Romans 15:20

KJV

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea {G1161}, so {G3779} have I strived {G5389} to preach the gospel {G2097}, not {G3756} where {G3699} Christ {G5547} was named {G3687}, lest {G3363} I should build {G3618} upon {G1909} another man's {G245} foundation {G2310}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I have always made it my ambition to proclaim the Good News where the Messiah was not yet known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation,

Berean Standard Bible

In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.

American Standard Version

yea, making it my aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man’s foundation;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in Romans 15:20, articulates a foundational principle of his apostolic ministry: a zealous commitment to pioneering evangelism. He explains his ambition to preach the gospel exclusively in regions where the name of Christ had not yet been proclaimed, thereby ensuring he would not build upon the established work or spiritual "foundation" laid by another missionary. This strategic approach highlights his dedication to expanding the reach of the Good News into unreached territories and his profound respect for the distinct spheres of labor within the early Christian movement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15:20 is situated within Paul's concluding remarks to the Roman church, where he explains his long-anticipated visit and his future missionary plans. Chapters 14-15 focus on the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ, emphasizing mutual acceptance and living for the glory of God. Paul's discussion of his travel itinerary, particularly his desire to visit Rome on his way to Spain (Romans 15:23-24), serves to justify his delayed arrival and to invite their partnership in his mission. Verse 20 specifically clarifies his apostolic strategy, explaining why he has not yet visited Rome, a city where the gospel had already taken root. It underscores his unique calling to break new ground rather than tend to existing congregations, which aligns with his broader vision for the global spread of the gospel, as seen in his earlier statements about his ministry to the Gentiles in [Romans 1:5](/romans/1-5 "Romans 1:5 - Paul's Apostolic Calling").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's missionary endeavors took place within the vast Roman Empire, a complex network of cities, trade routes, and diverse cultures. While the gospel had spread rapidly since Pentecost, vast regions remained unreached. The concept of "foundation" in the ancient world was literal, referring to the bedrock or initial layer upon which a building was constructed. Spiritually, it referred to the initial evangelism and establishment of a Christian community. Paul's strategy was not merely geographical but also deeply theological, reflecting his understanding of his unique commission as the "apostle to the Gentiles" [Romans 11:13](/romans/11-13 "Romans 11:13 - Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles"). His avoidance of "another man's foundation" also speaks to the potential for rivalry or perceived competition among early Christian leaders, which Paul sought to avoid, valuing unity and distinct callings within the burgeoning church.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Romans and Paul's broader theology. It exemplifies **Pioneering Evangelism**, showcasing Paul's unwavering commitment to reaching the unreached and extending the kingdom of God into new frontiers, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 52:15](/isaiah/52-15 "Isaiah 52:15 - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant"). It also highlights **Apostolic Strategy and Wisdom**, demonstrating Paul's intentional and disciplined approach to ministry, maximizing impact by focusing resources where they were most needed. Furthermore, it underscores **Respect for Other Laborers**, revealing Paul's humility and recognition of the legitimate work of other apostles and evangelists. He sought to complement rather than duplicate or undermine their efforts, fostering a sense of shared mission with distinct roles, as he later explains in [1 Corinthians 3:10-11](/1_corinthians/3-10-11 "1 Corinthians 3:10-11 - Christ the Only Foundation"). Ultimately, Paul's ambition was not for personal glory but for the glory of Christ, whose name he sought to proclaim universally.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **strived (Greek, _philotiméomai'_):** From G5389. This word means "to be fond of honor," or more accurately in this context, "to be ambitious," "to eagerly aspire," or "to make it one's ambition." It denotes an intense zeal and deliberate ambition, not for personal gain, but for the advancement of the gospel in new territories. Paul's striving was a noble ambition, driven by divine calling.
* **preach the gospel (Greek, _euangelízō'_):** From G2097. Meaning "to announce good news," specifically the good news of Jesus Christ. This term emphasizes the core content of Paul's mission: the proclamation of salvation through Christ. His striving was directed specifically towards this act of evangelism.
* **named (Greek, _onomázō'_):** From G3687. This word means "to name," "to assign an appellation," or by extension, "to utter," "mention," or "profess." In this context, "where Christ was named" signifies where the gospel had already been proclaimed and a Christian community established, where Christ's name was known and confessed.
* **foundation (Greek, _themélios'_):** From G2310. Refers to "something put down," a "substruction," or the "base or groundwork" of a building. Figuratively, in a spiritual sense, it represents the initial proclamation of the gospel that establishes a Christian community or the fundamental truths upon which faith is built. Paul's desire was to lay new spiritual foundations, not to build upon those already laid by others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel":** Paul asserts his intense and deliberate ambition (from _philotiméomai_) to proclaim the good news of Christ. This is not a casual endeavor but a focused, zealous pursuit, indicating the deep conviction and purposeful direction of his missionary work. His entire life was oriented around this singular, paramount goal.
* **"not where Christ was named":** This clause defines the specific scope and limitation of Paul's ambition. He intentionally avoided regions or cities where the gospel had already been preached and where Christian communities had already been established. This was a strategic choice to prevent redundant efforts and to maximize the global reach of the gospel.
* **"lest I should build upon another man's foundation":** This phrase explains the rationale behind his strategy. Paul desired to avoid constructing his ministry on the spiritual groundwork already laid by other apostles or evangelists. This demonstrates his respect for their work, his commitment to unity within the broader Christian mission, and his unique calling to be a pioneer, establishing new outposts for the gospel rather than expanding existing ones.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 15:20 employs several literary devices to convey Paul's missionary philosophy. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the **building metaphor**, where the work of evangelism and establishing Christian communities is likened to laying a **foundation** and constructing a building. Paul's statement, "lest I should build upon another man's foundation," uses this imagery to clearly articulate his desire to be a pioneer, initiating the work rather than continuing someone else's. This metaphor also implies the stability and permanence of the work, rooted in the initial proclamation of Christ. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Antithesis** between "where Christ was named" and "another man's foundation," contrasting established Christian presence with unreached territories, underscoring Paul's unique focus on the latter. This reflects his **Apostolic Ethos**, a deep sense of calling and purpose that guided his every missionary decision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's strategic principle in Romans 15:20 is deeply theological, revealing God's overarching plan for the global dissemination of the gospel and the diverse yet unified nature of Christian ministry. His ambition to preach where Christ had not been named reflects the missional heart of God, who desires all peoples to hear and respond to the good news. It underscores the urgency and necessity of reaching the unreached, ensuring that the light of Christ penetrates every dark corner of the world. Paul's respect for "another man's foundation" also highlights the importance of stewardship in ministry, avoiding duplication of effort and recognizing the unique gifts and callings God bestows upon different individuals for the expansion of His kingdom. This principle fosters collaboration and mutual respect among ministers, rather than competition, ensuring that the focus remains on the glory of God and the spread of His truth.

