Romans 15:20 – “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul shares his personal mission when it comes to spreading the gospel. He didn’t just want to go where churches already existed—he wanted to take the message of Jesus to places where people had never heard it before. This wasn’t about competition with other preachers; it was about reaching the unreached. Paul saw himself as a pioneer in ministry, taking the good news to those who had no prior knowledge of Christ.

The phrase “not building on someone else’s foundation” means that Paul wasn’t interested in working where others had already established churches. Instead, he wanted to start from scratch in new areas. He was driven by a deep desire to see new communities come to faith in Jesus.

This verse highlights the heart of a missionary—a passion to bring the gospel to those who have never had the chance to hear it. Paul’s ambition was not for personal fame but for the glory of God. He wanted to see the gospel spread as far as possible.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter to the Romans around 57 AD, during his third missionary journey. By this time, he had traveled extensively, preaching and planting churches in major cities throughout the Roman Empire. His goal was always to reach people who had not yet heard the gospel.

In Paul’s time, many churches were forming in areas where the message of Jesus had already reached. But there were still vast regions of the world that had never heard the good news. Paul felt called to those places, which is why he had traveled from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum (modern-day Albania and Croatia).

This verse reflects Paul’s strategy for spreading the gospel. Instead of staying in one place and deepening the faith of existing believers, he focused on taking the gospel to new frontiers. He saw this as his God-given calling.

Theological Implications

1. The urgency of the gospel – Paul understood that people were living and dying without hearing about Jesus. This fueled his desire to reach as many as possible.
2. God calls different people to different roles – While some believers are called to strengthen existing churches, others are called to plant new ones. Paul saw himself as a church planter, not just a pastor.
3. The gospel is meant for all people – This verse reminds us that the message of Jesus is not limited to one group or region. It is for the whole world.

Paul’s approach also shows that Christian work is not about personal gain. He wasn’t looking for an easy ministry where people already believed. He wanted to go where the work was hard but necessary.

Literary Analysis

Romans 15:20 is a personal statement from Paul, but it also ties into the broader theme of the letter: the spread of the gospel beyond Jewish communities to the Gentiles.

• “It has always been my ambition” – This phrase shows that Paul’s mission wasn’t something he decided on a whim. It was a lifelong commitment.
• “Preach the gospel where Christ was not known” – This highlights the missionary nature of Paul’s work. He was focused on those who had never heard of Jesus.
• “Not building on someone else’s foundation” – Paul wasn’t interested in taking over someone else’s work. He wanted to start fresh in new places.

This verse fits into Paul’s closing thoughts in Romans, where he explains his past work and future plans for mission work. It sets the stage for his desire to visit Spain, a place where the gospel had not yet reached.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. Paul’s ministry was a direct response to this command.
• 1 Corinthians 3:10 – “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it.” Paul recognizes that different people have different roles in spreading the gospel.
• Acts 13:47 – “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” Paul saw his mission as fulfilling God’s command to reach the Gentiles.
• Isaiah 52:15 – “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” This prophecy aligns with Paul’s goal of reaching the unreached.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges Christians to think about where the gospel still needs to be shared. While some are called to serve in established churches, others are called to go into new territories—whether that’s overseas or in their own communities.

Not everyone is called to be a missionary like Paul, but every Christian has a role in spreading the gospel. Some are called to share their faith with family and friends, while others may support missionary efforts through prayer and giving.

This verse also reminds us not to be complacent. Paul’s ambition was not about personal comfort—it was about reaching people who had never heard the truth. We should have that same urgency in sharing the good news.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is for all people, and this verse shows that He desires everyone to hear about salvation. If Paul had not gone to new regions, many people would never have known about Jesus. God’s love is not limited to one group or nation—it reaches across the world.

Paul’s commitment to reaching the unreached reflects God’s own heart. He does not want anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The fact that God sends messengers like Paul shows His deep love for humanity.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus commanded His followers to go – Paul’s mission was a direct response to Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
• Jesus is the foundation – While Paul didn’t want to build on another person’s work, he recognized that Jesus is the true foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11).
• Jesus came to seek and save the lost – Paul’s ambition to reach those who had never heard the gospel mirrors Jesus’ mission (Luke 19:10).
• Jesus empowered His followers to spread the gospel – Paul’s success was not about his own abilities; it was the work of Christ in him (Philippians 4:13).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Paul had a deep desire to share the gospel with those who had never heard. Do you have the same passion for sharing your faith?
2. What are some ways you can help spread the gospel, either in your own community or around the world?
3. Why do you think Paul was so committed to reaching new places rather than staying where churches already existed?
4. How can you step outside of your comfort zone to share Christ with others?
5. What can you do to support those who are actively taking the gospel to unreached areas?

This verse is a powerful reminder that the gospel is meant to be shared. Paul’s ambition was not for personal gain but for the sake of those who had never heard of Jesus. We should have the same heart for reaching the lost, whether near or far.