Paul's Travel Plans and Prayer Requests
Romans 15:23-33
Rom.15.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- νυνι: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- μηκετι: ADV
- τοπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εχων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- κλιμασι: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- τουτοις: DEM,dat,pl,m
- επιποθιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- εχων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ελθειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- απο: PREP
- ικανων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- ετων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
Parallels
- Rom.1:11-13 (verbal): Paul expresses a long-standing desire to visit the Roman Christians and explains he has been prevented from doing so—language and concern for visiting the community parallel the longing in 15:23.
- 1 Thess.2:17-18 (thematic): Paul recounts his repeated desire to be with the Thessalonians but being hindered (even by Satan); parallels the theme of longing to visit coupled with impediments.
- 2 Cor.1:15-17 (structural): Paul discusses his earlier travel plans and changes regarding visits to Corinth—similar rhetorical pattern of planned visits, delays, and explanations for not having come sooner.
- Acts 19:21 (structural): Luke reports Paul’s resolved travel intentions (to go to Jerusalem and then Rome), providing background to Paul’s stated desire to visit regions he had not yet reached.
- Acts 20:22-23 (thematic): Paul speaks of being compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem despite knowing hardships await him—connects to the motif of determined travel plans and the tensions between desire, calling, and hindrances.
Alternative generated candidates
- But now, finding no more place in these regions, and since for many years I have had a longing to come to you,
- But now, since I no longer have opportunity for work in these regions, and since for many years I have longed to come to you,
Rom.15.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ως: ADV
- αν: PART
- πορευωμαι: VERB,pres,mid,subj,1,sg
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- Σπανιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ελπιζω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- διαπορευομενος: VERB,pres,mid,part,nom,sg,m
- θεασασθαι: VERB,aor,mid,inf
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- υφ᾽υμων: PREP
- προπεμφθηναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- εκει: ADV
- εαν: CONJ
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- πρωτον: ADV
- απο: PREP
- μερους: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- εμπλησθω: VERB,aor,pass,subj,1,sg
Parallels
- Acts 19:21 (thematic): Paul’s determined intention to continue his missionary journey and visit Rome (and beyond) — expresses the same onward travel ambition that underlies the plan to go to Spain.
- Romans 1:13-15 (verbal): Paul’s earlier statement of longing to visit the Roman believers and to impart spiritual gifts for mutual encouragement parallels the expressed hope here to see them en route to Spain.
- Romans 15:28 (structural): Immediate continuation of 15:24 — explains Paul’s plan to deliver the collection to Jerusalem and then proceed to Spain; directly completes the travel plan articulated in 15:24.
- 2 Corinthians 1:15-16 (verbal): Paul describes a planned route (via Macedonia) so that the Corinthians would ‘send him on his way’ to Judea — similar wording and concept of being provisionally sent on one’s journey by the community (cf. προπεμφθηναι/ἀποστεῖλαι τὴν ὁδόν).
- 1 Corinthians 16:5-9 (thematic): Paul’s discussion of contingent travel plans (hoping to spend the winter, traveling through Macedonia) parallels the practical, conditional nature of his itinerary and hopes for assistance expressed in Romans 15:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- whenever I go to Spain I hope to see you on the way, and to be sent on my journey by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.
- I hope to see you on the way and to be helped on my journey there by you—if first I enjoy your company for a little while.
Rom.15.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- νυνι: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- πορευομαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- εις: PREP
- Ιερουσαλημ: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- διακονων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- αγιοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 19:21 (verbal): Paul resolves/purposes to go to Jerusalem (after ministry elsewhere)—parallels Rom 15:25's statement of his intention to go to Jerusalem.
- Acts 24:17 (thematic): Paul explains that he came to bring alms and offerings to his nation—closely parallels Rom 15:25's purpose of going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints (bringing relief).
- Acts 20:16 (allusion): Luke notes Paul's haste to be at Jerusalem (if possible) for Pentecost—another narrative instance of Paul's determined travel to Jerusalem like Rom 15:25.
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (structural): Paul gives instructions for a collection for the Jerusalem saints and plans to deliver it himself—directly connected to Rom 15:25–26 where Paul goes to Jerusalem to minister and carry the gift.
- 2 Corinthians 8:4-5 (thematic): Paul commends the churches' eagerness to share and send relief to the saints—the same ministry of charity that motivates his trip to Jerusalem in Rom 15:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- But now I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints.
- But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.
Rom.15.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ευδοκησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- γαρ: PART
- Μακεδονια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- Αχαια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- κοινωνιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- τινα: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ποιησασθαι: VERB,aor,mid,inf
- εις: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- πτωχους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αγιων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- Ιερουσαλημ: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Cor 8:1-5 (verbal): Explicit mention of the Macedonian churches' extraordinary generosity — a close parallel to Rom 15:26's reference to Macedonia and Achaia contributing for the poor in Jerusalem.
