Go-and-teach-all-nations
Romans 15:23-24
Paul’s plans for the future - he intended to travel to Rome on his way to Spain
v23 But now there is nowhere else where I could work in these regions. I have wanted to see you for many years.
v24 So I want to see you when I am traveling to Spain. I hope to visit you while I travel through. And I hope that you will help me on my journey to Spain. But first, I want to enjoy some time with you.
Comment:
Verses 23-24 - Paul wanted to go to Spain. He hoped to preach the gospel ‘in the regions beyond’ Corinth (2 Corinthians 10:16). Spain, at the western end of Europe, was part of the Roman kingdom. It was an important place for trade. There were famous writers whom Paul perhaps could persuade to believe the gospel message. Seneca, who became the Emperor Nero’s chief minister, was from Spain.
We do not know whether Paul actually reached Spain. However, we know that Paul reached Rome as a prisoner (Acts 28:14-16). He may have gained his freedom after two years of house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30). (‘House arrest’ means that he lived as a prisoner in his own home.) Afterwards, Paul may have gone to Spain and worked there. However, we know that the Romans killed Paul at some time during the rule of the Emperor Nero.
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Text from the EasyEnglish Bible Version and Commentary - used with permission - © 2007, Wycliffe Associates (UK) - For more information about EasyEnglish Publications, visit their website: www.easyenglish.info.
Go-and-teach-all-nations