Romans 15:28

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

When therefore {G3767} I have performed {G2005} this {G5124}, and {G2532} have sealed {G4972} to them {G846} this {G5126} fruit {G2590}, I will come {G565} by {G1223} you {G5216} into {G1519} Spain {G4681}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So when I have finished this task and made certain that they have received this fruit, I will leave for Spain and visit you on my way there;

Berean Standard Bible

So after I have completed this service and have safely delivered this bounty to them, I will set off to Spain by way of you.

American Standard Version

When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by you unto Spain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:28 articulates the Apostle Paul's strategic missionary itinerary, revealing his intention to proceed to Spain after successfully completing his current mission of delivering the financial collection from the Gentile churches to the saints in Jerusalem. This verse encapsulates Paul's commitment to fulfilling his apostolic duties, his unwavering vision for gospel expansion into unreached territories, and his desire to partner with the Roman believers in this grand endeavor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Paul's extensive discussion of his apostolic ministry and future travel plans, which begins in [Romans 15:14](/romans/15-14 "Romans 15:14 - Paul's Apostolic Ministry"). Having established the theological foundations of the Gospel in the preceding chapters, Paul now shifts to practical matters concerning his own ministry and the Roman church's role within it. He explains his long-standing desire to visit Rome, not merely as a social call, but as a strategic stop on his way to new mission fields, as hinted at in [Romans 1:10-13](/romans/1-10-13 "Romans 1:10-13 - Paul's Desire to Visit Rome"). The immediate preceding verses, [Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "Romans 15:25-27 - The Collection for Jerusalem"), detail his current mission to deliver a financial collection, a "relief for the saints," gathered from the Gentile churches in Macedonia and Achaia for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. This act of generosity underscores the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ, a theme Paul has meticulously developed throughout the epistle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry operated within the vast Roman Empire, which provided a network of roads and sea routes facilitating travel, albeit often dangerous. Spain (Hispania) represented the westernmost frontier of the known Roman world, a significant and largely unevangelized territory. Paul's commitment to the collection for Jerusalem was not merely financial aid; it was a profound theological statement. In a cultural context often marked by division between Jews and Gentiles, this collection symbolized the reciprocal spiritual debt the Gentiles owed to the Jews (from whom they received the Gospel) and demonstrated the practical unity of the church. "Sealing" documents or goods was a common practice in the ancient world to ensure authenticity, security, and finality, a concept Paul applies to the delivery of this sacred offering.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 15:28](/romans/15-28 "Romans 15:28 - Paul's Missionary Plans") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. One key theme is **Apostolic Fulfillment and Integrity**, as Paul emphasizes the completion ("performed this" and "sealed this fruit") of his ministry commitments, particularly the collection for Jerusalem. This highlights his meticulous dedication to fulfilling his responsibilities and ensuring the integrity of the offering. Another crucial theme is **Strategic Missionary Vision and Gospel Expansion**. Having established churches throughout the eastern Mediterranean, Paul's ambition was to carry the gospel to the furthest known reaches of the Roman Empire, specifically Spain, embodying his principle of preaching where [Christ has not been named](/romans/15-20 "Romans 15:20 - Paul's Missionary Principle"). This demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the Great Commission to [make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). Finally, the verse subtly reinforces the theme of **Partnership in the Gospel**. Paul views his visit to Rome as a necessary stopover, seeking their support and fellowship before embarking on his mission to Spain, underscoring the collaborative nature of early Christian missions where churches partnered in prayer and resources to spread the message of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **performed (Greek, _epiteléō'_):** From ἐπί (upon) and τελέω (to finish), this verb signifies bringing something to completion, executing a task, or accomplishing a duty. Paul's use here emphasizes the thoroughness and finality of his work concerning the collection for Jerusalem, indicating that he intends to see it through to a successful conclusion, not merely initiate it. It conveys a sense of diligent and complete execution of a responsibility.
* **sealed (Greek, _sphragízō'_):** Derived from σφραγίς (a signet or seal), this word means to stamp for security, preservation, or authentication. In this context, "sealed" implies that Paul will ensure the integrity, security, and proper delivery of the "fruit" (the collection). It suggests a formal, verified completion, much like sealing a document to attest its authenticity and finality, ensuring it is beyond dispute or tampering and officially recognized.
* **fruit (Greek, _karpós'_):** Literally meaning "fruit as plucked," this term is used here metaphorically to represent the tangible outcome or product of an action, specifically the financial contribution gathered from the Gentile churches. It signifies the spiritual harvest of their generosity and love, a concrete expression of their faith and unity with the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, demonstrating the beneficial result of their spiritual growth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When therefore I have performed this":** Paul indicates that his subsequent actions (travel to Rome and Spain) are contingent upon the successful completion of his current mission. "This" refers specifically to the delivery of the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, a task he views as a crucial and integral part of his apostolic ministry and a demonstration of Gentile-Jewish unity.
* **"and have sealed to them this fruit":** This phrase emphasizes the secure and verified delivery of the financial contribution. "Sealing" implies authentication, security, and finality, ensuring that the offering—referred to as "fruit" (the tangible result of Gentile generosity and a spiritual harvest)—is properly conveyed and acknowledged by the Jerusalem believers, solidifying the bond between Jewish and Gentile Christians and preventing any accusations of mishandling.
* **"I will come by you into Spain":** Paul articulates his future travel plans. His journey to Rome is not an end in itself but a strategic stopover ("by you") on his way to Spain, a region of the Roman Empire where the Gospel had not yet been preached. This statement reveals his relentless missionary vision to reach unevangelized territories, viewing Rome as a launching pad for further westward expansion of the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 15:28 employs several literary devices to convey Paul's message. The phrase "sealed to them this fruit" utilizes **Metaphor**, where "fruit" stands for the financial collection, representing the tangible outcome and spiritual harvest of the Gentile churches' generosity. This metaphor highlights the valuable and beneficial nature of their contribution. The act of "sealing" itself carries **Symbolism**, signifying authentication, security, and the definitive completion of a task, much like a final signature on an important document. This reinforces Paul's commitment to integrity in handling the offering. Furthermore, the entire verse demonstrates **Anticipation**, as Paul lays out his future travel plans, building expectation for his arrival in Rome and his subsequent journey to Spain. This forward-looking declaration underscores his strategic thinking and unwavering dedication to the expansion of the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates Paul's unwavering commitment to his apostolic calling and his meticulous approach to ministry. The "fruit" of the collection symbolizes the tangible expression of Christian unity and love, bridging the divide between Jewish and Gentile believers, a central theological concern for Paul. His determination to "seal" this fruit speaks to the importance of integrity, accountability, and the proper stewardship of resources within the body of Christ. Moreover, Paul's forward-looking vision to Spain epitomizes the missionary imperative inherent in the Gospel—to preach Christ where He has not been named, pushing the boundaries of the known world for the sake of the Kingdom. This reflects a profound understanding of the global scope of God's redemptive plan.

