Illyricum, Spain, and being sent on (15:19–29)

Says Paul has “fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ” “from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum” (Rom 15:19, BSB). He hopes to see them “on my way to Spain,” and says “you can equip me for my journey” (Rom 15:24, BSB); he will then “set off to Spain by way of you” (Rom 15:28, BSB).

Implies Rome is presented as a stopping and sending point on a westward journey, not as the end of the plan (Rom 15:24, 28).

Strabo describes the Illyrian coast as well supplied with harbors (Geogr. 7.5.9–10, trans. Jones, 1924, pp. 269, 271). The Egnatian Road runs from Epidamnus and Apollonia toward Macedonia; its first part, the Road to Candavia (a mountain in Illyria), passes Pylon, which marks the boundary between the Illyrian country and Macedonia (Geogr. 7.7.4, trans. Jones, 1924, pp. 293, 295). These notices do not decide what “fully proclaimed” means.

The Romans, according to Strabo, called the country as a whole both “Iberia” and “Hispania,” and in his day it was organized in provinces (Geogr. 3.4.19–20, trans. Jones, 1923, p. 119). Moulton and Milligan take προπεμφθῆναι (propemphthēnai, Rom 15:24) of setting a traveler forward or convoying him on a journey, the sense they give for every New Testament occurrence (Vocabulary, p. 544). No detailed route, preaching stop, or length of stay is stated.

Uncertain Whether Paul ever arrived in Spain is not stated in this letter. See the Romans 1 historical note on travel plans. No lean is taken here.