Romans 15:23-24
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul isn't just saying he's finished his work in a region; he's communicating that the "space" or "opportunity" for him to plant the gospel from scratch has been fully utilized. This sense of completion in one area fuels his deep longing, described with a Greek word akin to intense "homesickness," to finally reach the believers in Rome.
Paul has spent years establishing churches in regions from Jerusalem eastward to Illyricum, and now feels his work there is complete. He longs to visit the believers in Rome, a city he's never been to, as a way to fulfill his mission of bringing the gospel to new areas, particularly the far west, before an anticipated end.
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.
theaomai · Greek Verb
A formal term for 'to look at' or 'to visit'; often implies intentionality and the desire for fellowship, not just a casual sighting.
propempō · Greek Verb
In a New Testament context, this refers to being assisted or escorted, often involving financial or material support provided by one community to another to aid in gospel mission.
Paul's longing to visit Rome wasn't just a personal desire; it was driven by a sense of completing his mission in established regions and a strategic vision to take the gospel to new territories like Spain, with Rome serving as a key point of contact.
c. AD 47-49
First Jerusalem Council
The early church grappled with how to incorporate Gentile believers. This council affirmed that Gentiles did not need to follow all Mosaic laws, paving the way for broader evangelism.
c. AD 49-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent a significant amount of time establishing the church in Corinth, a major trade hub in Greece. This period was crucial for expanding the gospel into Europe.
c. AD 52-56
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul's extended stay in Ephesus, a key city in Asia Minor, allowed him to consolidate churches and evangelize the surrounding region. His work here was extensive.
c. AD 57
Paul's Journey to Illyricum
Paul mentions completing his work from Jerusalem to Illyricum. This signifies the vast geographical reach of his missionary efforts.
This passage highlights Paul's extensive ministry in Asia Minor, explaining the 'no more room' sentiment in Romans 15:23, where his work had reached a natural conclusion.
Romans 1:11-12Paul expresses a similar longing to impart spiritual gifts to the Roman believers, underscoring the deep, long-held desire mentioned in verse 23.
2 Corinthians 11:10This verse uses the same Greek word for 'region' as Romans 15:23, showing Paul's consistent focus on expanding the Gospel's reach into new geographical areas.
Philippians 1:23-24Paul grapples with whether to stay and serve or depart to be with Christ, revealing his internal spiritual longings and his dedication to serving the church, which resonates with his desire to visit Rome.
Acts 20:25Paul tells the Ephesian elders that they 'will not see my face again,' indicating his intentional plans to move on to new regions, aligning with the 'no more place' concept in Romans 15:23.
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 isn't just saying he's finished his work in a region; he's communicating that the "space" or "opportunity" for him to plant the gospel from scratch has been fully utilized. This sense of completion in one area fuels his deep longing, described with a Greek word akin to intense "homesickness," to finally reach the believers in Rome.
Paul has spent years establishing churches in regions from Jerusalem eastward to Illyricum, and now feels his work there is complete. He longs to visit the believers in Rome, a city he's never been to, as a way to fulfill his mission of bringing the gospel to new areas, particularly the far west, before an anticipated end.
Paul has spent years establishing churches in regions from Jerusalem eastward to Illyricum, and now feels his work there is complete. He longs to visit the believers in Rome, a city he's never been to, as a way to fulfill his mission of bringing the gospel to new areas, particularly the far west, before an anticipated end.
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c. AD 57— this verse
Writing of Romans from Corinth
Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, likely from Corinth. He was concluding his extensive work in the eastern Mediterranean and looking towards new frontiers.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul was eventually arrested and brought to Rome, where he spent time under house arrest. This period allowed him to minister to those in the capital.
"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…" — Paul isn't just saying he's finished his work in a region; he's communicating that the "space" or "opportunity" for him to plant the gospel from scratch has been fully utilized. This sense of complet…
