William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Romans 15:22

Our apostle having, in the former verses, excused himself for dealing so plainly in his writings with them, doth here apologize for his not coming amongst them, affirming, that the true reason why he did not visit Rome was this: he looked upon planting of churches as more necessary than watering of them, and the preaching of Christ where he had never been named, to be the most needful work. Now at Rome there had before been. church planted, and elders ordained to build upon that foundation; for this reason he had hitherto declined coming to Rome. But now, having no more place in these parts, that is, having no more churches to plant thereabouts, he signifies both his inclinations and fixed resolutions to visit them at Rome, as he took his journey into Spain, and to stay some time with them, that they might be mutually filled and satisfied with, and refreshed by, each other's company.

Here note, 1. That the Romans were very early converted and called to the Christian faith, soon after Christ's ascension; for the twentieth year after it did Paul write this epistle. But he had. desire of seeing the Romans many years before he wrote unto them, and therefore many years before, they were converted to the faith.

Note, 2. That our journeying form one place to another is not according to our purpose but God's disposal. The apostle, no doubt, intended to go into Spain when he wrote this; but God overruled the matter beyond the apostle's expectation. The travels of the apostles from place to place, in order to the planting and propagating of the Christian faith, were under the special influences and direction of the Holy Ghost. They assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. Acts 16:7.

Note, 3. The great end why the apostle was so desirous of the sight and enjoyment of the Christians at Rome; it was, that he might be refreshed, nay, filled with their company.

Lord, how desirable is the communion of saints, and how beneficial the society of sincere and serious Christians! Their company is filling, (not empty, vain, and frothy, as the company of most is, but) administering both grace and comfort to them that enjoy it: I desire to see you in my journey, that. may be filled with your company.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Romans 15:22

Old Testament

New Testament