Romans 15:22-33
Q.1. What made it more likely that Paul would visit Rome? Why was he first going to Jerusalem? What was the purpose of his visit? What principle did Paul advocate? – (Rom.15:22-27)
Paul summarized the success of preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles, all the way from Jerusalem to Illyricum on the Adriatic Sea (Rom.15:18-20). Apart from his conviction that he should firstly go to Jerusalem, he determined – whenever I go to Spain – for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while (Rom.15:24 c.f. Acts 19:21; 20:16, 22-24; 21:10-13). He wanted to go to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost, the anniversary of the bestowal of the Holy Spirit on the church, and – to serve the saints (Rom.15:25 c.f. Acts 20:16). He had not visited Jerusalem since the Jerusalem Council, which had ratified the Gospel that he took to the Gentiles (Acts 15:1-29). He wanted to take a gift to help the poor saints in Jerusalem, and to prove the authenticity of the work of the Holy Spirit among the Gentiles – For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem (Rom.15:26). It was enormously important to try to break down the barriers between the Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul declared once again the unity of the churches, and their bond in Christ – … For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things (Rom.15:27). He wanted to communicate practically to the mother church at Jerusalem, the principles that he had taught the Gentile Christians to embrace.
Q.2. What did he hope to do, and where did he hope to go after Jerusalem? What was Paul’s prayer request from the church at Rome? What was his hope for the future? – (Rom.15:28-33)
We cannot overstate the importance of Paul’s final visit to Jerusalem, when he furnished proof of the generosity of the Gentiles toward the Jewish believers, to – … put my seal on this fruit of theirs … (Rom.15:28). He was convinced that this gift from the Gentiles would fortify the decision of the Jerusalem Council. He expected – I know that when I come to you at Rome, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ (Rom.15:29). This he would do as part of his planned mission to Spain (Rom.15:28). He knew that his visit to Jerusalem would be extremely difficult, because of the Judaizers … the Jewish legalists – … those who are disobedient in Judea … (Rom.15:31 c.f. Acts 20:22-24; 21:10-13). He urged the Roman church – … by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me (Rom.15:30). We learn much about Paul’s prayers. Each petition was well thought out. He urged all the believers to join him in praying for the wider ministry – (i) that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea. (ii) that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints. (iii) so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company (Rom.15:31-32). He was hoping for success in his ministry at Jerusalem. He closed with the benediction – Now the God of peace be with you all (Rom.15:33).