Romans 15:22-33

A Witness to the Ends of the Earth

In 1991, a woman named Teri Horton was able to turn a painting worth 5$ into $50 million. In San Bernadino, she went to a thrift store to buy a gift for a friend. This ugly painting, her words, would end up being rejected. She put it up for sale at a garage sale (pre-FB marketplace). An art teacher walked by and recognized it to be the famous painter Jackson Pollock’s work. Something seemingly insignificant ended up being a multi-million dollar collector’s item.

We often gloss over those things which seem mundane, repetitive, or boring even when we come to the Scriptures. It has been a nonstop doctrinally heavy and theologically robust series of writings up until this point. Now, we come to the close and often speed up in our Bible reading to get through these portions of Scripture.

Yet there is much in verses 22-33 which express Paul’s pastoral desire and devotion to the church and missions, all of which are subordinate to the will of God which supply his desire to see the brothers and sisters in Rome. Now that Paul has established the principle means by which we are saved and how we live in light of our union with Christ, he now transitions into his aspirations to continue the message of Christ.

[1] a prospect for missions (vv. 22-26)

[2] a partnership in the covenant (vv. 27-29)

[3] a prayer for unity (vv. 30-33)

[1] a prospect for missions (vv. 22-26)

Romans 15:22–26“This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 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, 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. At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.”

Resetting the context:

Paul wrote Romans sometime before his trip to Jerusalem in Acts 24:17“Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.” Most believe it was probably during his 3 months in Greece per Acts 20:2–3 “When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.”

In fact, Paul had never visited the church in person, yet. His obvious plan was to pass through Rome in order to push the Gospel message to the “ends of the earth” or modern day Spain. Hence, Paul repeats his initial appeal in Romans 1.13.

Repeat from Romans 1:13“I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.”

Hindrance related to the building of churches and congregations.

The hindrance Paul is describing is the hindrance of the Lord in keeping Paul in the general Macedonia area. Paul was hindered because God has work set out for him in the east at the time. The hindrance is less a focus upon the negative aspect as if Satan or some demonic entity prevented him, and more a focus upon Paul’s primary mission in establishing the eastern churches first, before making his way west.

Purpose of Spain.

Although the major themes of Romans articulate the primary themes of the Gospel message from depravity to salvation, the major aim of Paul in writing to the church at Rome was to support his work to Spain. Paul anticipated the Roman church, upon reading this letter, to be reminded of the unity they share with one another, both Jew and Gentile, in hopes of being encouraged to pray for the future work, pay for the future work, and provide for the future work in personnel.

This particular church, which was heavily Gentilic, would be the primary means that Paul would use to send out, as there were no recorded Jewish settlements in Spain until the third century. All of this would continue and build upon Paul’s emphasis of planting churches where Christ’s name had not been known.

Purpose of Jerusalem.

Before all of that happens, Paul gives the Roman church some expectation management to understand the timeline of when all of this will occur. Perhaps it was a way to prepare them financially in setting money aside for this next mission work, or even an opportunity for the church to grow theologically and doctrinally to prepare for solid elders and deacons to accompany Paul on the way to Spain.

Nonetheless, Paul explains his primary focus at the present time, to return to Jerusalem for the benefit of the churches there.

As you perhaps remember there was a major famine that struck the Jewish-Palestinic area in 46-48 AD. Acts 11:27–30“Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.”

On top of that and the mutual fellowship and sharing of the early church, as noted in Acts 2:42-46 and 4:32-37, the Jerusalem church was probably depleted in its resources, on top of the persecutions that affected the church as well.

Quite shocking and overlooked is this very need for the church in Jerusalem was the very prophetic utterance of Isaiah in chapter 60.3-18. To pick out a few prominent verses.

Isaiah 60:3“And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” Isaiah 60:9“For the coastlands shall hope for me, the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your children from afar, their silver and gold with them, for the name of the Lord your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has made you beautiful.” Isaiah 60:15–16“Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, with no one passing through, I will make you majestic forever, a joy from age to age. You shall suck the milk of nations; you shall nurse at the breast of kings; and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”

In fact, this all encompassing work of redemption that began with the Suffering Servant dying for His people, reaches an epoch in the history of redemption as the Gentile people are brought under the tents of Shem, as promised in Genesis 9, are now partakers of the Kingdom of God, and are the means that God Himself uses to bless the people of Israel.

Purpose of Macedonia and Achaia.

Paul’s collection and gathering of resources came from two primary regions, Macedonia and Achaia. Both of these are referenced and commended for their generosity in 2 Cor 8.1-5 and 9:1-5.

Use 1. Partaking of joy in generosity.

2 Corinthians 9:6–7“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

These principles were undergirded by the exact situation we have here. No longer is it to be percent based, although a percentage is certainly permissible, but it should flow from a heart of cheerfulness.

We partake in generous giving when we know our resources are being used to propagate the Gospel message. Christian giving and generosity has a bad rep. Prosperity gospel, etc.

Mission work costs money, a particular reality. At the end of the day, the resources are not ours anyway. Everything is the Lord’s, hence we generously give. Fruits/markers of the grace given to you, Romans 12:8the one who contributes, in generosity”

Romans 12:13“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”

Romans 12:20“To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.””

Use 2. Partaking of joy in missional work.

Paul’s journey in total thus far nearly 3000 miles, or nearly 5000 km, all for the sake of the Gospel.

