Romans 15:22

ยถ For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

For which cause {G1352} also {G2532} I have been {G1465} much {G4183} hindered {G1465} from coming {G2064} to {G4314} you {G5209}.

This is also why I have so often been prevented from visiting you.

That is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.

Wherefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you:

Commentary

Romans 15:22 explains Apostle Paul's reason for his delayed visit to the church in Rome, attributing it to his intense commitment to pioneering missionary work.

Context

This verse directly follows Paul's explanation of his established missionary strategy: to preach the Gospel primarily where Christ had not yet been named, rather than building on another apostle's foundation. His ambition was to reach the unreached, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 52:15, which he quotes in the preceding verse (Romans 15:21). This extensive work, stretching "from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum" (Romans 15:19), was the "cause" of his hindrance. Despite his long-held desire to visit the Roman believers and impart spiritual gifts, his dedication to primary evangelism took precedence. He mentions his intention to finally visit them after completing his work in the East and making a journey to Spain.

Key Themes

  • Missionary Priority: Paul's life was dictated by his call to be an apostle to the Gentiles, especially to those who had not yet heard the Gospel. This verse highlights his unwavering focus on frontier evangelism.
  • Divine Providence in Delays: While Paul felt hindered, it suggests that his mission was guided by divine timing and strategic importance, ensuring the Gospel spread to new territories.
  • Balancing Desire and Duty: Paul clearly desired fellowship with the Roman church, but his sense of apostolic duty to pioneer new fields took precedence.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "hindered" is enkoptล (แผฮณฮบฯŒฯ€ฯ„ฯ‰), which literally means "to cut into, to impede, to throw obstacles in the way." It conveys the idea of cutting off a path or making progress difficult. This strong term emphasizes that Paul's missionary activities were not mere distractions but significant, demanding endeavors that genuinely prevented him from fulfilling his desire to visit Rome sooner.

Practical Application

Romans 15:22 offers several insights for believers today:

  • Prioritizing God's Call: Like Paul, we are called to discern and prioritize God's specific mission for our lives, even when it means delaying personal desires or comforts.
  • Understanding Delays: Not all hindrances are negative. Sometimes, delays in our plans are part of God's larger, strategic design to accomplish His purposes, guiding us to where we are most needed or where the spiritual harvest is ripest.
  • Commitment to the Unreached: Paul's example reminds us of the ongoing importance of reaching those who have never heard the Gospel, whether across the globe or in our own communities.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 1:13

    Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:17

    ยถ But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:18

    Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
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