The Apostle Paul was already making plans for a fourth missionary journey. There was a strong desire to visit the Christians in Rome in order to impart some spiritual good and to minister among them. This shows a biblical attitude on thinking about other brethren in far parts of the world. The work in the Eastern Empire was reaching maturity, and there was a desire on the part of the Apostle Paul to see the work progress throughout the Western Empire with the same effect revealing his conviction in the power of the Gospel.
Before traveling to Rome, Paul had to bring financial assistance to the saints in Jerusalem to alleviate their suffering. The churches throughout the Gentile world were pleased to give financial aid because they were one body in Christ, and the Gentiles felt an obligation to the saints in Jerusalem as they shared in the spiritual inheritance of the covenant made with the patriarchs.
Paul also expresses a desire to visit Spain by way of Rome in his continuing desire to reach the Gentiles everywhere. Paul may or may not have visited Spain, but his vision for ministry took the great commission seriously. Gospel vision must be larger than the individual or the family or just the local church. The saints of Christ are to take seriously the great pouring out of the Spirit in sending forth the Gospel.
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Nathan Eshelman is pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCNA) in historic downtown Orlando, FL. He studied for ministry at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
He is co-host of "The Jerusalem Chamber" podcast,...