Read & explore together
Paul’s Travel Plans
Paul explains why he has not yet visited Rome, what he must do first, and how the Roman believers can share in his work through prayer.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
In this part of the letter, Paul speaks directly about his travel plans. He mentions regions where his work is complete for now, a hoped-for journey to Spain, a present trip to Jerusalem, a collection for poor believers there, and a request for prayer.
Romans 15:23–33Main takeaway
This passage shows Paul linking gospel work, practical generosity, and prayerful partnership.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Paul still longs to visit RomePaul says he no longer has place in those regions and has long wanted to come to the believers in Rome.
Explanation
Paul says he no longer has place in those regions and has long wanted to come to the believers in Rome. He hopes to see them on the way to Spain, enjoy their company for a while, and be helped on his journey. This shows both friendship and shared mission.
02First, he must go to JerusalemBefore travelling west, Paul says he is going to Jerusalem, serving the saints. Macedonia and Achaia have gladly made a contribution for the poor among the saints there.
Explanation
Before travelling west, Paul says he is going to Jerusalem, serving the saints. Macedonia and Achaia have gladly made a contribution for the poor among the saints there. The gift is called service, showing that material help for believers in need is part of Christian ministry.
03Why this gift mattersPaul says those who gave were pleased to do so, and also owed it. Gentiles had shared in spiritual things, so they ought to serve in material things.
Explanation
Paul says those who gave were pleased to do so, and also owed it. Gentiles had shared in spiritual things, so they ought to serve in material things. Paul then calls the gift fruit and plans to go by Rome to Spain after delivering it.
04Prayer joins them to Paul’s workPaul is confident that when he comes, he will come with the fullness of the blessing of the good news of Christ.
Explanation
Paul is confident that when he comes, he will come with the fullness of the blessing of the good news of Christ. He urges them to strive with him in prayer, asking for rescue from the disobedient in Judea, acceptance of his service, joyful arrival, and rest together.
05A peaceful closing blessingPaul ends with, ‘Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.’ This blessing follows his requests about danger, service, travel, joy, and rest.
Explanation
Paul ends with, ‘Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.’ This blessing follows his requests about danger, service, travel, joy, and rest. By naming God as the God of peace, Paul closes the section by directing the readers to God’s presence with all of them.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What reasons does Paul give for wanting to visit Rome now?
Notice that he says he no longer has place in those regions, has longed for many years to come, and hopes to be helped on his way to Spain.
02How does Paul explain the collection for Jerusalem?
Notice both the need in Jerusalem and Paul’s explanation that Gentiles shared spiritual things and so should serve in material things.
03What specific prayers does Paul ask for?
List each request in the verses rather than giving a general answer about prayer.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Romans 15:23–33
23but now, no longer having any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come to you,
24whenever I travel to Spain, I will come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.
25But now, I say, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints.
26For it has been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are at Jerusalem.
27Yes, it has been their good pleasure, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to serve them in material things.
28When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by way of you to Spain.
29I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of the Good News of Christ.
30Now I beg you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
31that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32that I may come to you in joy through the will of God, and together with you, find rest.
33Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.