* [Isaiah 52:15](/isaiah/52-15 "Isaiah 52:15 - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant"): This Old Testament prophecy, which Paul quotes in the very next verse (Romans 15:21), speaks of those who had not been told seeing, and those who had not heard understanding, directly aligning with Paul's ambition to preach where Christ was not named.
* [1 Corinthians 3:10-11](/1_corinthians/3-10-11 "1 Corinthians 3:10-11 - Christ the Only Foundation"): Paul affirms that he, as a skilled builder, laid a foundation, and another builds upon it, but that "no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." This passage clarifies that while human ministers lay initial spiritual foundations, the ultimate and true foundation is Christ Himself.
* [2 Corinthians 10:15-16](/2_corinthians/10-15-16 "2 Corinthians 10:15-16 - Paul's Boasting in the Lord"): Paul reiterates his commitment to not boasting in the work done by others, but rather hoping that as their faith grows, his sphere of activity among them will be greatly enlarged, so that he can preach the gospel in regions beyond them, without boasting in work already done in another's area of influence.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's pioneering spirit and strategic approach in Romans 15:20 offer profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to consider our role in the ongoing mission of God. While not all are called to be apostolic pioneers in the same sense as Paul, his principle encourages us to identify and engage with the "unreached" in our own spheres of influence, whether geographically, culturally, or socially. This might involve stepping out of our comfort zones to share the gospel with those who have never truly heard it, or engaging with communities where Christian presence is minimal. Furthermore, Paul's respect for "another man's foundation" calls us to humility and collaboration within the body of Christ. Instead of competing or duplicating efforts, we are called to discern our unique gifts and callings, supporting and complementing the work of others, and always seeking to build up the kingdom of God collectively. Our focus should be on the advancement of Christ's name, not on personal recognition or territorialism, ensuring that every effort serves the greater purpose of making disciples of all nations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where are the "unreached" in my own life, community, or sphere of influence, and how can I strategically engage them with the gospel?**
* **Am I truly seeking to build upon the unique foundation Christ has called me to lay, or am I inadvertently duplicating efforts or competing with others?**
* **How can I foster greater collaboration and respect for other ministries and churches, rather than focusing on my own "territory" or achievements?**
* **What new "foundations" might God be calling me to lay, whether in evangelism, discipleship, or acts of service, that are currently unaddressed?**

