct their own ways, nor choose their own steps to walk in.) Ministers and their supporters can plan and purpose as they will, yet God's will will overrule them, should He so choose. As with government leaders, it is His prerogative to install or remove or otherwise assign His ministers as He wills. "The Gospel does not come by chance to any place, but by the will and counsel of God." That Paul had stayed in the field rather than rushed to Rome shows that his attention was not on his own fame and fortune, but on the needs of God's kingdom. The Roman church was already in good health. The need for attention lay in the Greek and Asian peninsulas, where the labor was great. (Lk 10:41-42 - Martha, Martha, you worry over so many things, but only a few are truly necessary - in reality only one. This is what Mary has chosen, the good part, and it will not be taken from her.) The Christian must focus his concern and effort on the necessary.
15:23: By the time of this letter, the Grecian peninsula was properly planted with churches, leaving Paul with no further pressing business in the area. Paul was indeed a workman with no cause for shame, for when he completed his assignment, rather than seeking rest, he sought further work to put his hand to. Even in stating his plans to come to Rome, it is clear that he does not come for a break, but to prepare to push the Gospel into further territories beyond. We know Paul reached Rome, where he remained a prisoner for two years. However, it is unclear where he went thereafter. His letters from prison suggest an intent to return to the Asian provinces. Yet, though God may well have prevented him from carrying out his planned trip to Spain, He honored the intent of Paul's heart to further the Gospel there. (2Ch 6:8 - The LORD said to David, 'Because your heart's desire was to build Me a house, you did well that it was in your heart.' 2Co 8:12 - If the readiness is present, it is acceptable to give as one has ability. To go beyond this is not required.) Note that Paul speaks of his plans as hopes, not certainties. He had learned, as we all should, to submit all his plans to the divine will, not boasting as though he could determine the outcome of his days himself. (Pr 27:1- Don't boast about tomorrow, you have no idea what may come. Jas 4:13-15 - You who speak of where you shall go this day or the next, how long you will stay, and what you shall do to profit yourself; you don't even know what your life will be like tomorrow! You are no more than a vapor that is seen briefly and then vanishes. You should say that such are your plans, so long as the Lord wills it.)
15:24: Notice that Paul's purpose in visiting Rome was not to sit in state as the ruling Apostle, but to rejoice with friends. His hope was that he might gain some greater knowledge of the Spanish territory into which he ventured from those in Rome who were more familiar with that land. Note that his expectations on their part were not limited to their walking part of the way with him, but included the expectation that they would gladly do all they could to promote the furtherance of the Gospel in that land out of respect for the preacher and concern for the souls that would be reached. We should always stand ready to give out as we can to support all efforts to save souls. In return, Paul expects to enjoy the fellowship of his brethren in Rome. His will not be a brief, passing visit, yet he will never be able to stay so long as to be fully satisfied of their company. Thus it must ever be when we fellowship here in this life. It will never be fully satisfying, for we must always part ways. Only our communion and fellowship with Christ is capable of providing that full satisfaction. Even when we come to eternity, and can fellowship with the saints to our heart's content, it will not compare with what we share with our Jesus.
15:25: Paul also finds it necessary for the present to delay his hoped for trip. For this, too, he pleads service to God as the reason. In this regard, he notes the care offering he is taking to Jerusalem, doubtless in the hope of stirring the Roman church to a similar action. Though Paul was in no position to contribute himself, he could greatly assist the Jerusalem church by stirring others who had that which they could give to do so. Yet, even in this Paul did not leave behind his primary work of preaching, but simply added this call to his message. In this, he was still pursuing exactly what his ministry was to do. (Gal 2:10 - The church in Jerusalem asks that we remember the poor, which I was also eager to do.) Such ministering to the needs of the body is not beneath the greatest saint.
15:26: It should not surprise us that Christians are so often poor. In the case of Jerusalem, any number of reasons may have contributed to their being worse off in this regard than other Christians. The declining state of Israel, the greater impact of worldwide droughts upon what is already a desert region, the Roman crackdown on Israel, all of these may have left them in particularly dire straits. (Ac 11:28-30 - Agabus, led by the Spirit, said that famine would cover the world, which indeed occurred during Claudius' reign. Seeing this to be the case, each gave as they were able to provide relief to the brothers in Judea, which they sent with Barnabas and Saul to be distributed by the church elders in Jerusalem.) Furthermore, their presence in the center of Jewish life opened them up to greater persecution at the hands of the same. (1Th 2:16 - They hindered us from speaking to the Gentiles, leaving them to complete the full course of their sins. For this, wrath will come upon them in the extreme. Heb 10:34 - You sympathized with the prisoners, and cheerfully accepted the seizure of your property, for you know you had better and abiding possessions.) Charity among Christians should know no distance. We must certainly care for our own poor, yet when even greater poverty is seen elsewhere, however far away it may be, we are bound by the law of love to send our bounty to assist in that place. (Pr 31:20 - She extends her hand to the poor, her hands to the needy.) Note who is represented by this offering. The regions Paul notes are familiar to us in the Philippian and Corinthian churches, both recently planted. Sadly, this seems a pattern in the church, another sign of the cooling of our first love, that our charity drops off over time. In this, we should also recognize the hand of God's Providence, planting a church amidst the wealth of these cities at a time of need for the church in other cities. Note the readiness expressed in regard to these two regions, the cheerful volunteering of the offering. Note also that this offering was an expression of fellowship, of the communion of saints. "Every thing that passes between Christians should be a proof and instance of that common union which they have one with another in Jesus Christ." This instance of the Greeks providing for the Jews was but a reversal of the earlier state of the Jerusalem church, when they were well off, and made certain to care for the poor Greeks among them. (Ac 6:1-3 - The Hellenistic Jews were complaining of favoritism, as their widows were not being served food daily. Seeing this to be the case, the Apostles moved quickly to put men in position to ensure that the ministration to the poor was properly carried out.) In this, we have an example of the truth that the merciful shall obtain mercy (Mt 5:7).
15:27: The debt of the Gentiles to the Jews, however, was not solely for this prior kindness, but in a greater sense, was due to the coming of the Gospel to their lands. The giving of alms is a reflection of our good stewardship over that which God has given us. We are never owners, but ever caretakers. (Ps 112:9 - He gives freely to the poor. His righteousness is forever. He will be exalted and honored.) Here, also, the gratitude due for the Gospel added to the responsibility already inherent in being stewards of God's wealth. With all the spiritual gift that had come to them from the Jews, it was the least they could do to support the physical needs of that people. When such charitable actions are taken with a deep regard for God, they are an acceptable sacrifice to Him.
15:28: Paul was committed to completing the work at hand before proceeding to any new labors. Note that he refers to the offering as fruit, for indeed this charity is a fruit of righteousness, springing - as do all things - from 'a root of grace.' His seal upon this offering is the mark of his great care that it should arrive at its destination complete, and that at its arrival it would be put to the use desired by the givers. Even in matters such as this, Paul is ever careful that no cause for blame be found with the ministry he has been entrusted with.
15:29: Where Paul spoke doubtfully with regard to his expectations of the men of Rome - hoping, but not knowing - his expectations of God are certain. Paul had learned not to trust in men (2Ti 4:16 - At my first defense not one man supported me. May this not be held against them.) He may not have been certain that he would come, but he was certain that if he did, God would be with him. "We cannot expect too little from man, nor too much from God." Paul fully expected that God would send him loaded with spiritual blessings to impart, if He sent him at all. (Ro 1:11 - I long to see you so that I can impart some spiritual gift to you, and thus establish you.) What greater blessing can be desired than the gift of the Gospel? Happy are all, when both minister and people know the fullness of blessing, the minister in giving of the Gospel, and the people in receiving from the same. "The Gospel will not profit, unless God bless it to us."

