Romanos 15:22-29

Romans 15:22-Joel : . The Prospect of Coming to Rome.

Romans 15:22-Jeremiah : . This long task “ repeatedly detained” the writer; “ but now” that he has evangelised the Eastern Provinces, he may realise “ the yearning” toward Rome he had cherished “ for a good many years”—“ as,” he adds, “ I may be taking my way to Spain.” Being a pioneer missionary, Paul cannot make Rome, where Christ has long been named, his objective: “ I hope to visit you as I travel through, and by you to be sent forward,” etc. Calling by the way, he will not see all he desires of his Roman friends; the taste of their company will help him forward ( cf. Romans 1:11-1 Chronicles :). Events turned out far otherwise (see Acts 25-28, Ephesians 6:20, Colossians 4:11, Php_1:15 ff.). [Whether he ever saw Spain is uncertain (p. 772 ).— A. J. G.].

Romans 15:25-Hosea : . A second But now introduces the voyage Paul “ is on the point of making.” “ The poverty of the saints in Jerusalem” has touched the Christians of “ Macedonia and Achaia” ( cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-Numbers :, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Acts 24:17), who have made their contribution “ in goodwill, owing communion in the things of the flesh” ( cf. 1 Corinthians 9:11, Galatians 6:6) to Israel, “ in whose spiritual things they have participated” ( Romans 15:10-2 Kings :; cf. Romans 11:17 f., John 4:22, etc.). This help is a “ sacred-ministry” (liturgy: same word in Romans 15:16; Romans 13:6; also in Php_2:25 ; Php_2:30 ), and a welcome “ fruit” of Gentile faith ( cf. Php_4:17 f.).—“ Accomplish” (or “ consummate” ; cf. 2 Corinthians 7:1, Hebrews 9:6, etc.) and “ seal” ( Romans 4:11, 2 Corinthians 1:21 f.) are terms implying a religious dedication.— This done, Paul “ will set off” ( Romans 15:28 b: “ go on,” RV, is inexact), leaving his old beat, “ by way of Rome, for Spain.”

Romans 15:29 . “ But I know that Christ’ s full benediction will attend my coming.”—“ Of the gospel” (AV) is an ancient gloss.