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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22 In fact, my visit to you has been delayed so long because I have been preaching in these places.

Paul’s Travel Plans

23 But now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you. 24 I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey.

25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers[a] there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia[b] have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially. 28 As soon as I have delivered this money and completed this good deed of theirs, I will come to see you on my way to Spain. 29 And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together.

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Footnotes

  1. 15:25 Greek God’s holy people; also in 15:26, 31.
  2. 15:26 Macedonia and Achaia were the northern and southern regions of Greece.