Adam Clarke (7/11/02)

15:22: Seeing the church already established in Rome, Paul has been more concerned with efforts to preach in untouched regions, for it was a point of honor to him not to build on the works of others.
15:23: No place remained in the regions of Greece and Asia that Paul had not already planted the Gospel and established churches, so this argument against visiting Rome was now gone.
15:24: He now states his intent to head for Spain, seeing there the opportunity that is now lacking for him in his present locale. Legends claim that James had long since been to the area, but these are unfounded. Nor is there any proof that Paul ever made the intended journey. The clause 'I will come to you' is disputed, as it is lacking in any number of manuscripts. Further, the context makes the phrase superfluous, especially if the first portion of this verse is seen as connected to the last. Thus: "For many years, I have hoped to come to you whenever I head for Spain." The word translated 'filled' in the AV would better be translated 'gratified,' which better fits the text, and is a usage common in Greek classics. Paul is indicating that he fully expects to enjoy a gratifying visit with the Roman church, even though it was not of his own planting.
15:25: The contribution Paul speaks of in the next few verses was a matter of great concern to him, one he had taken great care to provide for. (1Co 16:1-4 - As for the collection taken for the saints, I give you the same instructions I gave to the Galatians. Set aside a bit of your proceeds at the first of each week for this purpose, and no further collection will need to be made when I arrive. At that point, I will send whomever you choose to carry your gift to Jerusalem, and if you think it fitting, I will accompany them. 2Co 8:3-4 - I testify that the Macedonians gave beyond their ability, and freely so, begging us for the opportunity to support the saints. 2Co 8:14 - At this time, your abundance is a supply for their want, and in their time, their abundance will supply your want. There is equality. 2Co 8:24 - Therefore openly show the churches the proof of your love and the cause for our boasting about you. 2Co 9:7-8 - Do as you have determined in your heart. Don't give grudgingly, as something you do only because you must. God loves a cheerful giver, and He is able to cause all grace to abound to you, so that you will always have what you need, and indeed will have such an abundance as to be prepared to do every good deed. 2Co 9:11-15 - You are enriched in everything so as to liberally bless others, which produces thanksgiving to God. Thus, this ministry is doing more than providing for the needs of the saints. It is overflowing with thanksgivings to God, both from the giver and the receiver, for they will glorify God for your obedience to the Gospel of Christ, as well as for the generous contribution made to them. Further, you will be in their prayers because of the surpassing grace of God in you. What an indescribable gift! Thanks be to God!) Paul hoped that this contribution might help to soften the Jewish Christians, make it easier for them to accept their Gentile brothers. Just as in this letter, in Jerusalem, also, Paul was eager to see a united brotherhood of Jews and Gentiles, for this was needful to spread the Gospel.
15:26: No comments.
15:27: Through the Jews, the Gentiles received knowledge of God, and the Gospel of Christ; spiritual things. The offering they sent was the least they could do, even though seemingly only a material gift.
15:28: The fruit Paul is delivering is the fruit of his own successful ministry, as well as of the conversion of those to whom he ministered. He repeats his desire to head for Spain, but again, there is nothing to suggest he ever made it there.
15:29: The words 'of the gospel' are missing in most manuscripts. Frankly, the blessing of Christ is greater than that of His Gospel, it is a more full blessing. Paul hopes to come not only with the Gospel, but with the graces of the Lord himself, Whose instrument he was, and Whose hand guided him in every action.

Barnes' Notes (7/12/02)

