Romans 15:24

KJV

Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your [company].

KJV (with Strong's)

Whensoever {G5613}{G1437} I take my journey {G4198} into {G1519} Spain {G4681}, I will come {G2064} to {G4314} you {G5209}: for {G1063} I trust {G1679} to see {G2300} you {G5209} in my journey {G1279}, and {G2532} to be brought on my way {G4311} thitherward {G1563} by {G5259} you {G5216}, if {G1437} first {G4412} I be {G1705} somewhat {G3313} filled {G1705} with {G575} your {G5216} company.

Complete Jewish Bible

I hope to see you as I pass through on my way to Spain, and to have you help me travel there after I have enjoyed your company awhile.

Berean Standard Bible

I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And after I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me for my journey.

American Standard Version

whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company)—

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:24 reveals the Apostle Paul's profound missionary ambition and his earnest desire for spiritual fellowship with the Roman believers. He articulates his strategic plan to visit Rome en route to Spain, a new frontier for the Gospel, anticipating not only the joy of mutual encouragement but also the practical support needed to extend Christ's message to the unreached westernmost regions of the Roman Empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15 marks a pivotal shift in Paul's letter. Having meticulously laid out profound theological doctrines concerning justification by faith, the nature of sin, God's righteousness, and the inclusion of Gentiles and Jews into one body, Paul transitions to more personal matters. He discusses his ministry principles, particularly his commitment to preaching the Gospel where Christ had not yet been named, as stated in [Romans 15:20](/romans/15-20 "Romans 15:20 - Paul's Missionary Principle"). This verse, [Romans 15:24](/romans/15-24 "Romans 15:24 - Paul's Journey to Spain"), directly follows his explanation of why he has been hindered from visiting Rome sooner (due to his extensive work in the East) and now expresses his long-held desire to do so as part of a larger, westward missionary endeavor. It sets the stage for his concluding remarks and greetings in chapter 16.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time Paul wrote Romans (likely from Corinth around A.D. 57-58), the Roman Empire was the dominant world power. Rome, as its capital, was a strategic hub, though Paul had not founded the church there. Spain, or Hispania as it was known, represented the westernmost reach of the Roman Empire, a territory largely untouched by apostolic preaching. Travel in the ancient world was arduous and expensive, typically by sea or difficult overland routes. Missionaries like Paul relied heavily on the hospitality and financial support of established Christian communities to fund their extensive journeys and sustain their work. The concept of "being brought on one's way" (propempein) was a common practice, signifying a church's active participation in and endorsement of a missionary's journey, often involving provisions, escorts, and financial aid.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's broader ministry. Firstly, it underscores Paul's **unwavering missionary zeal**, demonstrating his relentless drive to fulfill the Great Commission by pushing the boundaries of Gospel proclamation to the "ends of the earth," a theme echoing [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnessing to the Ends of the Earth"). Secondly, it highlights the vital principle of **partnership in ministry**, as Paul anticipates the Roman church's practical support for his journey to Spain, illustrating the interdependence within the body of Christ. Thirdly, it emphasizes the profound **value of Christian fellowship**, as Paul expresses his longing to be "somewhat filled with your company," signifying his need for mutual encouragement and spiritual refreshment from fellow believers before embarking on a challenging new mission, a sentiment also expressed in [Romans 1:12](/romans/1-12 "Romans 1:12 - Mutual Encouragement"). Finally, it showcases Paul's **strategic foresight and planning** in Gospel expansion, viewing Rome not merely as a destination but as a crucial base of operations for reaching new, unevangelized territories.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **journey (Greek, _poreúomai'_):** This verb signifies "to traverse" or "to travel," encompassing literal movement and, by extension, one's course of life or ministry. In Romans 15:24, it highlights Paul's active and purposeful movement towards Spain, emphasizing the intentionality and physical demands of his missionary endeavors. His "journey" is not merely a trip but a strategic advancement of the Gospel.
* **filled (Greek, _empíplēmi'_):** Meaning "to fill in (up)" or "to satisfy," this word suggests a complete and abundant experience. When Paul desires to be "somewhat filled with your company," it implies a deep spiritual and emotional replenishment. He seeks not just a brief encounter but a substantial and satisfying period of fellowship that will refresh and strengthen him for the arduous mission ahead.
* **brought on my way (Greek, _propémpō'_):** This term means "to send forward," "to escort," or "to aid in travel." It denotes the practical and logistical support provided to a traveler, including provisions, financial assistance, and sometimes even companionship for the journey. Paul's expectation of being "brought on my way thitherward by you" underscores the ancient practice of churches equipping and sending out missionaries, signifying their active participation in and ownership of the mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whensoever I take my journey into Spain,"**: Paul articulates his long-term missionary objective: to travel to Spain. This reveals his ambitious vision to extend the Gospel's reach beyond the eastern Mediterranean, targeting a region where Christ had not yet been proclaimed. The phrase "whensoever" implies a definite intention, though the exact timing is contingent on his prior ministry commitments.
* **"I will come to you:"**: This clause states Paul's direct intention to visit the Roman church. His journey to Spain is not a bypass of Rome but a planned stop, indicating his desire for personal connection and fellowship with the believers there, whom he had previously only known through correspondence.
* **"for I trust to see you in my journey,"**: Paul expresses his confidence and hope in God's providence that he will indeed have the opportunity to meet the Roman Christians during his travels. The word "trust" (elpízō) indicates a strong expectation rooted in faith, not just a casual wish.
* **"and to be brought on my way thitherward by you,"**: This is a crucial element of Paul's plan, signifying his reliance on the Roman church for practical support for his onward journey to Spain. It implies financial aid, logistical assistance, and perhaps even escorts, demonstrating the collaborative nature of early Christian missions.
* **"if first I be somewhat filled with your company."**: Paul qualifies his request for aid with a condition: he desires to spend a meaningful amount of time with them for mutual spiritual refreshment. The phrase "somewhat filled" (empíplēmi) suggests a deep, satisfying experience of fellowship that would spiritually fortify him before embarking on the challenging mission to Spain. It highlights the importance of spiritual communion before strategic action.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 15:24 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Anticipation** is prominent, as Paul looks forward to both his visit to Rome and his subsequent mission to Spain, creating a sense of forward momentum and strategic planning. The phrase "somewhat filled with your company" serves as a **Metaphor** for spiritual and emotional refreshment, likening the joy and encouragement of fellowship to a satisfying meal or drink that nourishes and sustains. This also subtly employs **Understatement**, as Paul's desire for fellowship was likely profound, yet he uses "somewhat" to convey a humble expectation while still emphasizing its necessity. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a form of **Personal Appeal**, where Paul, the apostle, lays bare his plans and needs before the Roman church, inviting them into partnership and demonstrating his vulnerability and reliance on their support.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the interconnectedness of mission, fellowship, and divine providence. Paul's strategic vision for Spain was not merely human ambition but a response to the Great Commission, demonstrating the church's ongoing mandate to carry the Gospel to every corner of the earth. His reliance on the Roman church for support underscores the biblical principle that mission is a corporate endeavor, requiring the active participation and partnership of the entire body of Christ. The longing for mutual encouragement highlights that even seasoned apostles need spiritual nourishment from their brethren, reinforcing the vital role of Christian community in sustaining believers for service. This passage, therefore, serves as a timeless model for how churches can engage in global missions, emphasizing both strategic planning and the indispensable value of Christ-centered fellowship.