* [Acts 20:24](/acts/20-24 "Acts 20:24 - Paul's Purpose")
* [1 Corinthians 16:1-4](/1_corinthians/16-1-4 "1 Corinthians 16:1-4 - The Collection for the Saints")
* [Philippians 4:17](/philippians/4-17 "Philippians 4:17 - Paul's Desire for Fruit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:28 offers profound insights into the heart and mind of a dedicated servant of God, providing a powerful model for believers today. Paul's commitment to "perform" and "seal" the collection reminds us of the critical importance of integrity, diligence, and accountability in all our endeavors, especially those undertaken for the Lord. Whether it's a financial offering, a promise, or a ministry task, our faithfulness in completing what we start, and doing so with excellence and transparency, honors God and builds trust within the community. Furthermore, Paul's strategic vision for Spain challenges us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and comfort zones. What "Spain" is God calling us to reach? This could be a new geographical area, an unreached demographic, a challenging relationship, or a new spiritual frontier in our personal lives or communities. It calls us to cultivate a missionary heart that actively seeks opportunities to extend the influence of the Gospel, whether through direct evangelism, prayer, or supportive partnership. We are reminded that significant spiritual work often requires the collective effort, support, and resources of many believers working together, just as Paul sought the partnership of the Roman church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you called to "perform" and "seal" a task with greater integrity and diligence?**
* **What "Spain" (unreached area, person, or challenge) might God be calling you to engage with, either directly or through support?**
* **How can you better partner with other believers or ministries to advance the Gospel and demonstrate Christian unity?**

### FAQ
**What was the "fruit" that Paul was sealing to the saints in Jerusalem?**

Answer: The "fruit" (Greek, _karpós_) that Paul was sealing was a metaphorical reference to the financial collection he had gathered from the Gentile churches in Macedonia and Achaia. This offering was intended for the impoverished Jewish believers in Jerusalem, symbolizing the spiritual harvest of the Gentile churches' faith and love, and serving as a tangible expression of unity and mutual support between Jewish and Gentile Christians within the early church (see [Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "Romans 15:25-27 - The Collection for Jerusalem")).

**Why was Paul planning to go to Spain after visiting Rome?**

Answer: Paul's intention to go to Spain after visiting Rome was consistent with his apostolic principle of preaching the Gospel where Christ had not yet been named (see [Romans 15:20](/romans/15-20 "Romans 15:20 - Paul's Missionary Principle")). Having extensively ministered and established churches throughout the eastern Mediterranean, Spain represented the westernmost frontier of the Roman Empire and a largely unevangelized territory. His visit to Rome was envisioned as a strategic stopover, allowing him to gain support and fellowship from the Roman believers before embarking on this ambitious mission to expand the reach of the Gospel to new regions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:28, while detailing Paul's missionary strategy, subtly points to the expansive and inclusive nature of Christ's redemptive work. Paul's diligent "performance" and "sealing" of the "fruit" (the collection) for the Jerusalem saints foreshadows Christ's ultimate act of fulfilling all righteousness and securing the salvation of His people through His finished work on the cross. Just as Paul sought to unite Jewish and Gentile believers through this tangible act of love, Christ Himself broke down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself (see [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Paul's relentless drive to carry the Gospel to Spain—the ends of the then-known earth—is a direct outworking of Christ's Great Commission, which calls His followers to make disciples of all nations (see [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). This verse, therefore, reflects the ongoing mission of the church, empowered by the Spirit, to extend the reign of Christ's kingdom globally, bringing the "fruit" of repentance and faith to every people group, until the knowledge of the Lord covers the earth as the waters cover the sea (see [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - Knowledge of God Covering the Earth")).

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 15:24

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].

Philippians 4:17

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

Colossians 1:6

Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth:

Lamentations 3:37

¶ Who [is] he [that] saith, and it cometh to pass, [when] the Lord commandeth [it] not?

Proverbs 19:21

¶ [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

James 4:13

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

James 4:15

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