15:22: Paul was so fully occupied with his primary purpose that numerous situations related to that mission kept him from leaving the field. He has longed to come to Rome, but the work to be done in regions where the Gospel had not yet been heard superceded his longing.
15:23: Now, that region had been covered, the Gospel preached, and churches established (Ac 20:17 - He sent to Ephesus, calling the elders of the church to him.). It was time to seek new opportunities, and as those opportunities lay beyond Rome, perhaps his long held desire could be fulfilled in passing. (Ro 1:9-13 - I serve God in my spirit, preaching the Gospel of His Son. He will witness to how often I mention you. My prayers are ever seeking that by His will I might come to you, for I long to see you, to impart spiritual gifts to you and thus establish you the more. I know I would also be encouraged as well as you, each of us bolstered by the other's faith. Understand that I have many times planned a trip to Rome, but have always been prevented from pursuing that plan. Yet, I still desire to minister fruitfully among you, as I have among the rest of the Gentiles.)
15:24: It speaks strongly of Paul's passion that even here, he does not make a visit to Rome his primary purpose, but thinks of only a passing visit, as the unreached fields of Spain lay beyond that shore. There is no evidence that Paul ever made this trip. He doubtless planned many trips that never came to fruition. However, there are those who think he may have been to Spain for a few years, possibly between two different Roman imprisonments. (Php 1:25 - I am convinced of the need to remain, and I know I shall remain with you all for your progress and joy in the faith. 2Ti 4:17 - The Lord was with me, strengthening me so that the proclamation of the Gospel would be completely heard through me, so that all the Gentiles would hear. For this, I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.) Paul's hope was to be assisted on his way to Spain, or perhaps accompanied, by the Roman church, as was typical of church behavior in that time. (Ac 15:3 - Being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, speaking of the Gentile conversion to the joy of all the brethren. Ac 17:14-15 - The brethren sent Paul to go as far as the sea, while Silas and Timothy remained. Ac 20:38 - They grieved to hear that this was the last they would see of him, but still, they accompanied him to the ship. Ac 21:5 - When the time came, we left on our journey, and they all, wives and children included, escorted us on our way out of the city. Then, we all knelt on the beach and prayed, thereafter saying farewell to each other. 1Co 16:6 - I may stay with you, perhaps over the winter. Then you can send me on to wherever I go next. 1Co 16:11 - Don't despise him, but send him on to me in peace, for I am expecting him. 3Jn 8 - We should support such men, so as to be shown fellow workers with the truth.) Paul's stay with them could not be expected to fully satisfy his longing, for he would soon enough need to be on his way.
15:25: The trip to Jerusalem mentioned here is strong proof of the letter's authenticity, for that trip is well recorded in so many other places. (Ac 19:21 - Paul planned to go to Jerusalem when he was done with his present work, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. He hoped that he would see Rome once that trip was complete. Ac 20:2-3 - When he had passed through that region, and preached quite a bit, he came to Greece. He spent three months there, and had planned to sail for Syria. However, he became aware of a Jewish plot against him, and so decided to go back through Macedonia. Ac 24:17 - After several years, I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.) That which he brought to Jerusalem was to supply the needs of the church there with that which the Gentile churches had contributed.
15:26: Though Paul had often written to encourage the work, yet the offering made by the Macedonian and Achaian churches was cheerfully volunteered, not coerced. (2Co 8:1-6 - We want you to hear of God's grace, as He has displayed it in the Macedonian church. They, in spite of great affliction, have seen their abundant joy overflow the limits of their deep poverty with wealth and liberality. I tell you that they have given freely, not only as they were able, but well beyond what they were able, begging us for the favor of joining in this support of the saints. This exceeded our expectations, but they gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to us by His will. So, we urged Titus to complete what had been started. 2Co 9:2 - I know how ready you are. Of this I boasted to the Macedonians, telling them how you have been ready since last year, and your zeal has stirred them up. 2Co 9:4-7 - I wouldn't want any of them who might accompany me to find you unprepared after all I've told them, for this would be not only to my shame, but to yours as well. So, I have urged you to prepare a bountiful gift beforehand as you had promised, so that the gift will be ready, and cannot be touched by any covetousness. I will tell you that the one who sows little reaps little, whereas the one who sows much reaps much. But give as your heart tells you. Don't do this as though you were forced to, for God loves a cheerful giver. 