Imago Romans - 15:22-33 - Travels
Romans 15:22-33 - Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome This is the reason that I have so often been hindered from coming to you. But now, with no further place for me in these regions, I desire, as I have for many years, to come to you when I go to Spain. For I do hope to see you on my journey and to be sent on by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a little while. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem in a ministry to the saints; for Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to share their resources with the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. They were pleased to do this, and indeed they owe it to them; for if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material things. So, when I have completed this, and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will set out by way of you to Spain; and I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf, that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. The God of peace be with all of you. Amen.
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Paul’s travel itinerary. Not that he knew anything different at the time, but how much easier it is for us to visit and share with others than it ever has been. We can hop in our cars, get on a train, catch a flight, ride a bike, even cruise down the Pike on a unicycle (as I saw someone do the other day). Paul’s dreaming big here - he’s not thinking just about staying where he is at, but he’s thinking about going back to Jerusalem, to Rome, and then hopefully to Spain. Wow - thinking of that journey for Paul and its humbling to think about what he was giving up to be able to make those journeys. It was far from being dropped off at the airport and jumping on a quick flight across the Med.