Romans 15:22-24 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 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, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.
Paul had plans to visit Rome but had not been able to because he has been compelled and lead by God to take the gospel to new areas and bear witness to the Gentiles of salvation in Jesus Christ. We may have plans and dreams about doing something, but God will lead us to do something else in his will. Everything we do must be put through the filter of asking God if this is his purpose and will for us. Many people just live from day to day, not considering the bigger picture of what God’s purpose for them is. If we can engage in God’s mission, we will find the greatest fulfillment and peace. This mission does not need to involve going to the far sides of the world but may only mean being a witness in our homes and communities.
Paul felt that his mission of planting seeds was complete where he was. It is likely that he was writing this letter from Corinth. He had spent quite a bit of time there, up to 18 months, with several visits and at least three letters, two of which survive in our New Testament. Paul has other dreams and plans to go to Spain and plant the seeds of the gospel there. He hoped the Roman Christians would provide a resting spot and then provide for his needs so he could continue to the far sides of the Roman Empire. Did he ever make it? There have been arguments that he did, but the New Testament does not give any evidence. Some people argue that after Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and eventually sent to Rome where he was under house arrest (Acts 26-28), that he was freed and then evangelized again in the East before being arrested and second time. I personally find this tradition and theory lacking evidence. Rather, historical evidence suggests that Paul never gained his freedom after his house arrest and was eventually tried before Nero and executed. So, Paul never made it to Spain, but he did make it to Rome, just not as a free person. Being in Rome with his friends and fellow believers would have provided him a great send off to another mission. Paul was not a young man any more. In terms of the first century, he was getting old. Such a trip was ambitious at best. Even though Paul never made it to Spain, it shows his passion and vision. Nothing could stop him from trying, except only as the Lord led him. Dreams are not bad, but we must be prepared for how God may direct us. I have had many dreams not work out. But I can see God’s hand in where we have gone over the years.
For older posts, click here.