1Co 16:1 - As far as this collection for the saints goes, I give you the same instructions I gave the Galatians.) Both Philippi (the capitol), and Thessalonica were cities of Macedonia. (Ac 16:9 - In a night vision, a man of Macedonia appeared to Paul, seeking that he might come to Macedonia and help them. Ac 18:5 - When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. Ac 19:21 - This finished, Paul planned to go through Macedonia and Achaia and on to Jerusalem. Then, he thought he might go to Rome. 2Co 7:5 - Even when we reached Macedonia, we had no rest, but were afflicted on all sides, resistance from outside, and fear from inside. 1Th 1:1 - Paul, along with Silvanus and Timothy, write to the church in Thessalonica. 1Th 1:7-8 - You have become an example for all believers throughout the peninsula, for the word of the Lord has spread from you not only into the surrounding regions, but word of your faith has spread even farther. With that, we have no need to speak further of you. 1Th 4:10 - Indeed, you show love for all the brothers in Macedonia, yet we would urge you to excel in this even more.) Achaia was most properly the western portion of the peninsula, with Corinth as capital. (Ac 18:12 - When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up against Paul and took him for judgment.) The Christians in Judea were particularly tried by circumstance, for both religious and political leaders opposed them, as did the people at large. (Ac 8:1 - Saul fully agreed with putting Stephen to death, and great persecution arose against the Jerusalem church, so that its members scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, only the apostles remaining. Ac 12:1 - Herod the king took some members of the church, so as to mistreat them.) In showing the Jews how they were supported by their Gentile brethren, he sought to further the unity he was urging on the Roman church in the larger field of the church at large. 'Nothing tends so much to wear off prejudice, … as to set about some purpose "to do them good," or to unite with them in doing good.'
15:27: In caring for the Jewish church, the Gentiles act as repaying a debt owed. (Ro 1:14 - I am obliged to both Greek and barbarian, to both wise and foolish.) This debt was due to the fact that the Jews were instrumental in both the coming and the spreading of the Gospel, by which they had come to share the same privileges. The blessings received in this spiritual gift far outweighed any pecuniary offering they might make in response. It is this same spiritual debt which authorizes the support of the minister. (1Co 9:11 - If we sowed spiritual seed in you, is it too much to ask that we receive material support from you?) Any who contribute to the support of the Gospel will gain far more in return in payments of peace, edification, and happiness that money could never buy. The minister is not to be considered as a beggar. He is a worker worthy of his wage.
15:28: The seal authenticates the item sealed, and ensures that it is delivered safely into the hands of him to whom the item is sent. Paul functions in both these roles with regard to the offering, this fruit of the Gentiles' benevolence. As much as Paul hoped and planned to reach Spain, no evidence clearly points to his getting there.
15:29: Paul's confidence was full, because he had the testimony of success in his past labors to assure him that God would continue to do as He had done before. (Ro 1:11-12 - I long to see you and give you spiritual gifts, establishing you the more. Then, too, I expect to be encouraged by you. Thus, we will both be strengthened by each other's faith.) The Gospel of Christ is particularly suited to deliver such blessings, and to bear this Gospel blessing should be the desire of every preacher. Paul did eventually reach Rome, but in chains. Yet, he was able to preach for at least two years in that city, and there can be no doubt that he enjoyed success in that endeavor. (Ac 28:30-31 - He stayed two years in quarters he himself rented, and there welcomed all who came to him, preaching and teaching the Lord Jesus Christ openly and free of any hindrance.) God may not always allow us the planned means of doing good, but if our heart is earnest in its desire to do good, He will empower us to do so His way. He knows what means will be most effective in spreading His gospel, where we can only guess. Consider Bunyan's writing of Pilgrim's Progress, done in prison as a means of relieving himself during his twelve years of confinement. In freedom, he would doubtless not have found the time to write, yet in prison he found his desire fulfilled.

