Spain, sending on, and the Jerusalem service (15:22–33)
Says Paul was often hindered from coming (15:22). With no further place and a longing of many years, he hopes on the way to Spain to see them and be sent on (15:23–24). He goes to Jerusalem to serve the saints. Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor saints in Jerusalem and are debtors: Gentiles who shared spiritual things ought to minister in material things (15:25–27). After sealing this fruit he will go by them to Spain, in the fullness of Christ’s blessing (15:28–29). He asks them to strive with him in prayer for rescue, an acceptable ministry, a joyful arrival, and rest; the God of peace be with them (15:30–33).
Implies Rome is a stopping and sending point on the way to Spain, not the place of a long pastorate (15:24, 28); προπεμφθῆναι (propemphthēnai, “to be sent on”) means help for the onward journey. In 15:27 the collection is also a fitting return for shared spiritual things.
Uncertain Whether Paul reached Spain is not stated in this letter. No lean is taken here. Whether the collection was also meant to be received in Jerusalem as a sign of his gospel is not stated. Preferred here: the prayer that the ministry be εὐπρόσδεκτος (euprosdektos, “acceptable,” 15:31) shows acceptance was not treated as guaranteed.
RP and TR add ἐλεύσομαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς at 15:24 (var.Rom.15.24.eleusomai) and τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τοῦ at 15:29 (var.Rom.15.29.euangelion). Box lines: ἱκανῶν/πολλῶν, ἂν/ἐάν, the article before Σπανίαν, 15:27 word order, and 15:31–32.
Claims
- SaysPaul was often hindered from coming; with no further place and a longing of many years, he hopes on the way to Spain to see them and be sent on; he goes to Jerusalem to serve the saints; Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor saints in Jerusalem and are debtors in material things for spiritual things shared; after sealing this fruit he will go by them to Spain in the fullness of Christ’s blessing; he asks them to strive in prayer for rescue, an acceptable ministry, a joyful arrival, and rest; the God of peace be with them (15:22–33).
- ImpliesRome is a stopping and sending point on the way to Spain, not the place of a long pastorate; προπεμφθῆναι means help for the onward journey; in 15:27 the collection is also a fitting return for shared spiritual things.
- UncertainWhether Paul reached Spain is not stated in this letter. No lean is taken here. Whether the collection was also meant to be received in Jerusalem as a sign of his gospel is not stated. Preferred here: the prayer that the ministry be acceptable (15:31) shows acceptance was not treated as guaranteed.
Citations
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Abbott-Smith public domain s.v. προπέμπω (G4311) —
to set forward on a journey, escort
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Abbott-Smith public domain s.v. διακονία (G1248) —
service, ministry
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Abbott-Smith public domain s.v. εὐλογία (G2129) —
a blessing
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Abbott-Smith public domain s.v. εὐπρόσδεκτος (G2144) —
acceptable
2026-11-09
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