Paul’s Travel Plans
Scripture Reading: Romans 15:22–33 (ESV)
22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you.
23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you,
24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.
25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.
26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.
27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings.
28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you.
29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,
31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Paul shares his travel plans, revealing his deep desire to visit the believers in Rome. Yet before heading west toward Spain, he is committed to delivering a financial gift to the saints in Jerusalem—a gift collected by the Gentile churches as an act of unity and gratitude.
This passage is a reminder that ministry involves both spiritual and practical service. Paul calls the Roman believers to join him in prayer, knowing that gospel work faces opposition and requires God’s protection and blessing.
The picture here is of a servant of Christ who longs for fellowship, lives on mission, and trusts God’s timing for every step of the journey.
Prayer Points:
Pray for missionaries and pastors as they balance ministry opportunities with practical needs.
Ask God to deepen unity between believers of different backgrounds.
Pray for God’s protection and guidance over those traveling for gospel work.