### FAQ

**Why was Paul so determined to preach only where Christ was not named?**

Answer: Paul's determination stemmed from his unique apostolic calling and strategic vision for the global spread of the gospel. As the "apostle to the Gentiles" [Romans 11:13](/romans/11-13 "Romans 11:13 - Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles"), he felt a specific commission to bring the good news to those who had never heard it, fulfilling the prophecy in [Isaiah 52:15](/isaiah/52-15 "Isaiah 52:15 - Prophecy of the Suffering Servant") that "those who have not been told of him will see, and those who have not heard will understand." His aim was to expand the geographical and cultural reach of Christianity, not merely to strengthen existing communities. This approach maximized the impact of his ministry by focusing on pioneering work, avoiding redundancy, and respecting the established work of other evangelists, as he explains in [2 Corinthians 10:15-16](/2_corinthians/10-15-16 "2 Corinthians 10:15-16 - Paul's Ministry Philosophy").

**What does "another man's foundation" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Another man's foundation" refers to the initial work of evangelism and the establishment of a Christian community in a particular area by another missionary or apostle. Paul uses a building metaphor, where the "foundation" is the initial preaching of the gospel that forms the basis of a local church or group of believers. His principle was not to build upon a spiritual structure that someone else had already initiated. This reflects his desire to avoid perceived competition, to honor the distinct spheres of ministry, and to focus his efforts on breaking new ground, ensuring that the gospel was proclaimed in regions previously untouched by Christian witness. While human ministers lay foundations, Paul always understood that the ultimate and true foundation for all Christian work is [Jesus Christ Himself](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:20, while articulating Paul's missionary strategy, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate object and enabler of all evangelistic endeavor. Paul's "striving to preach the gospel" is not for his own glory, but for the universal proclamation of the name of Christ, the one who is the very content of the good news. The "foundation" he seeks not to build upon, yet simultaneously yearns to lay anew in unreached lands, is ultimately Christ Himself, for as Paul declares elsewhere, "no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is [Jesus Christ](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")" (1 Corinthians 3:11). Christ is the divine architect and the cornerstone [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone") upon whom the entire spiritual edifice of the church is built. Paul's ambition to reach the unreached is a direct outworking of Christ's Great Commission to "make disciples of all nations" [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), extending the reign and redemptive work of the crucified and resurrected Lord to the ends of the earth. Thus, Paul's strategy is not merely logistical but deeply Christological, driven by the imperative that every knee should bow and every tongue confess that [Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"), to the glory of God the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 10:13

But we will not boast of things without [our] measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

2 Corinthians 10:16

To preach the gospel in the [regions] beyond you, [and] not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.

1 Corinthians 3:15

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Ephesians 2:20

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

Ephesians 2:22

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.