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"I also have been much hindered from coming to you."

Text: Romans 15:22

HINDRANCES IN THE MINISTRY

Paul had a great ministry! His commitment to minister for the Lord saw him experienced many difficulties! Paul had wanted to visit Rome but was somehow prevented from doing so.

“For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you.”

Romans 15:22

What were some of the obstacles that hindered his movements? Paul’s letter to the Corinthians underscores these problems that prevented him from having a greater sense of freedom of ministry. The following problems may be highlighted (Cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). These give us a better understanding of what Paul meant when he wrote about hindrances in the ministry.

1. There was general opposition from unbelievers

a) Stripes beyond measure (2 Corinthians 11:23)

b) Prisons more frequent (2 Corinthians 11:23)

c) In deaths more often (2 Corinthians 11:23)

2. There was opposition from unbelieving Jews

a) Five times I received forty stripes minus one (2 Corinthians 11:24)

b) Three times beaten with rods (2 Corinthians 11:25)

c) Once I was stoned (2 Corinthians 11:25)

3. There was danger afoot traveling in the first century

a) Peril of being shipwrecked (2 Corinthians 11:25)

b) Peril of being robbed (2 Corinthians 11:26)

c) Peril of being among false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:26)

d) Problem of insufficient support (2 Corinthians 11:27)

i) In hunger and thirst (2 Corinthians 11:27)

ii) In cold and nakedness (2 Corinthians 11:27)