Romans 1:13

Now I would not have you ignorant A characteristic phrase. See Romans 11:25; 1Co 10:1; 1 Corinthians 12:1; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13.

I purposed to come unto you Within limits, evidently, St Paul's plans were no more inspired than those of modern missionaries; his most deliberate intentions were liable to correction by his Master. The correction came often in the form, not of silent providence, but of miraculous intimation. See Acts 16:6-7, and cp. 2 Corinthians 1:15-17.

but was let hitherto Lit. and was let (hindered). Practically, though not in grammatical form, this clause is a parenthesis. For the nature of the hindrance, see Romans 15:22-23.

that I might have some fruit Some results of my ministry. The "results" here contemplated would be not so much conversions as the deeper instruction of the converted.

other Gentiles Properly, the other Gentiles. This clause proves that the large majority of the Roman Christians were converts from paganism. The drift of the whole Epistle says the same.