Holding the Rope: The Methodology of Missions - Romans 15:17-23

Romans 15

17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have sreasonto be proud of tmy work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anythingexcept uwhat Christ has accomplished through me vto bring the Gentiles toobedience—by word and deed, 19 wby the power of signs and wonders, by thepower of the Spirit of God—so that xfrom Jerusalem and all the way around ytoIllyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make itmy ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named,zlest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written,

a“Those who have never been told of him will see,

and those who have never heard will understand.”

Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome

22 This is the reason why bI 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 csinceI have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I godto Spain, and eto be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyedyour company for a while. 25 At present, however, fI am going to Jerusalembringing aid to the saints. 26 For gMacedonia and Achaia have been pleased tomake some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For theywere pleased to do it, and indeed hthey owe it to them. For if the Gentiles havecome to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to themin material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have deliveredto them what has been collected,2 I will leave ifor Spain by way of you. 29 I knowthat when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing3 of Christ.

30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by jthe love of theSpirit, kto strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 lthat Imay be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that mmy service forJerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come toyou with joy and nbe refreshed in your company. 33 May othe God of peace bewith you all. Amen.