Romans 15:22–33 (ESV)
Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome
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.
What is Paul’s focus? It is obvious by today’s reading that he is out to spread the
gospel. He is building churches and moving from city to city. He also is taking an offering to Jerusalem for the poor. You get a glimpse of his busy life, a life of service to God. He wants to see the people in Rome, and maybe
he will on his way to Spain. His trip to visit them will be more determined by his trip to Spain. He will stop and visit for awhile, but he will have to get back to the Lord’s Work. What would the world be like if we all lived this
way? Was Paul having to deal with rejection? Well... listen to this verse: “ to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea.”
I pray: Thank You, God, for spiritual blessings of peace and joy, as well as for the encouragement given to me by my brothers and sisters in Christ. I praise You also for the material blessings You have entrusted to me. Guide me to use them
wisely and to share with those in need. Amen.