Romans 15:22-29

 

Romans 15:22-29

That I May Be Comforted Together with You

 

Rom 15:22  For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. 

Rom 15:23  But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; 

Rom 15:24  Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. 

Rom 15:25  But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 

Rom 15:26  For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 

Rom 15:27  It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 

Rom 15:28  When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. 

Rom 15:29  And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 

 

1. The Apostle Paul’s Desire – vs. 22-24*
1. Paul could not go to Rome because he was busy doing what God had called him to do and that was preaching the gospel on the frontiers – vs. 22*

                                                              i.      Romans 15:19-20 

2. Since Paul was completing his task of preaching on the frontiers, an increasing longing was coming over him to go back to Rome – vs. 23*

                                                              i.      Even the Apostle Paul needs

1.      To be sharpened

a.       Proverbs 27:17 

2.      To be comforted

a.       Romans 1:12 

3. Even though Paul was longing to see them, he was already making plans to go on from Rome to a brand-new frontier – vs. 24*

                                                              i.      Paul relied on the Romans and their support of his ministry. Even though the Roman church had probably the greatest access to resources they longed to serve the church all around the world.

1.      Mark 10:43-45 

2. The Apostle Paul’s Duty – vs. 25-29*
1. Paul was compelled by a duty to go to the aid of the suffering believers in Jerusalem to do what he could for them – vs. 25*

                                                              i.      It is amazing that Paul would have anything to do with the people in Jerusalem since they were not always very supportive of his work

1.      At first, they were afraid of him

a.       Acts 9:26-27 

2.      Then they spread false teaching among his converts

a.       Philippians 3:2 

3.      Spied on the people he preached to

a.       Galatians 2:3-4 

4.      Turned his friends against him

a.       Galatians 2:11-13 

5.      Arrested him and eventually turned him over to the Romans

a.       Acts 21:27-28 

2. The churches in Macedonia and Achaia took up a collection for the hurting Jerusalem Church. – vs. 26-27*

                                                              i.      Despite all that Paul had suffered at the hand of the Jews, both Christian and unchristian, the Gentile believers longed to aid them in their time of need.

a.       Paul’s appeal for financial relief

                                                                                                                                      i.      1 Corinthians 16:1-4 

b.      Their response

                                                                                                                                      i.      2 Corinthians 8:2-4 

3. Paul has been entrusted with a large sum of money for the saints in Jerusalem and he takes his duty very seriously – vs. 28*

                                                              i.      Paul was dragged before Governor Felix based on false accusations from the Jews. He mentions that he is there to help the people who are accusing him in his defense.

1.      Acts 24:13-17 

4. Paul is confident of the ongoing support of the Roman church in the preaching of the Gospel – vs. 29*

                                                               i.      Ephesians 4:11-13