Free Bible Commentary
“Romans 15:22-33”
Categories: Romans“For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you; but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you whenever I go to Spain — for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while — but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things. Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
“Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”
---End of Scripture verses---
As Paul wraps up his letter to the Christians in Rome, he shares his future travel plans with them (verses 22-29). It has been estimated that this itinerary would have required Paul to travel about 3000 miles in total—from Corinth to Jerusalem, then to Rome and from Rome to Spain. Makes you feel kind of guilty when you complain about driving 15 to 30 minutes to go to church services doesn’t it?
Paul next requests the prayers of his brethren in Christ that he will stay safe on his journeys, and that he will be well-received by the Christian brethren in Jerusalem. Paul had a reputation among the unconverted Jews in Judea as a traitor to the Jewish faith. Bonds and afflictions awaited Paul in Jerusalem (Acts 20:22-23), and he wanted prayers that he would be “rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea” (verse 31).
Paul also requested their prayers that the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem would accept the contributions made by the Gentile converts that Paul had helped to make on his extensive travels (verses 25-27). The Apostle Paul understood that power and value abounded in the prayers offered up to God by sanctified, righteous people (James 5:16).
As Paul prayed for his brethren in Rome, so I pray for each one of you: “May the God of peace with you all. Amen.”
Please read Romans 16:1-16 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
