Romans 15:23

KJV

But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} now {G3570} having {G2192} no more {G3371} place {G5117} in {G1722} these {G575}{G5125} parts {G2824}, and {G1161} having {G2192} a great desire {G1974} these many {G4183} years {G2094} to come {G2064} unto {G4314} you {G5209};

Complete Jewish Bible

But now, since there is no longer a place in these regions that needs me, and since I have wanted for many years to come to you,

Berean Standard Bible

But now that there are no further opportunities for me in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to visit you,

American Standard Version

but now, having no more any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come unto you,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:23 reveals the Apostle Paul's strategic missionary planning and his deep personal longing to visit the believers in Rome. Having completed his foundational evangelistic work in the eastern Mediterranean region, establishing churches where the gospel had not yet been preached, Paul now looks westward. This verse articulates his conviction that his pioneering ministry in "these parts" is finished, paving the way for him to finally fulfill a long-cherished desire to come to Rome, not merely as a destination but as a crucial stop on his way to new mission fields in Spain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15:23 is situated within the concluding section of Paul's letter to the Romans, specifically within his discussion of his missionary principles and future travel plans (Romans 15:14-33). Prior to this verse, Paul has articulated his unique apostolic calling to preach the gospel where Christ was not named, from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, emphasizing his ambition to avoid building on another man's foundation, as stated in [Romans 15:20](/romans/15-20 "Paul's Ambition to Preach Where Christ Was Not Named"). Verse 23 serves as a transition, explaining *why* he is now free to pursue his long-standing desire to visit Rome and, subsequently, Spain. It directly follows his declaration of having "no more place" (v. 23a) and precedes his detailed itinerary, including his intention to pass through Rome on his way to Spain (v. 24). This entire section highlights Paul's strategic vision for global evangelism and his reliance on God's guidance for his movements.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing the letter to the Romans from Corinth, likely during his third missionary journey, around 57-58 AD. This period marks a significant turning point in his ministry. He had spent considerable time establishing churches in Asia Minor and Greece, fulfilling his initial commission to the Gentiles in the eastern Roman Empire. The phrase "in these parts" refers to the geographical area from Jerusalem through Syria, Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Achaia (Greece), extending as far north as Illyricum (modern Albania), as he indicates in [Romans 15:19](/romans/15-19 "Paul's Extensive Ministry from Jerusalem to Illyricum"). Culturally, travel in the Roman Empire, though challenging, was facilitated by an extensive network of roads and sea routes. Paul's missionary strategy often involved visiting key urban centers, which served as hubs for the spread of the gospel to surrounding regions. His desire to visit Rome, the capital of the empire, was not just personal but also strategically significant, recognizing its influence and potential as a base for further westward expansion of the gospel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores **Paul's Missionary Strategy and Zeal**, demonstrating his methodical approach to evangelism: planting churches, establishing a gospel presence, and then moving to new frontiers. His ambition was not to settle but to continually expand the reach of the gospel, as seen in his discussion of his apostolic ministry in [Romans 15:18-21](/romans/15-18-21 "Paul's Apostolic Ministry to the Gentiles"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Guidance and Human Desire**, showing how Paul's personal "great desire" to visit Rome and preach in new territories aligns with God's broader plan for the spread of the gospel to the Gentile world. This interplay suggests that God often works through the Spirit-empowered desires of His servants. Lastly, the verse touches upon **Christian Fellowship and Partnership**, as Paul's longing to visit Rome was driven by a desire for mutual encouragement and support from the Roman believers, anticipating their partnership in his mission to Spain, as he expresses in [Romans 15:24](/romans/15-24 "Paul's Plan to Travel to Spain via Rome").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **no more (Greek, _mēkéti'_):** From G3371, meaning "no further," "any longer," or "no more." This word emphasizes Paul's conviction that his pioneering work in the eastern regions of the Roman Empire had reached a point of completion. It doesn't imply that there were no more unconverted individuals, but rather that the foundational work of establishing churches and proclaiming the initial gospel message was sufficiently established, allowing him to strategically move on.
* **place (Greek, _tópos'_):** From G5117, meaning "a spot," "location," "opportunity," or "room." In this context, "place" refers to a sphere of missionary activity or an area where his unique apostolic calling to preach where Christ had not been named could be exercised. Paul felt he no longer had a *reason* or *opportunity* to perform his specific pioneering work in those areas.
* **great desire (Greek, _epipothía'_):** From G1974, meaning "intense longing." This word conveys a strong, fervent yearning or deep spiritual eagerness. It highlights the profound personal and spiritual motivation behind Paul's long-standing wish to visit the Roman believers, indicating a desire that went beyond mere logistical planning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But now having no more place in these parts":** Paul declares that his specific missionary mandate—to preach the gospel where Christ was not yet named—has been fulfilled in the regions he has ministered in thus far (from Jerusalem to Illyricum). This statement signifies a strategic completion of a phase of his ministry, not a lack of further need for evangelism in general, but a personal conviction that his unique pioneering role in those areas was done.
* **"and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;":** This clause reveals Paul's long-standing and fervent longing to visit the Roman believers. The phrase "these many years" underscores the depth and persistence of this desire, indicating it was not a new impulse but a deeply rooted aspiration. His eagerness was likely driven by a pastoral heart, a desire for mutual encouragement, and a strategic vision to enlist their support for his next missionary endeavor.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Understatement** and **Personal Disclosure** in this verse. His declaration of "having no more place in these parts" is an understatement of the vast spiritual needs that still existed, but it powerfully conveys his strategic assessment that his *pioneering* work in those specific regions was complete. This strategic completion allows him to pivot to new fields. The phrase "great desire these many years to come unto you" is a profound **Personal Disclosure**, revealing the depth of his affection and long-standing yearning for the Roman church. This personal touch serves to build rapport and trust with his audience, demonstrating his genuine pastoral heart and not merely a detached strategic plan. The use of "many years" also functions as a form of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the intensity and duration of his longing, making his eventual visit all the more significant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 15:23 powerfully illustrates the intersection of divine calling, human strategic planning, and personal longing in the life of a dedicated servant of God. Paul's sense of "completion" in the eastern Mediterranean is not a cessation of ministry but a strategic re-direction, guided by his understanding of God's will for him to be a pioneer. This highlights a key theological principle: God often calls His people to specific, sometimes time-bound, phases of ministry, and faithfulness includes discerning when one season is ending and another beginning. His "great desire" for Rome underscores the biblical value of Christian fellowship and the mutual encouragement found in the body of Christ, recognizing that even an apostle needs the spiritual refreshing that comes from community. This verse also implicitly connects to the broader theme of the global mission of God, as Paul's movements are always driven by the ultimate goal of spreading the gospel to all nations.

