Hi there, welcome back for another perspective on the book of Romans.

Previously we had discussed how Paul had laid the foundation in other territories and desired to come to Rome. As we had previously discussed, Romans 15:19 describes what those territories were.

Romans 15:19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ;

So now we pick up in verse 22.

Romans 15:22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you.

Paul’s been a busy guy.

He’s been laying the foundation for other churches from Jerusalem to Illyricum also known as Dalmatia. If we look at Acts we can see that it has always been Paul’s desire to go to Rome.

The Acts 19:21 Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Paul ends this chapter with the prayer that the God of all peace may be their portion.Now he’s almost ready to visit those in Rome who have already been introduced to Christ through the ministry of others.

Romans 15:23-24 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.

Paul didn’t plan to stay in Rome for very long.

He saw his visit there as an opportunity to enjoy their company and be refreshed for the continuation of his journey.

When we go and visit other Christians, whether it be to a church or a home, it is an opportunity to be refreshed. To be renewed in our faith. Are you seeking out other believers in the faith so that you may be encouraged in your walk? Fellowship is essential in our daily lives. I encourage you to surround yourselves with those that are strong in their faith.

Romans 15:25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.

Paul had raised some money from other gentile Christians to meet the needs of Jewish Christians who were struggling to make ends meet.

This giving is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:1 and 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9.

Romans 15:26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 

These gentile believers we’re pleased to give.

After all it was through the Jewish believers that these gentiles received the gospel. They felt a sense of obligation to them. I mean after all, if someone shared the gospel with you and your life was radically changed forever, wouldn’t you want to help them financially or otherwise if they needed it? Verse 27 says exactly that.

Romans 15:27 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 a​_lso to be of service to them in material blessings.

We are called to minister to the needs of saints.

Romans 12:13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

2 Corinthians 9:11-12 You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

Our lives are enriched when w​e give.

As givers meeting the needs of other saints produces an abundance of Thanksgiving to God. The recipient of your gift needs to know that it is God leading you to do it. It is not a gift that results in your own self satisfaction. Give God the glory for giving you the means to help others.

Romans 15:28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you.

Paul is just reaffirming what he had told them earlier. Once he’s done delivering the financial aid he’s going to meet them on his way to Spain. 

Romans 15:29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

The blessing of Christ that Paul is speaking of is Christ’s blessing or approval of what Paul is going to do for the Romans.

It is not only a blessing for Paul it is a blessing for the Romans as well. We as believers should always proceed with Christ’s blessing or approval of our actions.

Romans 15:30 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,

Paul wants their prayers.

He appeals or asks earnestly for those prayers because of the commonality they share in the spirit. He asks them to strive together with him in prayer. Strive means to exert oneself vigorously. In other words Paul is requesting them to pray with their whole heart and soul. With everything they’ve got. We should do likewise. Our prayers should not be half-hearted. We too need to pray with our heart and soul. God deserves nothing less.

Romans 15:31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,

Now Paul is explaining what he needs prayer for.

He had four specific prayer requests. First, that no harm will come upon him from those who don’t believe in Christ. More specifically, the zealots who were fanatically opposed to the gospel. Next he asks for prayer that the Jewish Christians may receive the gift with the proper spirit. That they may not be offended by the givers. In other words the gentiles. There were many strong prejudices against those who preached to the gentiles. Also, that their charity would not be offensive to them.

Romans 15:32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.

The third prayer request was that his visit to Rome would be a joyful one and that he would be refreshed along his journey.

Romans 15:33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Paul ends this chapter with the prayer that the God of all peace may be their portion.

God is the God of patience in verse 5. Then in verse 13 He is called the God of Hope. Lastly He is the God of peace. As we end this chapter it is my prayer to you my listeners that our God will grant you His patience, hope and peace always.

I’d like to thank you for listening and as always may you have a week full of opportunities to share this good news with those that need to hear it.