Romans 15:28 kjv
When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
Romans 15:28 nkjv
Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.
Romans 15:28 niv
So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way.
Romans 15:28 esv
When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you.
Romans 15:28 nlt
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.
Romans 15 28 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 11:29-30 | So the disciples...sent relief to the elders through Barnabas and Saul. | Early example of Christian giving for relief. |
| Acts 24:17 | Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation... | Paul confirming the purpose of his collection. |
| 1 Cor 16:1-4 | Now concerning the collection for the saints...as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. | Paul organizing the Jerusalem collection. |
| 2 Cor 8:1-5 | ...grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia...their abundance of joy...overflowed...rich generosity. | Encouragement and example for the collection. |
| 2 Cor 9:1-2 | For as to the service of the saints, there is no need for me to write...Achaia has been ready since last year. | Highlighting eagerness in giving. |
| 2 Cor 9:6-7 | The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. | Principles of cheerful and generous giving. |
| Gal 2:10 | Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. | Apostles' mandate for remembering the poor. |
| Rom 1:13 | I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you. | Paul's longstanding desire to visit Rome. |
| Rom 15:19-21 | ...I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ...I make it my ambition to preach...where Christ has not been named. | Paul's missionary strategy to reach unreached areas. |
| Rom 15:23-24 | ...but now since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I hope to see you...and be helped on my way there by you... | Context for visiting Rome en route to Spain. |
| Phil 4:15-17 | ...you sent me aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. | Churches partnering in Paul's ministry (metaphor of fruit). |
| 3 John 1:5-8 | Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brothers...you will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. | Supporting missionaries. |
| Acts 19:21 | Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” | Paul's prophetic resolution regarding Rome. |
| 2 Cor 10:15-16 | ...our hope is that as your faith increases, our sphere of action among you may be greatly enlarged...so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you. | Paul's expanding missionary vision. |
| Col 1:5-6 | ...the hope laid up for you in heaven...which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing. | Gospel's universal spread and fruitfulness. |
| Heb 13:16 | Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. | Importance of practical Christian sharing. |
| 1 Pet 4:10 | As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another... | Using spiritual gifts for service, including giving. |
| Gal 6:9-10 | And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap...especially to those who are of the household of faith. | Persistence in good works and generosity. |
| Rom 1:5 | Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the Gentiles. | Paul's Gentile mission mandate. |
| Acts 13:47 | For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ | Spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. |
Romans 15 verses
Romans 15 28 Meaning
Upon fulfilling his commitment to deliver the relief collection from Gentile churches to the impoverished saints in Jerusalem, the Apostle Paul declares his intention to travel to Rome. From there, he plans to embark on a missionary journey to Spain, expecting the Roman believers' partnership and support for this ambitious venture.
Romans 15 28 Context
Romans 15:28 is situated in the latter part of Paul’s epistle to the Romans, where he elaborates on his apostolic calling and his future travel plans. Specifically, it follows a section (verses 25-27) detailing his immediate objective: to personally deliver a collection (or "offering") from the Gentile churches in Macedonia and Achaia to the impoverished Jewish believers in Jerusalem. This collection was not merely an act of charity but held profound theological significance, symbolizing the unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians and the gratitude of the Gentiles who had received spiritual blessings from Jerusalem. Paul views this as a solemn "service" or "ministry."
Historically, travel in the Roman Empire was challenging but organized, often by sea or well-maintained roads. Paul's strategic approach was to establish churches in major urban centers and then use them as bases for further evangelism. His vision extended to areas where the gospel had not yet been preached (Rom 15:20-21), and Spain represented the westernmost frontier of the Roman world, a largely untouched territory for Christian evangelism at the time. His proposed visit to Rome before going to Spain underscores his intention to garner support, fellowship, and potentially resources from the robust Roman Christian community for this ambitious next phase of his missionary endeavors.