Wycliffe (7/12/02)

15:22: As Rome was only across the sea from Greece, Paul often expected that he would be going there next.
15:23: As no further opportunities to spread the Gospel presented themselves in Greece, Paul thought perhaps now he would be freed to go on to Rome.
15:24: This trip would be a leg of his planned journey to Spain, where further unreached territories beckoned. His hope was to gain aid and refreshment from the Roman church in support of this trip.
15:25-15:26: However, he needed to complete his immediate purpose of bringing the Gentile offerings to Jerusalem, to help support the church in that place. This offering, he saw as being a spiritual obligation on the Gentile church.
15:27: Having benefited from the spiritual ministry of what was, after all, a Jewish Gospel, they should most certainly minister in what fashion they were able to the Jewish church in its time of need.
15:28: This offering was a sacred trust in Paul's view. (1Co 16:1 - Concerning the collection for the saints, I give you the same instructions as the Galatians received.)
15:29: Paul's confidence is not so much in his eventual arrival at Rome, but that when he arrived, it would be with a full blessing from Christ. (The mention of the gospel is not found in this passage in the better manuscripts.) This confidence of Paul's was shown true. He arrived with full blessing, although he arrived as a prisoner. He knew his path was hard, and this is why he sought the prayers of his readers.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown (7/12/02)