Hard times in mission work are necessary.

Hard times in your own mission field.

Use 3. Partaking of joy in God’s provision.

Promise of Christ in Matthew 16 regarding church, Acts 1:8 being fulfilled, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””

All of which is God’s provision. Even provision through secondary means during the struggles of the Jerusalem church.

[2] a partnership in the covenant (vv. 27-29)

Romans 15:27–29“For they were pleased to do it, 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 blessings. When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.”

Pleased to do it.

Fruit evidenced by the power of the Holy Spirit in 15.16.

Various uses employed by Paul with regard to “fellowship” and “

Right response (they owe it to them).

“Share in their spiritual blessings”

Paul is revisiting his previous admonition to the Gentile believers in Romans 11:16–17“If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree,”

Back to Romans 9-11, how Paul demonstrated that

Outline and free preach through it.

Spiritual to material blessings.

Paul often used these terms to designate financial generosity (e.g., Rom. 12:13; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:13; Gal. 6:6; Phil. 4:15)

Galatians 6:6“Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.”

Fullness of the blessing of Christ.

All of this took place in Acts 20:1–4, as you remember from above.

Use 1. A partnership in the covenant community reminds you to share in spiritual blessings.

How do we partake of the spiritual blessings? By serving the covenant community of God. You remember what Paul already said in Romans 12 regarding how the church is to serve? Romans 12:6–8“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”

In the same way, Paul encourages the church with its diversity of gifts to build-up one another in 1 Cor 12-14.

Use 2. A partnership in the covenant community reminds you to share in material blessings.

Look at the demeanor of the early church in Acts 2:42–44“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common.”

Granted, signs and wonders of this nature have ceased as they verified the apostolic ministry, however, the Church loved one another and shared amongst themselves.

Is this not a beautiful blessing of the church? The US was called the “Melting Pot” in the early 20th century as many different people groups immigrated. But the Church is the true melting pot. Though there be a great diversity, there is distinct unity amongst those enjoying the benefits of the covenant people of God.

To partner in material blessings is an encouraging work amidst believers in the covenant community of God. Letter to Philippian church is filled with joy and praise for their spiritual maturity and for their willingness to give.

Philippians 4:15“And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.”

The more important reminder of the church is related to what Christ does on our behalf.

Use 3. A partnership in the covenant community reminds you of Christ’s atoning work.

Spiritual and material blessings are great, but they ebb and flow. Seasons change. Sometimes we are spiritually strong, others times, spiritually weak. Sometimes material strong, etc.

Yet the greatest gift is that of salvation. It does not matter your particular season of life, for the gift of salvation transcends all spiritual or material blessings. This great treasure and gift is one to store up.

How can we be so ignorant to think that forsaking these Gospel truths in preference for material blessings would actually be a benefit to us?

Hence Paul can conclude with another doxology of praise and prayer.

[3] a prayer for unity (vv. 30-33)

Romans 15:30–33“I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for 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. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”

Appeal (παρακαλεω), to urge strongly or exhort,

Romans 12:1“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Same urgency of Paul’s opening in the practical section of Romans.

Elements of salvation, the appeal comes “by” or with the authority of Jesus Christ, operating “by” the love of the Spirit.

Strive together, only used here in NT. Has the idea of fighting alongside of one another, or even a similar reference: The verb may convey the idea of wrestling, as Jacob wrestled with God at Bethel (Gen. 32:24–32). What is communicated in this word group is that prayer involves discipline, energy, and earnestness

Importance of prayer.

Thomas Watson, “Prayer is the soul’s breathing itself into the bosom of the heavenly father.”

John Murray, “But there is something more germane to the nature of prayer indicated by the term “strive”. It is that earnest and consecrated prayer will be persistent and will wrestle. It is a means ordained of God for the accomplishment of his gracious designs and is the fruit of faith and expectation.”

Praying for others.

Praying for deliverance.

Rescue, or save.

Romans use, related to God’s action.

Romans 7:24–25“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.”

Ref to “deliverer” from Zion in Rom 11.26

Unbelievers in Judea.

Effectiveness of prayers.

Acts 21-25, tells of Paul’s persecution in coming to Rome, despite the manner in which he anticipated. How many times was Paul saved by the hands of the Jews and by appealing to Caesar?

Jews leery of Paul on teaching Mosaic law (21.20-25)

Acceptable to the saints.

Sainthood of believers. Not a RCC concept. In Christ = saints.

Being refreshed by others. Means to be relaxed in someone’s company, to rest in them.

Schreiner, “The refreshment stems from the fellowship and joy that exist when members of the church mutually minister to one another”

Benediction.

Use 1. Find refreshment and joy in striving together in prayer.

Benefits of Wednesday

You should find great comfort that you are being prayed for.

Strive together knowing God’s will be done.

Use 2. Find refreshment and joy in striving together in serving.

Romans 12:6–8“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Joy and refreshment in being part of the church.

Church as an organism.

Use 3. Find refreshment and joy in seeking the Lord’s will.

Paul’s prayer to go to Rome certainly did not occur in the way he anticipated

Recognition and resignation to the will of God in our lives

How often does the Lord bring about his purpose in ways unexpected?

Is that a cause of lament or joy to you?

Are you resting in God’s sovereignty?

Jesus’ promise in John 7:17“If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.”

Ultimately joy is found in Christ who saved us, reciprocated servanthood in our lives.