- 1 Cor 16:1-4 (thematic): Gives instructions for a collection for the saints in Jerusalem, echoing the same practice of taking contributions from Gentile churches for the poor in Judea.
- Acts 11:27-30 (thematic): Describes Antioch's relief effort in sending aid to Judea in response to a famine — an early precedent for Gentile churches providing for the poor of Jerusalem.
- Gal 2:10 (thematic): The Jerusalem leaders' request that Paul and Barnabas 'remember the poor' summarizes the motive behind the collections mentioned in Rom 15:26.
- Acts 24:17 (verbal): Paul's statement that he came to bring alms to his nation (Jerusalem) parallels the concrete practice of carrying contributions to the poor in Jerusalem described in Romans 15:26.
Alternative generated candidates
- For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
- For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
Rom.15.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ευδοκησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- γαρ: PART
- και: CONJ
- οφειλεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- εισιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτων·ει: PRON,gen,pl,m
- γαρ: PART
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- πνευματικοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- εκοινωνησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εθνη: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- οφειλουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- σαρκικοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- λειτουργησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 9:11 (verbal): Paul uses the same reciprocity logic: if spiritual ministry has been sown among you, it is reasonable to reap material support from you (parallel argument about spiritual benefit → material obligation).
- Galatians 6:6 (thematic): Commands those taught the word to 'share all good things' with their teacher—expresses the principle of material care in response to spiritual instruction.
- Acts 11:29-30 (structural): Describes Gentile believers collecting relief for the suffering Jewish brothers in Judea—an early example of Gentile material support for fellow believers who had provided spiritual benefit.
- 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 (thematic): Paul frames the collection for the saints in terms of equality and mutual sharing—encouraging material assistance to balance spiritual blessings and needs.
- 1 Timothy 5:18 (quotation): Cites scriptural support for providing material remuneration to those who labor in ministry ('The laborer deserves his wages'), reinforcing the obligation to support those who provide spiritual benefit.
Alternative generated candidates
- They were pleased to do it and are debtors to them; for if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are indebted to minister to them in material things.
- They were pleased to do this, and they are debtors to them; for if the Gentiles share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to minister to them in material things.
Rom.15.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ουν: CONJ
- επιτελεσας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- σφραγισαμενος: VERB,aor,mid,part,nom,sg,m
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- καρπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τουτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- απελευσομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
- δι᾽υμων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,2
- εις: PREP
- Σπανιαν·: PROPN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Rom.15.24 (verbal): Same immediate plan—Paul states his intent to pass through Rome/visit the Roman Christians on his way to Spain; repeats the goal and itinerary mentioned in 15:28.
- Rom.15:20-21 (thematic): Explains Paul's missionary principle—he seeks to preach where Christ was not named, which motivates his ambition to extend the gospel further west (culminating in a planned trip to Spain).
- Rom.1:13 (thematic): Paul expresses earlier longing and repeated plans to visit the Roman believers and to reap spiritual fruit among them—same motif of travel for gospel fruit as in 15:28.
- 1 Thess.2:18 (thematic): Paul twice asserts his desire to visit the Thessalonians but notes he was hindered—parallels the theme of planned journeys and obstacles that frame his intention to go on to Spain.
- Acts 28:30-31 (structural): Describes Paul in Rome preaching freely—provides the narrative/structural context for Romans 15:28 (Rome as a staging point for any further western mission, e.g., to Spain).
Alternative generated candidates
- When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been promised, I will set out for Spain by way of you.
- When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will go on by you to Spain.
Rom.15.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οιδα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- οτι: CONJ
- ερχομενος: PART,pres,mid,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εν: PREP
- πληρωματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- ευλογιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ελευσομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- Romans 15:32 (thematic): Both verses speak of Paul's planned visit and its spiritual benefit — he hopes to come by God's will so that he may come to them with joy and be refreshed, paralleling the expectation of coming 'in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.'
- Philippians 1:25-26 (thematic): Paul's confidence about remaining/being with the believers for their 'progress and joy in the faith' echoes the purpose behind coming 'in the fullness of the blessing of Christ' — a visit intended to promote spiritual good for the recipients.
- 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 (verbal): The benedictory language ('The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ... be with you all') parallels Romans 15:29's reference to the 'blessing of Christ,' linking Paul's travel/parting language to apostolic blessings invoked on communities.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:10 (thematic): Paul's earnest desire to see the Thessalonians and 'bring to completion what is lacking in your faith' parallels the motive behind visiting in order to impart blessing and strengthen the community.
- Acts 20:32 (structural): As Paul prepares to depart, he commends the Ephesian elders to 'the word of his grace' that will build them up — structurally similar to Romans 15:29 where Paul's coming is presented as the occasion of imparting Christ's blessing and strengthening the faithful.