15:22: Being concerned with breaking new ground, Paul had been too busy to make it to Rome. (Ro 1:9-11 - God witnesses how often I speak of you in my prayers, always seeking to come to you if it be His will. For I long to see you, to impart spiritual gifts for your establishment.)
15:23: Since no ground remains to break in this region, he hopes his longing may be fulfilled at last.
15:24: The author believes that there was indeed a second Roman imprisonment, and that Paul's planned trip to Spain was accomplished between these two imprisonments. There is strong evidence that the phrase "I will come to you" is not original to the text. Large numbers of manuscripts, and many of the writings of the church fathers lack it. There are those, however, who think the omission of the words was an attempt by the copiers to protect Paul's reputation. Thus, in spite of the textual evidence, the author believes the words belong. He expects to come to Rome, but also expects his stay to be shorter than would allow for him to fully enjoy their company.
15:25: His reason for traveling first to Jerusalem is explained.
15:26: He goes to bear the offering that is being sent by the Greeks. (Ac 24:17 - After several years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation.
15:27: Knowing how indebted they were to the Jewish church for having received the Gospel, they were more than happy to send support to that church in their time of need. (Ro 15:16 - I was blessed to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, a priest of God's Gospel, making the Gentiles an acceptable offering, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 1Co 9:11 - If we have sown spiritually in you, should we not at least reap materially from you? Gal 6:6 - Let him who is taught the word share his things with him who teaches. Lk 7:4 - They sought Jesus' assistance saying that the one in need was worthy to have this granted to him. Ac 10:2 - He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was his family, and they gave alms to the Jews, as well as continually praying to God.)
15:28: Paul hopes to come to Rome after safely delivering the love offering from the Gentiles.
15:29: The author believes the words 'of the gospel' to be an addition, as the majority of textual evidence does not support their inclusion, nor is there reasonable explanation for their elimination, whereas their addition at a later date is understandable. Paul's confidence in coming to Rome, and coming filled with Christ's blessings, were not disappointed, as much as the circumstances may have differed from his expectations. (Ac 28:16 - When we reached Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with one soldier serving as guard.)

New Thoughts (7/13/02-7/14/02)

The first thing I want to look at in this section is the matter of priorities. Paul's words in this section show clearly enough that he had many things, many ministry-related things, that he wanted to pursue. Yet, he could not do them all. Choices had to be made. Notice the order in which he has prioritized. First, there is the issue of salvation, of planting the Gospel. This is foremost in his mind, and no other ministry can possibly be more important. If the soul is not secured, looking to the attached body will accomplish little of lasting worth.

However, once the soul has been saved, once the church has been established, Paul's concerns turn to providing for those who have been saved. Why is this, do you suppose? The life of the body is of less concern to those who know their eternal home will be in heaven, after all. However, in this life, the labor of each and every one of us is needful, in pursuit of that primary goal of saving souls. Paul clearly knew this conflict between the desirability of departing for eternal ports, and remaining here for kingdom purposes. (Php 1:23-24 - I am hard pressed to decide, for my greatest desire is to be with Christ, for that would be so much better than this life; yet to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.) Again, we see Paul choose kingdom progress over personal pleasure.

Even what pleasurable pursuits he is willing to allow himself are seen to be allowed only as they, too, fit in with the kingdom purpose of salvation. He's willing now to go to Rome, once the church in Jerusalem is cared for. But, he's willing to go mostly because it will help him to reach new fields for the Gospel in Spain. So we see in Paul's prioritizing scheme a focus on the necessary, and that focus seems always to be on spreading the Gospel, on promoting salvation.

