22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.(A)

Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome

23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you,(B) 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain.(C) I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist(D) me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem(E) in the service(F) of the Lord’s people(G) there. 26 For Macedonia(H) and Achaia(I) were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.(J) 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.(K) 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain(L) and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you,(M) I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

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Paul’s Intention of Visiting the Romans

22 This is the reason I was often hindered from coming to you. 23 But now there is nothing more to keep me[a] in these regions, and I have for many years desired[b] to come to you 24 when I go to Spain. For I hope to visit you when I pass through and that you will help me[c] on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.

25 But now I go to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia are pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do this, and indeed they are indebted to the Jerusalem saints.[d] For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are obligated also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore after I have completed this and have safely delivered this bounty to them,[e] I will set out for Spain by way of you, 29 and I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of Christ’s blessing.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 15:23 tn Grk “now no longer having a place…I have.”
  2. Romans 15:23 tn Grk “but having a desire…for many years.”
  3. Romans 15:24 tn Grk “and to be helped by you.” The passive construction was changed to an active one in the translation.
  4. Romans 15:27 tn Grk “to them”; the referent (the Jerusalem saints) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  5. Romans 15:28 tn Grk “have sealed this fruit to them.”