* [Acts 13:2](/acts/13-2 "The Holy Spirit Calls Paul and Barnabas for Missionary Work")
* [1 Corinthians 9:19-23](/1_corinthians/9-19-23 "Paul's Adaptability in Ministry for the Sake of the Gospel")
* [Philippians 1:8](/philippians/1-8 "Paul's Affectionate Longing for the Philippians")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in Romans 15:23 offers profound insights for believers today, challenging us to consider our own spiritual journeys and service. His ability to discern when a phase of ministry was complete, even amidst ongoing needs, speaks to the importance of strategic thinking and divine leading in our lives. We are called not merely to be busy, but to be purposeful, asking ourselves if we are effectively stewarding our gifts and time in the areas God has called us to, and if we are open to new directions when He signals a shift. Paul's "great desire" reminds us that deep, Spirit-infused passion is vital for sustained ministry and healthy Christian relationships. It encourages us to cultivate fervent desires for God's purposes and for genuine connection with fellow believers, seeking mutual encouragement and partnership in the gospel. This verse prompts us to evaluate our own "places"—our spheres of influence, ministries, or callings—and to prayerfully consider when God might be leading us to new frontiers, trusting that His timing and direction are perfect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern when a particular season or phase of ministry in my life might be drawing to a close, and how can I be open to God's leading for new directions?**
* **What "great desires" for God's kingdom or for specific relationships do I have, and how might these desires align with God's broader purposes?**
* **In what ways can I strategically assess my current "place" of service to ensure I am maximizing my impact for the gospel, rather than simply maintaining the status quo?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "no more place in these parts"?**

Answer: When Paul says he has "no more place in these parts," he is referring to his specific apostolic calling to be a pioneer missionary, establishing the initial gospel presence where Christ had not yet been named. As he explains in [Romans 15:20](/romans/15-20 "Paul's Ambition to Preach Where Christ Was Not Named"), his ambition was to preach the gospel where it had not been heard, avoiding building on another's foundation. Having extensively ministered from Jerusalem around to Illyricum ([Romans 15:19](/romans/15-19 "Paul's Extensive Ministry from Jerusalem to Illyricum")), he felt that the foundational work of establishing churches and proclaiming the gospel was sufficiently accomplished in those regions, freeing him to move on to new, unreached territories further west. It does not mean there were no more unconverted people, but that his unique pioneering task in those areas was complete.

**Why did Paul have such a "great desire" to visit Rome?**

Answer: Paul's "great desire" to visit Rome was multifaceted. Firstly, it was a long-standing personal longing, as he had expressed his eagerness to come to them previously in [Romans 1:11](/romans/1-11 "Paul's Longing to See the Roman Believers") and [Romans 1:13](/romans/1-13 "Paul's Previous Hindrances from Visiting Rome"). Secondly, he desired to impart some spiritual gift to them and be mutually encouraged by their faith ([Romans 1:11-12](/romans/1-11-12 "Paul's Desire to Impart Spiritual Gift and Be Encouraged")). Thirdly, Rome, as the capital of the Roman Empire, was a strategically vital location. Paul intended to use Rome as a base and a source of support for his further missionary journey to Spain ([Romans 15:24](/romans/15-24 "Paul's Plan to Travel to Spain via Rome")), a region where the gospel had likely not yet reached. His desire was thus both pastoral and strategic, driven by his commitment to the global spread of the gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:23, while detailing Paul's personal missionary strategy, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and mission of Jesus Christ. Paul's relentless drive to preach the gospel where Christ was not named mirrors Christ's own expansive mission to seek and save the lost, extending His kingdom to the uttermost parts of the earth. Jesus Himself declared that He came "to seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")), and He commissioned His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission - Go and Make Disciples")). Paul's "great desire" to visit Rome and press on to Spain is a direct outflow of the Spirit of Christ within him, compelling him to participate in the divine mission of reconciliation. Just as Christ left the glory of heaven to enter a fallen world and establish His church, Paul, empowered by Christ, left established ministry fields to venture into new territories. His strategic completion of work in "these parts" foreshadows the ultimate completion of God's redemptive plan through Christ, when every nation, tribe, people, and language will stand before the Lamb ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "A Multitude from Every Nation Worshipping the Lamb")). Paul's life, as exemplified in this verse, is a living testament to the ongoing work of Christ through His Spirit in His church, continually expanding His reign until He returns to gather His elect from the ends of the earth ([Mark 13:27](/mark/13-27 "The Son of Man Will Send His Angels to Gather His Elect")).

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

Romans 15:32

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

Acts 19:21

¶ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Romans 15:29

And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

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.

Romans 1:12

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

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?

2 Timothy 1:4

Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;