* [Acts 13:2-3](/acts/13-2-3 "Acts 13:2-3 - Sending Out Missionaries")
* [3 John 1:5-8](/3_john/1-5-8 "3 John 1:5-8 - Supporting Missionaries")
* [Philippians 4:15-16](/philippians/4-15-16 "Philippians 4:15-16 - Partnership in the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:24 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, challenging us to consider our role in God's global mission and the importance of authentic Christian community. Paul's example calls us to cultivate a missionary heart, looking beyond our immediate contexts to the unreached peoples and places of the world. It reminds us that supporting missions is not just about financial giving, but also about prayer, practical assistance, and fostering deep, encouraging relationships with those on the front lines. Just as Paul sought to be "filled with your company," we too need to prioritize genuine fellowship, recognizing that mutual encouragement and spiritual refreshment are essential for sustaining us in our service to Christ, whether in our local communities or across continents. This verse compels us to ask how we can strategically engage in Gospel expansion, both individually and corporately, while never neglecting the vital spiritual nourishment found in the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's ambition to go to Spain challenge my own vision for sharing the Gospel, both locally and globally?**
* **In what practical ways can I, or my church, better support missionaries and those serving in challenging contexts, beyond just financial contributions?**
* **What does it mean for me to be "filled with the company" of other believers, and how can I cultivate deeper, more mutually encouraging relationships within my Christian community?**
* **How can I be more strategic in my efforts to advance the Gospel, identifying needs and opportunities for impact?**

### FAQ

**Why was Spain such an important destination for Paul, and did he ever make it there?**

Answer: Spain (Hispania) was an important destination for Paul because it represented the westernmost frontier of the Roman Empire, a territory largely unreached by the Gospel. Paul's missionary principle, as stated in [Romans 15:20](/romans/15-20 "Romans 15:20 - Paul's Missionary Principle"), was to preach Christ where He had not yet been named, making Spain an ideal target for his pioneering evangelistic efforts. Reaching Spain would have meant extending the Gospel to the "uttermost part of the earth" from a Roman perspective. Whether Paul ever made it to Spain is a matter of historical debate. The Book of Acts concludes with Paul under house arrest in Rome ([Acts 28:30-31](/acts/28-30-31 "Acts 28:30-31 - Paul's Imprisonment in Rome")), with no mention of a journey to Spain. However, early church tradition, particularly from Clement of Rome (late 1st century), suggests that Paul did indeed travel to the "farthest bounds of the West," which many interpret as Spain, after his first Roman imprisonment. While not explicitly confirmed in Scripture, it aligns with Paul's stated intention in [Romans 15:24](/romans/15-24 "Romans 15:24 - Paul's Journey to Spain").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:24, while detailing Paul's personal missionary plans, ultimately points to the greater mission of Christ and His ongoing work through His body. Paul's ambition to reach Spain reflects the expansive heart of God, who desires all people to come to a knowledge of the truth ([1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God's Desire for All to Be Saved")). Just as Paul sought to extend the Kingdom to new frontiers, Christ Himself initiated the ultimate mission, leaving the glory of heaven to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek the Lost")). Paul's reliance on the Roman church for support foreshadows the church's role as Christ's hands and feet, empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue His redemptive work on earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Power of the Holy Spirit for Witnessing")). The desire for "company" and mutual refreshment speaks to the deep spiritual communion found in Christ, who promised to be with His disciples always, even to the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")). Ultimately, Paul's journey was not just his own, but a participation in the divine mission inaugurated by Christ, aiming to bring more souls into the glorious light of the Gospel, thereby expanding the reign of the King of kings.

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 15:28

When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

Romans 1:12

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

Acts 15:3

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

2 Corinthians 1:16

And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.

1 Corinthians 16:5

¶ Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

1 Corinthians 16:7

For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

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.