Romans 15:23-27 (WEL) But now having no more opportunity in this area and having great desire for many years to come to you. 24 Whenever I take my journey to Spain, I will come to you, for I hope to see you on my journey and be assisted by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. 25 But now I am about to travel to Jerusalem to serve the saints. 26 For it has pleased those of Macedonia and Achaia to contribute something for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 It has truly pleased them, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they owe it to them to serve them in material things.
V23 But now having no more opportunity in this area and having great desire for many years to come to you.
Most likely Paul was in Corinth. Now finishing up his ministry there, he wishes to move to another location to preach and teach the Gospel. He has been longing to minister to the believers in Rome. Paul was not just an evangelist Apostle, he was also a teaching Apostle, so wishes to be in Rome to meet the fellow believers and assist them in growing in the faith.
V24 Whenever I take my journey to Spain, I will come to you, for I hope to see you on my journey and be assisted by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.
Paul desires to go to Spain to preach the Gospel. As far as we know, he was never there, but he was in Rome. Even though Paul worked his trade as a tent maker (Acts 18:3), he often relied on gifts, lodging, and food from fellow believers.
Paul’s motive to meet with the Romans was for fellowship, to teach others, and learn from others what God has taught them. We wish to do the same today. We ask, “Brother, what has God taught and blessed you from your Bible study today?”
V25 But now I am about to travel to Jerusalem to serve the saints.
Before his planned journey to Spain, he felt it necessary to deliver the offerings of the brethren to the church in Jerusalem (Acts 21).
V26 For it has pleased those of Macedonia and Achaia to contribute something for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
Where the offerings mainly came from.
V27 It has truly pleased them, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they owe it to them to serve them in material things.
He and the other believers wish to bless their fellow believers in Jerusalem who had need. Their countrymen, Jews, had cut off any help because of their faith in Jesus.
Hebrews 13:16 Do not forget to do good and share because with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
We learn:
- Paul wishes fellowship with the brethren.
- Paul wants to be a blessing to other Christians.
Questions:
- How is your fellowship with other believers?
- How do you bless them?