Romans 15:22-33 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is Romans 15:22-33. Let’s go!
Romans 15:22-24 (NIV)
22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.
23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you,
24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.
On verses 22-24: Paul had spent many years trying to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to places in the Eastern Mediterranean where people had not yet heard. That was his mission. Now Paul was finding that “there is no more place for me to work in these regions” (v23), since those regions now had reasonable access to the gospel. Having accomplished basically all that he wanted to accomplish in those regions, Paul looked forward to finally visiting the church in Rome, something he had longed to do for a while. He was finally making plans to visit Rome on his way to Spain.
What can we learn from this? When one chapter of your life has closed, see it as an opportunity to do those things which you didn’t have a chance to do before.
Romans 15:25-28 (NIV)
25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there.
26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.
28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way.
On verses 25-28: As much as Paul longed to see the Christians in Rome, first Paul needed to fulfill a promise and finish a task, which was to bring to the Jerusalem church the offering he had collected from the Gentile churches. Like Paul, since we represent God and want to give Him great glory, let’s be known for being highly responsible in all we do, keeping our word and doing our best to be faithful with what God has entrusted to us.
Romans 15:29-33 (NIV)
29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.
30 I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
31 Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there,
32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.
33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Verses 29-33: Paul didn’t just make plans and work hard. He prayed. Here he asks the Christians in Rome to pray for him too. Paul knew the power of prayer to effect change, both in people and in circumstances. Here we learn that with prayer comes power. Much prayer, much power. Little prayer, little power. No prayer, no power.
Father, thank You that today is full of opportunities. I pray that I would make the most of them, with prayer and with a responsible heart. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
