Romans 15:22-33
22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings.
28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. 30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (ESV)
We see:
- Paul’s Purposeful Plan
a. His Hindrance (v22) – he could not visit the Romans because he was hindered by the preaching of the Gospel (cf Rom. 1:13).
b. His Heart (v23) – he desired to visit them, but had to focus on what God has called Him to do (cf Rom. 1:9-11), like the Lord Jesus who set His face like flint to go to Jerusalem…
c. His Hope (v24) – he hoped to see them when passing through their region. - Paul’s Pastoral Priorities
To give to the saints:
a. Aid (v 25a) – we need to reach out to one another as Christ did to us. We need to have the heart of Paul and the heart of Christ to help those in need (2nd Cor. 8:9)
b. Advice (v 25b) – we owe it to our fellow believers.
c. Assurance (vv 28-29) – his visit would be a source of encouragement, assuring them of the Lord Jesus’ presence among them (cf Rom. 1:11-12). - Paul’s Passionate Prayer Request
a. Contest (v 30) – urging the believers to pray.
b. Content (vv 31-32) – by our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of Holy Spirit, for him to be delivered from the unbelievers and that his service may be received well.
c. Conclusion (v 33) – that the God of peace might be with them, and that the peace of God that transcends all understanding may be with us all.