Romans 15 32

Romans 15:32 kjv

That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

Romans 15:32 nkjv

that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.

Romans 15:32 niv

so that I may come to you with joy, by God's will, and in your company be refreshed.

Romans 15:32 esv

so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.

Romans 15:32 nlt

Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other.

Romans 15 verses

Romans 15 32 Meaning

Paul expresses his earnest desire to travel to Rome, contingent entirely upon God's divine will, with the anticipation of a joyful reunion with the believers there. He specifically seeks a period of mutual spiritual refreshment, where both he and the Roman church members would be encouraged and revitalized through their fellowship and interaction.

Romans 15 32 Context

Romans 15 functions as a bridge, concluding Paul's profound theological discourse and setting the stage for his practical ministry plans. Having presented the gospel's reach to both Jew and Gentile, Paul details his future missionary strategy. He outlines his intention to journey to Spain, but views Rome as a crucial base of support and partnership. Crucially, before heading west, he must first deliver a financial collection from Gentile churches to the impoverished Jewish believers in Jerusalem (Rom 15:23-29).

Verse 32 is part of Paul's concluding appeal for intercessory prayer (Rom 15:30-31). He specifically asks the Roman believers to join him in wrestling prayer for his impending, perilous trip to Jerusalem: that he might be delivered from hostile unbelievers there, that his offering would be acceptably received by the saints, and ultimately, that if these prayers were answered, he could then travel safely to Rome, arrive joyfully, and experience mutual spiritual refreshment with them. This reveals Paul's deep reliance on both divine providence and the collective prayers of the church to navigate the dangers and fulfill the purposes of his extensive ministry.

Romans 15 32 Word analysis

• "so that" (ἵνα, hina)

  • Significance: This Greek particle introduces a statement of purpose or result. It explicitly connects Paul's desired safe and joyful arrival in Rome, with mutual refreshment, as the intended outcome contingent upon the specific prayers for deliverance and acceptance he requested in the preceding verses (15:30-31).

• "by God's will" (διὰ θελήματος Θεοῦ, dia thelēmatos Theou)

  • Original Language: Thelēma (will/purpose) and Theou (of God) combine with dia (through) to denote agency and dependence.
  • Significance: This is a vital qualifier, underscoring Paul's complete submission to divine sovereignty. His elaborate plans are not independent ventures but are wholly subject to God's overarching purpose and permission. This reflects a deep spiritual humility and contrasts with any presumptive attitude about future actions, rooting all endeavor in faithful reliance on the Lord.

• "I may come" (ἐλθὼν, elthōn)

  • Original Language: An aorist participle of ἔρχομαι (erchomai), meaning "having come" or "when I come."
  • Significance: Expresses a specific, anticipated event—his personal arrival. It highlights Paul's profound desire for a physical presence and interaction with the Roman Christians, which has been a long-standing aspiration.

• "to you" (πρὸς ὑμᾶς, pros hymas)

  • Significance: Indicates the collective body of Roman believers. Paul’s intention is to engage with the church as a whole, fostering communal fellowship and spiritual unity, not merely individual meetings.

• "with joy" (ἐν χαρᾷ, en chara)

  • Original Language: Chara signifies a deep spiritual gladness, a positive inner state.
  • Significance: More than mere relief, this implies an arrival marked by spiritual exhilaration and gratitude. Joy, as a fruit of the Spirit, characterizes both Paul’s anticipated state upon his safe arrival and the spirit of his fellowship with the Roman church. It points to a triumphant and fulfilling meeting.

• "and be refreshed" (κἀγὼ συναναπαύσομαι, kagō synanapausomai)

  • Original Language: From syn- (together with), ana- (again, up), and pauō (to cease, rest). The prefix syn- makes it reflexive/mutual: "rest together with" or "be mutually refreshed." The addition of kagō ("and I also") reinforces his personal need.
  • Significance: This powerful compound verb expresses the mutual spiritual benefit Paul seeks. It's not just a physical rest from his arduous journey but a deep spiritual revitalization shared between him and the Roman believers. It emphatically conveys that Paul, despite his apostolic status, actively needs and anticipates spiritual renewal from the faith and fellowship of other believers, highlighting the essential reciprocity in the body of Christ (cf. Rom 1:12).

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "so that by God's will I may come": This phrase binds Paul's missionary itinerary entirely to divine sovereignty. It demonstrates that his ambition and strategic planning are meticulously surrendered to God's ultimate purpose and timetable, viewing every successful step as an act of divine enabling. It implies that true, impactful ministry is always God-ordained.
  • "to you with joy and be refreshed in your company": This group of words paints a vivid picture of ideal Christian fellowship. It's not a formal, detached visit, but a deeply desired reunion characterized by mutual gladness and spiritual invigoration. This "mutual refreshing" is more than a break; it’s a shared participation in the Spirit's life, vital for sustaining both personal faith and corporate ministry.

Romans 15 32 Bonus section

The emphasis on "joy" (chara) within this context connects to broader biblical themes of the Kingdom of God and the fruit of the Spirit. Paul frequently associates joy with the presence of the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17) and sees it as an inherent characteristic of the Christian life even amidst tribulation. Therefore, his hope for a joyful arrival is not merely an emotional preference but a desire for a Spirit-filled encounter with the Roman church, marking their fellowship with a divine presence. Furthermore, the concept of "refreshing" (synanapausomai) extends beyond physical rest. In the ancient world, to "refresh" often carried the nuance of hospitality, relief, and renewed vigor, especially for those exhausted by travel or toil. By specifically stating a mutual refreshing, Paul elevates the act beyond simple human courtesy, indicating a profound spiritual revitalisation derived from sharing the depths of faith with one another. This deep reciprocal need highlights Paul's profound humility and serves as a foundational principle for understanding the dynamics of spiritual growth and enduring ministry within the community of faith.

Romans 15 32 Commentary

Romans 15:32 beautifully encapsulates the posture of a surrendered servant of God who deeply values spiritual fellowship. Paul, an apostle to the Gentiles, submits his future missionary movements to the sovereign "will of God," knowing that human plans, no matter how strategic, are always subject to divine prerogative. This submission cultivates an attitude that ensures that when he arrives, it will be "with joy"—a spiritual gladness stemming from God's faithfulness and the anticipated communion. Most significantly, Paul doesn't come solely to minister or give, but also to "be refreshed in your company." The term "refreshed" implies a mutual, reciprocal spiritual invigoration. Even the seasoned apostle needed spiritual sustenance from the collective faith and encouragement of the Roman believers. This underscores the essential interdependence within the body of Christ, reminding us that all believers, regardless of their position or maturity, both give and receive spiritual life in genuine fellowship. It transforms fellowship from a mere social gathering into a vital source of strength, joy, and renewal for sustained gospel work.

• Practical usage:
  • Always submit your plans and ambitions, both personal and ministry-related, to God's will, recognizing His ultimate authority.
  • Approach spiritual gatherings and relationships with an expectation of shared joy and mutual encouragement, both giving and receiving from fellow believers.
  • Recognize that leaders, teachers, and strong Christians also need refreshing and support from the community, fostering a culture of mutual care.