Today, the church at large seems to have lost this focus. It's got itself caught up in many, many ministries, many social programs, many PR campaigns; but it's lost sight of the primary goal. Much of what the Christian press turns out now is focused not on preparing the saint for service, but for making him feel better about himself. We've picked up on the cultural focus around us and, rather than combating that poor view with the truth, we've welcomed it into our midst. We, too, have become more concerned with how we feel than how we truly are. We are to walk by faith, not sight (2Co 5:7). Our emotions are a reaction to what we can see and touch and smell. They respond to the evidence of our senses. If our ministries are founded only on such sensual evidences, they are empty, weak as a vapor, and useless.

We are called, like Paul, to be concerned with the truly necessary. With Paul, we should set our priorities by God's priorities. First and foremost, we are called to glorify and enjoy Him. How shall we do this? We cannot well enjoy Him if we don't know Him. We cannot well glorify Him if we don't know His nature. This is why He has taken such great pains to make certain we have the means to learn of Him and His ways. The presence of the Bible is miraculous in itself, considering all the efforts that have gone in to wiping it out through the ages. Yet God has preserved the best means by which we can know Him. This should be a priority in our lives.

However, once we have learned, the priority must shift to practice. Paul had learned, and Paul was doing. The great lesson we learn about God is that He is greatly concerned with the welfare of His people. He wants them to know eternal joy with Him. He is not willing that any should be lost. He tells us to pray for workers, and work ourselves. If we shall not work, Paul writes, neither shall we eat. This is more than just an anti-welfare statement. It ought to be a spiritual directive for us. If we will not be about our Father's work, why should He expend His efforts to train us up? Why should we be fed spiritually, if we do nothing with the strength that food gives us?

Ministry programs came in a distant second with Paul. Only when all that could be done in the furtherance of the Gospel had been done did he concern himself with the established church, with 'body ministry.' This was not callousness on his part, but focus. Each man saved was a worker who could soon be sent to save others. This was the priority: Salvation. This was the greatest priority. As he went, he established training centers for these new workers. He called them churches. As each center was established, Paul remained long enough to train up the first round of workers, and then left them in charge of the center, to train up others.

The church is a training center, not an old folks home. We should graduate, although this does not necessarily mean we must depart the center. It does mean that we should be quickly reaching the point where we can put our learning into practice in ways that matter. However, in the American church, and probably the European church as well, we have become entirely too comfortable. We are happy to go and be entertained, excited, and even exhorted once, twice, even three times a week; just so long as it doesn't require any real action from us. But when there's an evangelistic effort, especially outside the confines of the church building, just watch the participation drop off! How will He not spit us out for our spiritual ambivalence!

Notice that even with Paul's focus, he does not put the needs of the body beneath the worth of his attention. He recognized Jesus' teaching that the leader in His body would be a servant. He knew that it falls to all of us equally to care for each other. Where there are brothers in need, there are also brothers who have been given provision enough to supply that need. If distance was no object to the church then, it certainly ought not to be now. In this age when the world is at our disposal, all points reached with relative ease, what can possibly stop the Church from this call to mutual aid?

Our call to focus on the harvest does not excuse us from the ministry of care. After all, the greatest needs are usually on the front line of the Gospel spread. This is not always true, but it is the general case. Certainly, there are areas of great need within the body of the American church, as well, but our efforts must go to where the need is most acute. We cannot necessarily provide for every need in the world. Therefore, we must seek to provide for the most critical needs in each moment.

Another thing to notice from Paul's example is that he gave his all to whatever he as doing. Wherever he preached, he preached the whole Gospel. Not just the pleasing parts, not just the convicting parts, but the whole message. He would stay as long as was needful to complete this task, for the Gospel is too big to be delivered in a single message, or even a short series. No, Paul would stay for years at a time, to ensure that the message was not only fully delivered, but fully understood. He would take time to disciple, to establish. He would stay until he was certain the church would remain and function in his absence.

