Paul's Planned Journey (Romans 15)
Rom 15:22–33 · written c. AD 56–57
The travel plan Paul sketches at the end of Romans: from Corinth with the collection to Jerusalem, on to Rome and all the way to Spain – the western end of the world (Rom 15:22–29).
Paul’s Planned Journey (Romans 15)
Rom 15:22–33 · written c. AD 56–57
The travel plan Paul sketches at the end of Romans: from Corinth with the collection to Jerusalem, on to Rome and all the way to Spain – the western end of the world (Rom 15:22–29).
Trip stops (4)
1
Corinth
Rom 16:1; cf. Acts 20:2-3
Here Paul writes the letter to the Romans. Phoebe from the neighbouring town of Cenchreae is to take the letter to Rome. Paul has worked in the eastern Mediterranean for more than twenty years – now there is "no more place for me in these regions" (15:23).
2
Jerusalem – the collection
Rom 15:25-28
The first stage. Paul travels with the gift of money from Macedonia and Achaia for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. "The Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings and ought to serve them in material things." He asks the Romans to pray that the gift will be well received (15:31).
3
Rome – passing through
Rom 15:23-24, 28-29, 32
The second stage. Rome is not the final goal but a stop on the way. Paul longs to see the church, be refreshed by them and receive their help for the journey further west. "I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ" (15:29).
4
Spain
Rom 15:24, 28
The final goal – mentioned twice. Spain was the western edge of the known world. Paul wants to take the gospel "to the end of the earth" (cf. Acts 1:8). Whether he ever got there, we do not know for certain. 1 Clement 5:7 (c. AD 96) suggests that he reached "the limits of the west".