so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul's desire to be "refreshed" by the Roman Christians highlights that even apostles needed mutual support and spiritual recharge from community, not just from giving. This word choice suggests that his anticipated visit wasn't just about him ministering, but also about him finding rest and encouragement in their shared faith.
so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is closing his letter to the Romans, expressing his deep desire to visit them in person after he completes his trip to Jerusalem. He asks them to pray for him, not just for safety, but for a successful ministry to the Jewish believers there, so that his eventual arrival in Rome will be joyful and mutually refreshing for all.
Paul longed to visit Rome, but his desire wasn't just for a pleasant getaway. He envisioned a visit filled with specific spiritual blessings for both himself and the believers there. What made a Christian visit so profoundly important?
Paul's primary goal for visiting the Roman believers was twofold:
Paul was eager to visit Rome, but he recognized a higher authority guiding his plans. What does it mean to acknowledge God's will in our own desires and journeys?
Paul doesn't just say he hopes to come to Rome; he frames it within 'the will of God.' This highlights several key truths:
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Understand the original words
thelēma · Greek Noun
Refers to the sovereign purpose, decree, or desire of God. It signifies submission to God's ultimate authority and plan for both the world and the individual believer's life.
chara · Greek Noun
A state of deep gladness or delight produced by the Holy Spirit. It is distinct from temporary happiness as it is rooted in the believer’s standing with God and trust in His promises.
synanapauomai · Greek Verb
Literally to 'cool down' or 'give rest.' In a spiritual context, it refers to experiencing renewal, encouragement, or relief through the fellowship and presence of fellow believers.
Paul's prayer to visit Rome with joy and be refreshed was ultimately answered, but not in the way he initially envisioned. His journey, marked by arrest and imprisonment, led him to Rome as a captive, highlighting God's sovereign will even when His people's plans are disrupted.
c. AD 57
Paul's Letter to the Romans
Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, expressing his strong desire to visit them and share the gospel.
c. AD 57
Paul's Plans to Visit Rome
Paul plans to travel to Rome after visiting Jerusalem to deliver a collection for the poor saints there.
c. AD 57-58
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem
Paul travels to Jerusalem, despite warnings of danger, to deliver the promised relief offering. His reception there is fraught with difficulty.
c. AD 58
Paul Arrested in Jerusalem
Paul is arrested in Jerusalem after being accused of bringing a Gentile into the Temple. This event derails his plans for an immediate visit to Rome.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Appeal
Paul appeals to Caesar and is sent to Rome as a prisoner, a different circumstance than he had initially hoped for when writing to the Romans.
c. AD 61-62
Paul Arrives in Rome
Paul finally reaches Rome, not freely as he wished, but as a prisoner, yet he is allowed to receive visitors and continue his ministry.
This passage shows Paul's submission to God's will, even when it means facing hardship, mirroring his desire to come to Rome 'by God's will' despite potential difficulties.
1 Corinthians 16:18Paul uses a similar idea of 'refreshment' or 'rest' in his greeting to the Corinthians, highlighting the mutual spiritual benefit he experiences and provides in fellowship.
Philippians 1:26This verse expresses a similar longing for joyful reunion and the opportunity to boast in Christ through fellowship, reflecting Paul's own desire for joy and refreshment in Rome.
James 4:15This passage emphasizes the need to acknowledge God's sovereignty over our plans, directly echoing Paul's statement that his visit is contingent on 'the will of God'.
ellicottRomans 15:32: "That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed."
(32) The way in which he was received at Jerusalem would make a great difference to the feelings with which the Apostle would arrive in Rome. A favourable reception in Jerusalem would add much to his enjoyment and benefit from intercourse with the Roman Christians. With you be refreshed.—The Greek word is a rare compound, which is found besides in the LXX. version of Isaiah 11:6, “the leopard sh…
jfbRomans 15:32: "That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed."
- That I may come unto you with—"in"joy by the will of God—(Ac 18:21; 1Co 4:19; 16:7; Heb 6:3; Jas 4:15)and may with you be refreshed—rather, "with you refresh myself," after all his labors and anxieties, and so be refitted for future service.
Paul's desire to be "refreshed" by the Roman Christians highlights that even apostles needed mutual support and spiritual recharge from community, not just from giving. This word choice suggests that his anticipated visit wasn't just about him ministering, but also about him finding rest and encouragement in their shared faith.
Paul is closing his letter to the Romans, expressing his deep desire to visit them in person after he completes his trip to Jerusalem. He asks them to pray for him, not just for safety, but for a successful ministry to the Jewish believers there, so that his eventual arrival in Rome will be joyful and mutually refreshing for all.
Paul is closing his letter to the Romans, expressing his deep desire to visit them in person after he completes his trip to Jerusalem. He asks them to pray for him, not just for safety, but for a successful ministry to the Jewish believers there, so that his eventual arrival in Rome will be joyful and mutually refreshing for all.
"so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company." — Paul's desire to be "refreshed" by the Roman Christians highlights that even apostles needed mutual support and spiritual recharge from community, not just from giving. This word choice suggests that…
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Last reviewed October 2026