Romans 15:23-24
(23) But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
(24) Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
Perhaps his visit to Illyricum convinced Paul that no more virgin territory for the gospel lay in Asia Minor and the Grecian Peninsula. This does not mean that he had visited every center, but the gospel had been introduced and local churches had been established that could complete the work (cf. Acts 19:8-10). At any rate Paul concluded, There is no more place for me to work in these regions (lit., “having no more place in these regions”). Coupled with this was his longing for many years to see the Roman Christians. At the beginning of this epistle he had expressed this desire to visit them (Rom. 1:10-11, 13). Paul continued, I plan to do so (this clause does not occur in the Gr. text, but the idea is implied) when (the indefiniteness of the Gr. clause requires “whenever”) I go to Spain (cf. 15:28). Spain was then a Roman colony where many Jews lived; it was the western limit of the empire. He hoped to visit them while passing through. Apparently he did not plan a long stay in Rome. They could then assist him on his journey there (lit., “and by you to be sent forward there”); that is, they would encourage him on to Spain. Paul would proceed to Spain only after he had enjoyed (lit., “I am filled full with,” “I am satisfied with”) their company for a while. Paul paid the Roman believers the sincere compliment that their fellowship would refresh and satisfy him spiritually (cf. 1:13). He also wanted to impart a spiritual gift to them, thereby strengthening them (1:11) and to have some spiritual harvest among them (1:13), that is, to be able to help them grow in Christ.
Excerpt from:
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
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