Even in his intentions to visit Rome, he makes clear that this is his way. He expects to arrive, when he does arrive, with the fullness of blessing. He won't be a hit and run preacher. He won't give half the message, and then hurry off to other parts. He will deliver the full message, the full blessing. Even with this, he knows there is so much more that could be had from fellowship with the church, yet there were greater needs. The harvest fields called, and as desirable as fellowship is, it paled in comparison to the opportunity for the kingdom.

Matthew Henry writes that "we cannot expect too little from man, nor too much from God." How true this is! It seems that for many years, perhaps always, we have set our expectations exactly opposite to this truth. We are forever limiting our opinions of what God can do. Sure, we say the words, we pray the prayers, but we don't often believe what we're saying and praying. Perhaps this has truly always been the way, for we see evidence of the same problems in the New Testament itself. "Help my unbelief!" cries the supplicant. We want to believe God can do it. We know we should believe that He can do it. Yet, unless He works that certainty in our hearts, unless we are well enough attuned to the Holy Spirit to hear Him whispering encouragement and assurances, we cannot believe it.

We are too tied to our senses. So, our expectations turn to man. If it's not ourselves we've placed our trust in, it's in somebody else. We see a powerful speaker, a great evangelist or teacher, and our trust immediately goes to that one. He knows, he understands. We'll follow him. But that's not the plan! I know in my own life, there have been occasions where God has had to break relationships because I was putting more trust in that human relationship than in Him. He wants our eyes on Him.

Could this be why in recent years we've seen the fall of so many men of the church? Could this be why the television evangelists went through such falls? So that we would stop trusting in ministries and men, and start trusting in God? Could this be why the Roman Catholics are undergoing such turmoil right now? Because they've placed godlike authority in the hands of their leaders, and forgotten God Himself? What will it take, I wonder, for us to return to a proper order. What will it take for us to have all our expectations in Him, and stop trusting in fallible flesh?

If we trust our president to carry us through the present dangers to this nation, we have misplaced our trust. If we trust our minister to provide spiritual health to us, we have misplaced our trust. If we trust to our own devices to survive the trials of the workplace, we have misplaced our trust. In each of these situations, and in whatever other situations we may face, it is to God we must turn, it is in God we must trust. Our currency still says it. Shouldn't we practice it?

Paul had another great focus in his pursuits. This focus also aligned well with the goal of glorifying God. For Paul was very careful with reputation, but not his own. His concern was for the reputation of the ministry, for the ministry was God's. Throughout this letter, Paul has made statements designed to do away with any complaint that could be raised against the work of his ministry. His own reputation was of little to no concern to him, but the reputation of the work of the kingdom was paramount in his mind. Would that today's ministers were as concerned with the ministry's reputation, and less concerned with their own! Would that today's ministers would keep in the forefront of their minds that nothing they do should ever be such as would cause blame to be found with the ministry.

The ministry is a trust. It is a trust from God, and it is a trust from the people of God. It is a sacred and holy duty, one which should be pursued only with an overwhelming awe at the privilege of serving. Ever, the nature of this trust should be in sight. Every action, every word, every move the minister makes is seen not only by the congregation, but by the world. Every action, every word, every move is judged, and that judgment is made not on the person, but on the ministry at large. When the leader falls, it is not just himself that is wounded, but the damage extends to the whole of what he leads.

In this regard, we must all see ourselves. We are all, each and every one of us, ministers of the Gospel. Each and every one of us represents to the world what it means to be a Christian. Our example, our words, our actions, our decisions, will be watched. The hopeful among the lost will be watching in hopes of seeing a way out of darkness. The cynical among the lost will be watching in hopes of 'proving' the whole thing false, of 'proving' that there is no God, after all. Whose hopes will our actions help?

Lord, I pray that You would keep us mindful of our role, of our active part in establishing Your reputation among the lost. I pray that You would keep us mindful that it's not our meaningless reputations that need our attention. I pray that we would learn to focus on the important things, on kingdom concerns. May we, by Your help, Holy Spirit, walk away from our projects and programs unless they actively work towards saving the lost. May we, by Your help, live out lives that reflect belief, that reflect truth. May our lives indeed be living sacrifices to You, holy, sanctified, set apart and different.