Alternative generated candidates
- I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
- I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
Rom.15.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Παρακαλω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- δια: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- δια: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αγαπης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πνευματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- συναγωνισασθαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,inf
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- εν: PREP
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- προσευχαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- υπερ: PREP
- εμου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- προς: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Colossians 4:2-4 (verbal): Paul’s direct request that believers ‘continue steadfastly in prayer’ and ‘pray for us’ that God may open a door for his ministry closely parallels the appeal here to join him in prayer on his behalf.
- Ephesians 6:18-20 (thematic): A communal call to pray (including for boldness and clear speech for Paul’s witness). Shares the theme of united intercession for Paul’s ministry and protection.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 (thematic): Paul’s short, urgent request—‘Finally, brothers, pray for us…’—reflects the same plea for the community’s prayers for the advance and success of his message.
- Philippians 1:19 (verbal): Paul links the prayers of the community and the help of the Spirit to his personal outcome—echoing Rom.15:30’s combination of prayer and the role of the Spirit in Paul’s situation.
- 2 Corinthians 13:14 (allusion): The Trinitarian invocation (grace of Jesus Christ, love of God, fellowship of the Spirit) parallels Rom.15:30’s formulaic appeal ‘by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit,’ showing similar theological phrasing.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now I appeal to you, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,
- I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,
Rom.15.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ινα: CONJ
- ρυσθω: VERB,aor,pass,subj,1,sg
- απο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- απειθουντων: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- Ιουδαια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- διακονια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- Ιερουσαλημ: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ευπροσδεκτος: ADJ,nom,sg,f
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- αγιοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- γενηται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Rom.15.25-29 (structural): Contextual parallel: these verses state Paul's purpose in going to Jerusalem—to carry the collection and render service—so v.31 functions as a closing petition for safe arrival and that that service be acceptable to the saints.
- 1 Cor.16.3-4 (verbal): Verbal/thematic parallel: Paul instructs believers to set aside offerings so they may be delivered 'to the saints' in Jerusalem when he arrives, paralleling the 'service to Jerusalem' and concern for its reception.
- Acts 20.22-23 (thematic): Thematic parallel: Paul insists on going to Jerusalem despite knowing chains and afflictions await him—resonates with the plea in Rom 15:31 to be rescued from hostile (unbelieving) people in Judea.
- Acts 21.27-33 (allusion): Allusive parallel: an account of violent opposition to Paul in Jerusalem (his being seized after Jewish tumult) that concretely reflects the danger from unbelieving Jews from which he prays to be delivered in Rom 15:31.
Alternative generated candidates
- that I may be delivered from those in Judea who are disobedient, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
- that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
Rom.15.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ινα: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- χαρα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ελθων: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- δια: PREP
- θεληματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- συναναπαυσωμαι: VERB,aor,mid,subj,1,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- Rom.15.23-24 (structural): Immediate context: Paul earlier states his plan and hope to visit the Romans so that, when he comes, he may be refreshed together with them — the same purpose expressed in 15:32.
- 1 Corinthians 16:7 (structural): Paul expresses a similar travel plan and desire to remain with the church ‘if the Lord permits,’ paralleling the conditional visit and intent to be refreshed with believers.
- 1 Corinthians 4:19 (verbal): Uses the same conditional formula (‘if the Lord wills’/‘if the Lord permits’) qualifying Paul's intention to come, echoing the phrasing in Rom 15:32.
- James 4:15 (allusion): States the general principle ‘if the Lord wills’ for human plans; provides the wider Scriptural backdrop for Paul’s conditional language about visiting.
- 2 Corinthians 7:6-7 (thematic): Describes how Titus’ arrival comforted and refreshed Paul’s spirit—paralleling the motif of mutual refreshment and encouragement Paul seeks in visiting the Roman believers.
Alternative generated candidates
- so that, by God's will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed together with you.
- so that, by God's will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
Rom.15.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ειρηνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- μετα: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- υμων·αμην: PRON,gen,pl,m + INTJ
Parallels
- Philippians 4:9 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language invoking 'the God of peace' (Greek: ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης) as present with the recipients—close verbal parallel in a closing benediction.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (verbal): Explicitly calls God 'the God of peace' (ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης) in a benediction/prayer for the readers' sanctification and preservation—shares theological and verbal vocabulary.
- Hebrews 13:20-21 (structural): A doxological benediction invoking 'the God of peace' who raised Jesus and equips believers—parallels Rom 15:33 in title for God and in function as a closing blessing.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (thematic): Begins with a petition for peace from the 'Lord (or God) of peace' to be granted to the community—thematic parallel of invoking divine peace as a closing wish for the congregation.
Alternative generated candidates
- May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
- May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
But now, since I have no more opportunity in these regions and since I have long desired for many years to come to you,
I hope to see you on my way and to be helped on my journey there by you, after I have first enjoyed your company for a little while. But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.
For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.
They were pleased to do this, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.
When, therefore, I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will set out by you for Spain.
I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. Now I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,
that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that the offering I bring to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
so that, by God's will, I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
The God of peace be with you all. Amen.