Romans Chapter 15 Vs. 24

Paul's Plan to Visit Rome

Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. Rom 15:24

journey into Spain... There is no record in Scripture or history that Paul ever fulfilled this proposed journey into Spain. It is on record that he went back to Jerusalem and was taken to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 21:1-28:31).

for I trust... I trust to see you and be blessed with your company as I go to Spain.

Paul’s father was a Roman, and it was Paul’s desire to bring the gospel to them.

1Cor. 16:5-7 “Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.” “And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.” “For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.”

if first I... This last verse says it all. Paul just like us must say “if the Lord permit”.

Careful and sensible planning does not demonstrate a lack of trust in God’s providence. But plans must always be subject to the Lord’s control and alteration, just as Paul’s were.

The city in Spain being referred to here is Tarshish. Paul hoped the church at Rome would supply him with an escort and supplies to make the journey to Spain.

Spain was then a Roman colony where many Jews lived; it was the western limit of the empire. He hoped to visit them while passing through. Apparently he did not plan a long stay in Rome. They could then assist him on his journey there (lit., “and by you to be sent forward there”); that is, they would encourage him on to Spain. Paul would proceed to Spain only after he had enjoyed (lit., “I am filled full with,” “I am satisfied with”) their company for a while. Paul paid the Roman believers the sincere compliment that their fellowship would refresh and satisfy him spiritually (cf. Rom. 1:13). He also wanted to impart a spiritual gift to them, thereby strengthening them (Rom. 1:11) and to have some spiritual harvest among them (Rom. 1:13), that is, to be able to help them grow in Christ.