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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul’s strong desire to visit Rome wasn't just about sharing the gospel, but about seeing the "fruit" of his labor – the spiritual growth and new life that would flourish because of God's work in them. He was eager to experience this harvest among them, just as he had seen in other Gentile communities, highlighting his joy in seeing God transform lives.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is opening his letter to the Roman believers, and before diving into his theological arguments, he expresses his deep desire to visit them. He wants them to know that he's not just sending a letter because he can't make it in person; he's been prevented from coming many times before, but it's always been his intention to bring the gospel's "fruit" – spiritual growth and new converts – to Rome, just as he has in other Gentile cities.
Paul had a deep desire to see spiritual growth in Rome. What does he mean by 'fruit,' and why was it so important to him?
Paul uses the metaphor of 'fruit' to describe the results of his ministry. This isn't about personal gain or worldly success, but the spiritual transformation of people.
Spiritual Harvest
Paul viewed these outcomes as a 'harvest' – the fruit of the seeds of the gospel he was sowing. It was a tangible sign of God's work through him, bringing glory to God and joy to his own heart.
Paul 'often intended' to visit Rome but was 'prevented.' What does this tell us about God's sovereignty over our plans?
Paul’s repeated desire to visit Rome, and his subsequent inability to do so, reveals a crucial spiritual principle: God’s plans often redirect our own.
God's Sovereign Hand
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While Paul was eager to see the 'fruit' in Rome, God had a different sequence of events, ultimately bringing Paul to Rome under different circumstances (as seen in the book of Acts).
Understand the original words
adelphos · Greek Noun
A term of endearment and spiritual equality used among followers of Christ, denoting their shared identity as children of God.
karpos · Greek Noun
Refers to the fruit of evangelism or the conversion of souls to Christ, often used metaphorically for the results of apostolic ministry.
ethnos · Greek Noun
Refers to all non-Jewish people, the nations of the world, who are the objects of God’s redemptive mission beyond the covenant people of Israel.
Paul's longing to visit Rome wasn't a sudden thought but a long-held desire, repeatedly thwarted by God's providential leading him to minister elsewhere. This verse reveals his deep pastoral heart, wanting to see believers flourish and the gospel spread, even in the heart of the empire.
c. AD 49
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from Rome, likely due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus' (possibly Christ). This would have dispersed the nascent Christian community in Rome, potentially scattering Jewish believers who might later form part of the church Paul addresses.
c. AD 54-57
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent over two years in Ephesus, a major Gentile center. During this time, he wrote 1 Corinthians and Acts records him planning a trip through Macedonia and Achaia to Jerusalem, after which he intended to visit Rome (Acts 19:21).
c. AD 57
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
While in Ephesus, Paul writes 1 Corinthians, where he mentions his plans to go to Rome after visiting Macedonia and Achaia and going to Jerusalem. This demonstrates an ongoing intention to reach Rome.
c. AD 57-58— this verse
Paul Writes Romans from Corinth
Paul is likely in Corinth when he writes the Epistle to the Romans. He has been delayed from visiting Rome but expresses his strong desire and intention to come and preach the gospel there.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul eventually arrives in Rome, but not as a free missionary. He is under house arrest, awaiting trial before Caesar. While restricted, he still preaches the gospel to all who come to him (Acts 28:16-31).
This passage directly echoes Paul's concept of 'fruit,' where Jesus tells his disciples they were chosen to 'go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.' It highlights that spiritual fruit, the result of God's work through believers, is a central theme in both the Gospels and Paul's letters.
Acts 19:21This verse from Acts provides a specific instance of Paul's 'purpose to come' to Rome, showing that his intention wasn't just a fleeting thought but a documented plan that was 'prevented,' aligning perfectly with the situation described in Romans 1.
1 Thessalonians 2:18Paul mentions being 'prevented' from coming to the Thessalonians, hinting at Satanic opposition or other hindrances. This passage offers a parallel to Romans 1:13, where Paul explains his own prior inability to visit Rome, suggesting similar external forces may have been at play.
Romans 15:22-24Here, Paul explicitly states that he has 'long had many a time a strong desire to come to you' but was prevented. He then explains his extensive missionary work in other regions as the reason, directly elaborating on the 'hindrances' mentioned in chapter 1.
Colossians 1:6This verse speaks of the gospel bearing 'fruit and increasing' in the world, paralleling Paul's desire in Romans 1:13 to 'reap some harvest.' It underscores the missionary impulse and the expectation of spiritual growth and results wherever the gospel is proclaimed.
barnesRomans 1:13: "Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles."
That oftentimes I purposed - See Romans 1:10 . How often he had purposed this we have no means of ascertaining. The fact, however, that he had done it, showed his strong desire to see them, and to witness the displays of the grace of God in the capital of the Roman world; compare Romans 15:23-2…
gillRomans 1:13: "Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles."
Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren,.... The apostle calls them brethren, because many of them were Jews, his brethren and kinsmen according to the flesh, and all of them were his brethren in a spiritual relation; and this he does to express his affection to them, and engage their atten…
Paul’s strong desire to visit Rome wasn't just about sharing the gospel, but about seeing the "fruit" of his labor – the spiritual growth and new life that would flourish because of God's work in them. He was eager to experience this harvest among them, just as he had seen in other Gentile communities, highlighting his joy in seeing God transform lives.
Paul is opening his letter to the Roman believers, and before diving into his theological arguments, he expresses his deep desire to visit them. He wants them to know that he's not just sending a letter because he can't make it in person; he's been prevented from coming many times before, but it's always been his intention to bring the gospel's "fruit" – spiritual growth and new converts – to Rome, just as he has in other Gentile cities.
Paul is opening his letter to the Roman believers, and before diving into his theological arguments, he expresses his deep desire to visit them. He wants them to know that he's not just sending a letter because he can't make it in person; he's been prevented from coming many times before, but it's always been his intention to bring the gospel's "fruit" – spiritual growth and new converts – to Rome, just as he has in other Gentile cities.
"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." — Paul’s strong desire to visit Rome wasn't just about sharing the gospel, but about seeing the "fruit" of his labor – the spiritual growth and new life that would flourish because of God's work in the…
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Last reviewed October 2026