Romans 15:23
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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul's "no more place" isn't about exhaustion, but about having successfully established the Gospel in the established regions, freeing him to press into new frontiers. This verse reveals a profound longing, a deep affection for the Roman believers that goes beyond mere duty—it’s an "affectionate longing" that has simmered for years.
Paul explains that his missionary work has expanded as far as it can in the regions east of Italy, so he now feels free to pursue his long-held desire to visit the Roman believers. Having established churches and preached the gospel throughout these areas, he sees no more "room" for his direct ministry there and longs to travel west to Rome, and then potentially onward to Spain.
Paul speaks of having 'no more room' in certain regions. What does this mean for a missionary with an unending passion for spreading the Gospel?
Paul's statement, 'no more place in these parts,' isn't about exhaustion, but fulfillment. He's saying his foundational work in areas like Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece is complete. The churches are established, and the Gospel has taken root.
This signifies a strategic shift. His apostolic calling wasn't to stay and manage, but to pioneer, to bring the good news to new, unreached territories. Think of it like a builder finishing one crucial structure and immediately looking for the next site to build upon. He's not idle; he's purposeful in moving forward.
Paul expresses a 'great desire' to visit Rome. What's behind this intense longing?
The original Greek word Paul uses here for 'desire' (epipothian) is powerful. It's not just a casual wish; it carries a deep sense of longing, even akin to homesickness. It speaks of a profound yearning for connection and fellowship.
Paul's desire to see the Roman believers wasn't just about checking a box. He longed to share spiritual gifts, to be mutually encouraged, and to see God's work flourishing there. This deep affection reveals the personal heart of Paul, the shepherd who genuinely cares for the flocks he serves, even those he hasn't personally founded.
Understand the original words
klima · Greek Noun
A place or area of ministry; specifically referring to geographical territories where the Gospel has not yet been established or where Paul's apostolic task is complete.
epipotheō · Greek Verb
A strong, earnest desire or yearning of the heart, often used to describe deep relational or spiritual longing.
Paul's decision to go to Rome wasn't just a spontaneous wish; it was the culmination of years of ministry in the East and a strategic move to reach new territories, all while facing the ever-present possibility of unexpected delays and hindrances.
c. AD 40-50
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul undertakes extensive missionary journeys across Asia Minor and into Greece, establishing numerous churches and spreading the gospel.
c. AD 50-55
Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends a significant amount of time in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor, further expanding his ministry and writing letters to churches.
c. AD 55-58
Travel through Macedonia and Achaia
Paul travels through Macedonia and Achaia (modern Greece), visiting and strengthening the churches he had previously established.
c. AD 58— this verse
Paul's Intention to Visit Rome
Having completed his work in these eastern regions, Paul decides to travel to Rome, a long-held desire, before heading to Spain.
This passage shows Paul stating his departure from Ephesus, mentioning that the churches he founded in that region have now been established, similar to how he feels his work in current regions is complete in Romans 15:23.
Romans 1:11Here, Paul expresses his long-held desire to visit the Romans, mirroring the sentiment of 'longing for many years' mentioned in Romans 15:23.
2 Corinthians 11:10This verse uses the same Greek word for 'parts' (ch. 15:23) to describe regions where Paul is ministering, highlighting his consistent pattern of establishing churches and moving on.
Philippians 1:12Paul discusses how events have actually furthered the gospel, even though his ministry in a specific 'region' might be ending, which resonates with his feeling of having no more 'place' in his current areas in Romans 15:23.
Acts 19:10This verse notes that all the inhabitants of Asia heard the word of the Lord, suggesting a saturation of the gospel in a region, which parallels Paul's sense in Romans 15:23 that his work in the current 'parts' is complete.
ellicottRomans 15:23: "But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;"
(23) But now having no more place. —The work had been finished, so far as the Apostle was concerned, in Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece. The churches had been founded, and fairly set going; and now he felt it his duty to go on to new fields, his duty in this respect also falling in with his wishes, as it would bring him to Rome. Place.—Room for (new) working. The whole. gr…
jfbRomans 15:23: "But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;"
23, 24. But now having no more place—"no longer having place"—that is, unbroken ground, where Christ has not been preached.and having a great desire—"a longing"these many years to come unto you—(as before, see on [2271]Ro 1:9-11).
Paul's "no more place" isn't about exhaustion, but about having successfully established the Gospel in the established regions, freeing him to press into new frontiers. This verse reveals a profound longing, a deep affection for the Roman believers that goes beyond mere duty—it’s an "affectionate longing" that has simmered for years.
Paul explains that his missionary work has expanded as far as it can in the regions east of Italy, so he now feels free to pursue his long-held desire to visit the Roman believers. Having established churches and preached the gospel throughout these areas, he sees no more "room" for his direct ministry there and longs to travel west to Rome, and then potentially onward to Spain.
Paul explains that his missionary work has expanded as far as it can in the regions east of Italy, so he now feels free to pursue his long-held desire to visit the Roman believers. Having established churches and preached the gospel throughout these areas, he sees no more "room" for his direct ministry there and longs to travel west to Rome, and then potentially onward to Spain.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Romans 15:23 is available in the Sola app.
c. AD 59-60
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Paul is arrested, significantly altering his travel plans and leading to his imprisonment.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea
Paul is held in prison in Caesarea for two years while awaiting trial and appealing to Caesar.
c. AD 62-64
Paul's Journey to Rome
Paul finally travels to Rome as a prisoner, where he remains under house arrest, continuing to preach and write.
"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," — Paul's "no more place" isn't about exhaustion, but about having successfully established the Gospel in the established regions, freeing him to press into new frontiers. This verse reveals a profound…
