I have been much hindered from coming to you (Romans 15:22)
1. Spiritual source of hindrance (Ephesians 6:10-18)
2. Human source
a) Persecution (Both Jews and Gentiles) (Acts 16-28)
b) Problems expected or unexpected
PERSONAL DESIRE TO MINISTER IN ROME
And having a great desire these many years to come to you (Romans 15:23)
1. Good and honourable desire
2. Desire maintained for many years
POSSIBILITY OF MINISTERING IN SPAIN AND ROME
Whenever I journey to Spain (Romans 15:24a)
1. Hope of Ministry in Spain
a) This was not recorded in the Book of Acts
b) The Roman Empire ruled over Spain and Portugal
2. Going over to Rome en route to Spain
I hope to see you on my journey (Romans 15:24b)
a) Rome and Spain- a long distance apart (over 1370 km)
b) It would take many days
3. Hope expressed of being assisted by the Roman Church
And to be helped on my way there by you (Romans 15:24c)
a) First to enjoy the company and fellowship of the Romans
b) Sand possibly be helped on the way to Spain
4. Present plans
I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints (Romans 15:25)
a) Paul had a valid ministry to the Jews in Jerusalem
b) Though his focus was his ministry to the Gentiles
5. On behalf of the Macedonian and Achaia churches
It pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem (Romans 15:26)
It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in physical things (Romans 15:27)
a) It pleased the believers in Macedonia and Achaia
b) To send relief to the poor in Jerusalem
c) Their reasoning
i) The Gentiles have partaken of spiritual things of the Jews
ii) It was only right to give material things to those who were in need