Romans 15:28 – “So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is explaining his next steps in ministry. He had just talked about how the churches in Macedonia and Achaia had taken up a financial collection to help the struggling believers in Jerusalem (Romans 15:26-27). Before he could move on to new mission fields, he wanted to personally deliver the gift and ensure that it reached those in need.

Only after completing this act of service would Paul continue his long-awaited journey to Rome. His ultimate goal was to travel to Spain, where he hoped to preach the gospel in new areas where Christ had not yet been proclaimed.

This verse shows that Paul was not just a missionary preacher—he was also deeply committed to practical acts of service. He understood that spiritual work and physical care go hand in hand. His plans to visit Rome and go on to Spain were important, but he would not move forward until he had finished what he started by helping the church in Jerusalem.

Historical Context

At the time Paul wrote this letter (around 57 AD), he had spent many years traveling, preaching, and planting churches throughout the Roman Empire. He had completed his missionary work in the eastern part of the empire and now wanted to expand westward—to places like Rome and Spain.

However, before doing so, he felt it was his duty to take a financial gift to the poor Christians in Jerusalem. The Jewish believers there were struggling because of famine, persecution, and economic hardships.

Paul saw this offering from the Gentile believers as more than just charity—it was an act of unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians. He wanted to personally oversee its delivery to make sure it was handled properly.

After this, he planned to go to Rome and then Spain. At the time, Spain was a major part of the Roman world, and it had not yet been reached with the gospel. Paul wanted to take the message of Jesus to the farthest corners of the empire.

However, things didn’t go as Paul had planned. When he arrived in Jerusalem, he was arrested and eventually sent to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 21-28). So while he did make it to Rome, it was not as a free missionary, but as a prisoner for Christ.

Theological Implications

1. Faithfulness in Small Tasks Leads to Bigger Opportunities – Paul had a big vision (to go to Spain), but first, he had to complete a smaller act of service. God often calls us to serve faithfully in small things before leading us to greater missions (Luke 16:10).
2. The Gospel Includes Practical Love and Service – Paul was an evangelist, but he didn’t ignore the physical needs of the church. Serving others is part of our calling as Christians (Galatians 6:10).
3. God’s Plans Are Often Different From Ours – Paul planned to go to Rome and Spain, but God had a different path for him. Even though Paul was arrested, his time in Rome allowed him to minister in ways he never expected (Acts 28:30-31).
4. Christian Unity is Important – The Gentiles helping Jewish believers was a big step in church unity. Paul made sure to personally oversee this because he knew unity in the church matters (Ephesians 4:3).

Literary Analysis

This verse is part of Paul’s conclusion to his letter to the Romans. He is summarizing his missionary vision while also showing his commitment to seeing things through.

• “After I have completed this task” – Paul sees delivering the financial gift as part of his God-given responsibility.
• “Made sure that they have received this contribution” – Paul didn’t just collect the money and move on. He personally ensured that the gift was properly delivered and used for its intended purpose.
• “I will go to Spain and visit you on the way” – This highlights Paul’s long-term missionary vision. He was always thinking about how to spread the gospel further.

Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 16:10 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” (Paul was faithful in small things before bigger missions.)
• James 2:15-16 – “If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” (Faith includes caring for others’ physical needs.)
• Acts 21:17-33 – Paul arrives in Jerusalem to deliver the offering but is arrested.
• Acts 28:30-31 – Paul finally reaches Rome, where he preaches as a prisoner.
• Galatians 6:9-10 – “Let us not become weary in doing good… as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Paul lived out this principle.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Be Faithful in Small Responsibilities – Like Paul, we should finish the tasks God gives us, even if they seem small compared to our big dreams.
2. Balance Spiritual Work with Practical Service – Paul combined preaching with helping the poor. We should also make sure our faith includes both words and actions.
3. Trust God’s Plan, Even When It’s Different From Yours – Paul had his own plans, but God took him on a different journey. When things don’t go as expected, we should trust that God knows what He is doing.
4. Look for Ways to Serve the Church – Just as Paul worked to strengthen church unity, we should look for ways to serve and support fellow believers.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

• God cares about our needs – The offering for Jerusalem shows that God provides for His people through the generosity of others.
• God directs our steps – Paul’s plans changed, but God used his journey to spread the gospel in unexpected ways (Proverbs 16:9).
• God values faithfulness – Paul’s commitment to seeing things through reflects God’s own faithfulness to complete the good work He starts (Philippians 1:6).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus Came to Serve – Just as Paul was committed to serving others, Jesus came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45).
• Jesus Cared for People’s Physical and Spiritual Needs – Jesus didn’t just preach; He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and cared for the poor (Matthew 14:13-21).
• Jesus Trusted the Father’s Plan – Paul’s journey didn’t go as planned, but he trusted God’s will, just as Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
• Jesus Calls Us to Go to the Nations – Paul wanted to go to Spain to preach where Christ had not been known, which reflects Jesus’ command to take the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Paul was faithful in small tasks before moving on to bigger things. What are some “small” things God is asking you to be faithful in right now?
2. How does Paul’s balance of spiritual work and practical service challenge the way you live out your faith?
3. Paul’s plans didn’t go the way he expected. Have you ever had a time when God led you on a different path than you planned? How did you respond?
4. How can you help support fellow believers in need, just as the Gentile churches supported the Jewish Christians?
5. Paul had a vision for reaching new places with the gospel. Are you open to where God might be calling you to share His truth?

This verse teaches us to be faithful in the work God gives us, to trust His plans, and to serve others with a willing heart. Even when our journey doesn’t go as expected, we can rest in the fact that God is guiding us every step of the way!