Romans 1:10

Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

Making request {G1189}, if by any means {G1513} now {G2235} at length {G4218} I might have a prosperous journey {G2137} by {G1722} the will {G2307} of God {G2316} to come {G2064} unto {G4314} you {G5209}.

in my prayers; and I always pray that somehow, now or in the future, I might, by God’s will, succeed in coming to visit you.

in my prayers at all times, asking that now at last by God’s will I may succeed in coming to you.

making request, if by any means now at length I may be prospered by the will of God to come unto you.

Romans 1:10 is part of the opening section of Paul's letter to the believers in Rome. After expressing his strong desire to visit them, Paul emphasizes that this desire is not merely personal ambition but is subject to divine guidance and timing.

Context

In the verses leading up to this one (Romans 1:8-9), Paul expresses his thankfulness for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the world, and assures them that he constantly remembers them in his prayers. Verse 10 specifically details one of his frequent requests: the earnest longing and prayer that he might finally be able to visit them in Rome, if it aligns with God's plan.

Key Themes

  • Earnest Desire and Prayer: Paul had a deep desire to visit the Roman Christians, a desire so strong that he made it a consistent subject of his prayers. This highlights the importance of bringing our legitimate desires before God.
  • Dependence on God's Will: The phrase "if by any means now at length I might have... by the will of God" is crucial. It shows that Paul's plans and desires, no matter how strong, were always submitted to God's sovereign will and timing. This echoes themes found elsewhere, such as James 4:15, which teaches us to say, "If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."
  • A Prosperous Journey: Paul prays for a "prosperous journey." This doesn't necessarily mean financially prosperous, but rather a successful journey that achieves its intended purpose – his arrival in Rome to minister to them and be mutually encouraged.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "prosperous journey" is euodōthēnai (εὐοδωθῆναι), which literally means "to be well-pathed" or "to have a good journey." It signifies success or prosperity in the sense of reaching a desired goal. The phrase "by the will of God" (θελήματος θεοῦ - thelēmatos theou) underscores the ultimate authority and direction of God in all matters, especially travel and ministry plans.

Reflection and Application

Romans 1:10 serves as a model for believers today. It teaches us to:

  • Be earnest and persistent in prayer regarding our hopes and plans, even those that seem difficult or delayed.
  • Always submit our desires and plans to the will of God, recognizing that His timing and direction are perfect.
  • Trust that a "prosperous journey" in God's eyes is one that aligns with His purposes, not necessarily one free from difficulty, but one that ultimately glorifies Him and benefits others.

Paul's eventual journey to Rome did happen, but not exactly as he might have initially envisioned – he arrived as a prisoner (see Acts 28:16). This further emphasizes that God's "prosperous journey" may look different than our own expectations.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 15:30

    ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in [your] prayers to God for me;

  • Romans 15:32

    That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

  • Acts 18:21

    But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

  • James 4:15

    For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

  • Philemon 1:22

    But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:10

    Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:11

    ¶ Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

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