Romans 15 28 Word analysis
- So: (Gr. de) A transitional particle, linking this verse to the preceding discussion about his Jerusalem journey. It signifies the consequence or the next step in his overall plan.
- when I have completed this: (Gr. hote telesas touto)
- completed (telesas, aorist participle of teleō): To finish, fulfill, accomplish. It highlights the decisive, concluded nature of this specific task—the delivery of the Jerusalem collection. Paul views this mission as a finite, definable work.
- this (touto): Refers directly to the immediate task discussed in Rom 15:25-27—the journey to Jerusalem to deliver the offering.
- and have delivered: (Gr. kai apodous)
- delivered (apodous, aorist participle of apodidōmi): To give back, pay back, render, deliver. It implies fulfilling an obligation or trust. Here, it suggests that Paul sees himself as a steward faithfully delivering what has been entrusted to him by the Gentile churches for the saints in Jerusalem.
- to them: The recipients are the poor Jewish Christians in Jerusalem (Rom 15:26), often called "saints."
- what has been collected: (Gr. ton karpon touton, literally "this fruit")
- fruit (karpon): This is a significant metaphor. It refers not merely to "money" or "contribution" but to the tangible evidence, the beneficial outcome, or harvest, of the Gentile churches' faith, love, and spiritual maturity expressed in generous giving. It ties into Rom 15:26 where it's called "fruit of Macedonia and Achaia," implying that their material contributions are a return or a grateful response for spiritual blessings (Rom 15:27).
- I will depart for Spain: (Gr. aperchomai eis Spanian)
- depart (aperchomai, future indicative of aperchomai): To go away, leave. Indicates a definite future action and a new phase in his mission.
- Spain (Spanian): Represented the extreme western frontier of the Roman Empire, possibly symbolizing "the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47) for Paul’s evangelistic ambition to preach where Christ had not been named (Rom 15:20). It was a wealthy, populous Roman province known for its silver mines and agriculture.
- by way of you: (Gr. di' hymōn)
- by way of (di' with genitive): Through you, by means of you. This phrase is crucial. It implies not just physically passing through Rome, but seeking their active participation, support, and partnership in his mission to Spain. This support could include prayer, hospitality, material aid, and possibly companions, making Rome a launchpad and hub for this new mission field.
Romans 15 28 Bonus section
Early Christian traditions, though not found in the biblical book of Acts, hint that Paul may have indeed fulfilled his desire to preach the gospel in Spain. Clement of Rome, in his First Letter to the Corinthians (c. AD 96), mentions that Paul reached "the extreme limit of the West," which was widely understood to refer to Spain. While biblical canon does not explicitly record this journey, the consistent and early tradition underscores Paul's known ambition and God's expansive plan for the spread of the Gospel. This verse therefore stands as an enduring testament to Paul's tireless missionary vision and his unwavering commitment to extending the Kingdom of God even to the farthest known geographical limits of his time. It inspires believers today to think globally and act purposefully in their call to mission.
Romans 15 28 Commentary
Romans 15:28 succinctly reveals Paul's meticulously planned missionary strategy and his deep-seated conviction. His immediate focus is the completion of the Jerusalem collection, an act laden with theological significance for Jewish-Gentile unity and practical love, symbolizing the gratitude of Gentile believers for the spiritual gospel received from Jerusalem. Once this delicate mission of charity and reconciliation is complete, Paul is ready for the next, even bolder, chapter: taking the Gospel to the remote Roman province of Spain.
His route through Rome ("by way of you") is not accidental. It speaks to his apostolic strategy of leveraging existing, vibrant Christian communities as bases for further outreach. He desires Rome to be a partner and facilitator for his journey to Spain, expecting their support and collaboration. This vision of evangelism to the uttermost parts of the earth, funded and supported by the community of faith, embodies Paul's zeal for proclaiming Christ where He is not yet known. It's a testament to the church's role in fulfilling the Great Commission: from serving immediate needs (Jerusalem collection) to audacious missionary expansion (Spain).