Rom 15:22-28 | RWP | e4.org | I was hindered ( ενεκοπτομην ). Imperfect passive (repetition) of ενκοπτω , late verb, to cut in, to cut off, to interrupt. Seen already in ; ; . Cf. modern telephone and radio and automobile. These many times ( τα πολλα ). "As to the many things." In Paul used πολλακις (many times) and B D read it here. But Paul's work ( τα πολλα ) had kept him away. From coming to you ( του ελθειν προς υμας ). Ablative case (after the verb of hindering) of the articular infinitive, "from the coming."

‏ Romans 15:22-28

I was hindered ( ενεκοπτομην ). Imperfect passive (repetition) of ενκοπτω, late verb, to cut in, to cut off, to interrupt. Seen already in Ac 24:4; 1Th 2:18; Ga 5:7. Cf. modern telephone and radio and automobile.

These many times ( τα πολλα ). "As to the many things." In 1:13 Paul used πολλακις (many times) and B D read it here. But Paul's work ( τα πολλα ) had kept him away.

From coming to you ( του ελθειν προς υμας ). Ablative case (after the verb of hindering) of the articular infinitive, "from the coming."

Having no more any place in these regions ( μηκετ τοπον εχων εν τοις κλιμασιν ). Surprising frankness that the average preacher would hardly use on such a matter. Paul is now free to come to Rome because there is no demand for him where he is. For κλιμα (from κλινω, to incline), slope, then tract of land, region, see already 2Co 11:10; Ga 1:21 (the only N.T. examples).

A longing ( επιποθειαν ). A hapax legomenon, elsewhere επιποθησις (2Co 7:7, 11), from επιποθεω as in Ro 1:11.

These many years ( απο ικανων ετων ). "From considerable years." So B C, but Aleph A D have πολλων, "from many years."

Whensoever I go ( ως αν πορευωμα ). Indefinite temporal clause with ως αν and the present middle subjunctive (cf. 1Co 11:34; Php 2:23 with aorist subjunctive).

Into Spain ( εις την Σπανιαν ). It was a Roman province with many Jews in it. The Greek name was Ιβερια, the Latin Hispania. The Textus Receptus adds here ελευσομα προς υμας (I shall come to you), but it is not in Aleph A B C D and is not genuine. Without it we have a parenthesis (or anacoluthon) through the rest of verse 24.

In my journey ( διαπορευομενος ). Present middle participle, "passing through." Paul planned only a brief stay in Rome since a strong church already existed there.

To be brought on my way thitherward ( προπεμφθηνα εκε ). "To be sent forward there." First aorist passive infinitive of προπεμπω, common word for escorting one on a journey (1Co 16:6, 11; 2Co 1:16; Tit 3:13; 2Jo 1:6).

If first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company ( εαν υμων προτων απο μερους εμπλησθω ). Condition of third class with εαν and first aorist passive subjunctive of εμπιμπλημ, old verb, to fill up, to satisfy, to take one's fill. See Lu 6:25. Literally, "if I first in part be filled with you" (get my fill of you). delicate compliment for the Roman church.

But now ( νυν δε ). Repeats the very words used in 23.

I go ( πορευομα ). Futuristic present as in Joh 14:2.

Ministering unto the saints ( διακονον τοις αγιοις ). Present active participle of purpose like ευλογουντα in Ac 3:26. This collection had been one of Paul's chief cares for over a year now (see 2Co 8; 9). See 2Co 8:4.

For it hath been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia ( ηυδοκησαν γαρ Μακεδονια κα Αχαια ). "For Macedonia and Achaia took pleasure." The use of ηυδοκησαν (first aorist active indicative of ευδοκεω ) shows that it was voluntary (2Co 8:4). Paul does not here mention Asia and Galatia.

A certain contribution ( κοινωνιαν τινα ). Put thus because it was unknown to the Romans. For this sense of κοινωνιαν, see 2Co 8:4; 9:13.

For the poor among the saints ( εις τους πτωχους των αγιων ). Partitive genitive. Not all there were poor, but Ac 4:32-5:11; 6:1-6; 11:29f.; Ga 2:10 prove that many were.

Their debtors ( οφειλετα αυτων ). Objective genitive: the Gentiles are debtors to the Jews. See the word οφειλετης in 1:14; 8:12.

For if ( ε γαρ ). Condition of the first class, assumed as true, first aorist active indicative ( εκοινωνησαν, from κοινωνεω, to share) with associative instrumental case ( πνευματικοις, spiritual things).

To minister unto ( λειτουργησα, first aorist active infinitive of λειτουργεω with dative case αυτοις, to them), but here certainly with no "sacerdotal" functions (cf. verse 16).

In carnal things ( εν τοις σαρκικοις ). Things which belong to the natural life of the flesh ( σαρξ ), not the sinful aspects of the flesh at all.

Have sealed ( σφραγισαμενος ). First aorist middle participle (antecedent action, having sealed) of σφραγιζω, old verb from σφραγις, a seal (Ro 4:11), to stamp with a seal for security (Mt 27:66) or for confirmation (2Co 1:22) and here in a metaphorical sense. Paul was keenly sensitive that this collection should be actually conveyed to Jerusalem free from all suspicion (2Co 8:18-23).

I will go on by you ( απελευσομα δι' υμων ). Future middle of απερχομα, to go off or on. Note three prepositions here ( απ' from Rome, δι' by means of you or through you, εις unto Spain). He repeats the point of verse 24, his temporary stay in Rome with Spain as the objective. How little we know what is ahead of us and how grateful we should be for our ignorance on this point.