Romans 15:21-24 - Exposition

But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand ( Isaiah 52:15 , as in the LXX . The passage is Messianic; but St. Paul need be understood to be quoting it as predictive or directive of the rule he follows. Enough if it expresses his meaning well). For which cause also I have been much hindered (or, was for the most part, or many times hindered ) from coming to you. The hindrance had been, mainly at least, as is evident from δὼ ( Romans 15:22 ), the obligation he was under of completing his ministry in the first place in other quarters (see on Romans 1:13 ). But now having no longer place in these regions ( i.e., according to the context, there being no additional sphere for my activity there. He had now planted the gospel in all the principal centres, leaving disciples and converts, and probably an ordained ministry, to carry on the work and extend it in the regions round. In this his proper apostolic work consisted; cf. 1 Corinthians 1:14-17 ), and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I hope to see you on my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company . The sense of this verse is no way affected by the omission of "I will come unto you," which authorities are against retaining. If "for," after this omission, be retained, the sentence is incomplete, as St. Paul's sometimes are. The omission of "for" (for which there is some little authority) leaves the sentence improved. The apostle's selection of Spain as his next intended sphere of labour might be due to the notoriety of that Roman province, and the facility of communication with it by sea. His omission of Italy, except for a passing visit, is accounted for by his principle, already enunciated, of not building on other men's foundation, there being already a flourishing Church at any rate at Rome. He hoped, as appears from this verse, that some of the members of it might join him in his mission to Spain. For the word προπεμφθῆναι would imply their going all the way in the ease of a sea-voyage. For the use of the word, cf. Acts 15:3 ; Acts 20:38 ; Acts 21:5 ; 1 Corinthians 16:6 ; 2 Corinthians 1:16 . Observe the characteristic courtesy of the concluding clause, which is literally, "should I be first in part " ( i.e. not as much as I should wish, but to such extent as my short stay with you will allow) "filled with you," i.e. enjoy you.