Paul’s Apostolic Travel Plan

Dave Riddle - 2/16/20

Key Passage: Romans 15:22-29

What Was

Romans 15:23b - ...I have strongly desired for many years to come to you...
- He never allows his personal desires to override his calling.
- Taking the gospel to those who had never heard it was Paul’s primary objective.

What Is

Romans 15:23a - But now I no longer have any work to do in these regions...
- There was still a lot of work to be done, but Paul’s work was finished.
  - He had planted churches, trained leaders, and empowered believers.
Romans 15:25 - Right now I’m traveling to Jerusalem to serve the saints...
- Why was the church in Jerusalem so impoverished?
  - Potentially as a result of their extreme generosity (as seen in Acts 2 & 4).
Romans 15:26-27
- Paul acknowledges the importance of the Jerusalem church in the planting and thriving of churches all around the Mediterranean.
  - He is asking now for those churches to bless the Jerusalem church in the midst of their great need.

What‘s Next

Romans 15:28 - I will visit you on the way to Spain.
- Spain was one of the furthest reaches of the Roman government at the time
  - Many Jews, few Christians.
  - A place ripe for the gospel.
- A tremendously long and difficult journey.
Romans 15:24 - I hope to see you when I pass though and to be assisted by you...
- He isn’t staying long.
- He anticipates being “filled up” by their fellowship and support.

What’s For Sure

Romans 15:29 - ...I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
- He takes the focus off himself and places it on Jesus.

What do we take away?

Paul’s preoccupation with the Gospel
The importance he places on people in need.
The importance Paul places on the mutual benefit we have in building each other up.