Question 1

Why does Paul say he has no more place in these parts before writing about Spain?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says he has no more place in those parts, he is not saying every single person has heard the gospel, but that his main work of planting and establishing churches in that region is complete. His calling was to preach where Christ had not yet been named. In his view, that task in the eastern areas was sufficiently done, so he was ready to move on. Spain represents a new frontier where Christ had not been preached. This shows his strong desire to keep taking the message of Jesus to people and places that had not heard it yet.

Question 2

Why was Paul going to Jerusalem before visiting the believers in Rome?

Accepted Answer

Paul was carrying a financial gift from the churches in Macedonia and Achaia to poor believers in Jerusalem. He saw this as a ministry to the saints there. The believers in those Gentile regions had gladly collected money to help, and Paul felt responsible to deliver it personally and faithfully. He also viewed this gift as a kind of debt of love, because Gentile believers had received spiritual blessings that came through the Jewish people. So before going west toward Rome and Spain, he wanted to finish this loving duty toward the church in Jerusalem.

Question 3

What does it mean that Gentile believers are debtors to the saints in Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

Paul explains that Gentile believers have become partakers of the spiritual things that came through Israel, such as the promises, the Scriptures, and the message of Christ. Because of this, he says they are in debt, not with forced payment, but with a duty of love. Their way of showing thanks is to help Jewish believers with material support when they are in need. So when the churches in Macedonia and Achaia send money for the poor saints in Jerusalem, they are gladly paying this debt of gratitude, sharing their earthly goods in return for the spiritual blessings they have received.

Question 4

Why does Paul call the offering for Jerusalem a fruit that he wants to seal?

Accepted Answer

Paul uses the word “fruit” to describe the money gathered for the poor saints because it is a visible result of God’s work in the hearts of the Gentile believers. Their love and generosity are like fruit growing from faith. When he says he wants to “seal” this fruit, he means he wants to complete the task carefully and faithfully, like someone putting a seal on something to show it is safely delivered. He wants to be sure the gift reaches the right people and is properly handed over, so that their kind intention truly benefits the believers in Jerusalem.

Question 5

What does Paul mean by coming in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ?

Accepted Answer

When Paul talks about coming in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ, he is looking ahead to a visit to Rome that will be rich in spiritual good, not empty or shallow. He expects that his time with them will bring the blessings that naturally flow from the good news of Jesus: teaching, encouragement, strengthening of faith, and shared joy. He is confident that God will make his visit fruitful for them and for him. This shows he does not see the trip as a holiday, but as another time of real ministry and mutual help in the faith.

Question 6

Why does Paul ask the Roman believers to strive together with him in prayer?

Accepted Answer

Paul knows he faces dangers and difficulties, especially from those in Judea who do not believe, and he also worries that his service in Jerusalem might not be welcomed. So he asks the Roman believers not just to say quick prayers, but to strive together with him in prayer, like joining in a struggle. He appeals to them by the Lord Jesus and the love the Spirit has placed among them. In this way, they share in his work and sufferings even from far away. Their prayers are part of God’s help to protect him and make his service effective.

Question 7

What specific things does Paul ask them to pray for in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Paul asks for three main things. First, he wants to be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, because they could oppose or harm him. Second, he asks that his service in bringing the gift to Jerusalem would be accepted by the saints there, despite possible suspicions about his work among Gentiles. Third, he prays that, by God’s will, he may come to the believers in Rome with joy and be refreshed together with them. These requests show he trusts God for protection, fruitful ministry, and a joyful, strengthening visit with the Roman church.

Question 8

How does this passage show the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows unity in several ways. Gentile believers in Macedonia and Achaia send money to help poor Jewish believers in Jerusalem, treating them as family in Christ. Paul calls this a debt, because Gentiles have received spiritual blessings that came through Israel, so they now share material blessings in return. Paul himself, a Jew, gladly serves both groups and carries the gift. He then asks the mixed church in Rome to join him in prayer. Spiritual ties, material help, and shared prayer all come together here, showing that in Christ, believers from different backgrounds belong to one body.

Question 9

What does Paul’s closing blessing about the God of peace tell us about God?

Accepted Answer

When Paul ends by saying, “Now the God of peace be with you all,” he reminds the believers that God is the source of peace. This peace is not only the end of conflict, but a settled well-being that comes from being right with God through Christ and being joined together in unity. In the middle of travel plans, dangers, money needs, and church tensions, Paul points them back to God as the one who can calm hearts and keep the church together. It shows that every plan and every struggle finally rests in the presence and care of the God of peace.

Question 10

How can believers today apply Paul’s example of planning and submission to God’s will?

Accepted Answer

Paul makes clear plans, such as going to Jerusalem, visiting Rome, and aiming for Spain, yet he always holds these plans in light of God’s will. He expects help from other believers, but still looks to God to open and close doors. Believers today can follow this pattern by planning responsibly, being ready to serve and give, and at the same time saying in their hearts, “If the Lord wills.” We can ask others to pray for us, seek to be a blessing when we visit or help, and rest in the God of peace when our path changes or is delayed.

Romans 15:23

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

Paul’s Travel Plans

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Romans 15:23

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

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Paul’s Travel Plans

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