Romans 15:32 – “so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul expresses his desire to visit the believers in Rome, but he also acknowledges that his plans are subject to God’s will. He hopes that after finishing his mission in Jerusalem, he will be able to come to them joyfully and that their fellowship will provide him with refreshment and encouragement.

This verse shows us several important things about Paul’s heart and mindset:

1. Paul longed for Christian fellowship – Even though he was a strong and courageous leader, Paul still needed companionship and encouragement from fellow believers.
2. Paul understood that everything depended on God’s will – He made plans, but he was also willing to accept whatever God had in store.
3. Paul wanted to come with joy – He didn’t just want to arrive in Rome—he wanted to come in a spirit of joy and gratitude, knowing that God was leading him.
4. Paul saw Christian fellowship as refreshing – Being with other believers was not just a duty for Paul; it was something that gave him strength and encouragement.

This verse is a great reminder that even the strongest Christians need the support of others, and that everything we do should be guided by God’s will.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter around 57 AD, while he was in Corinth during his third missionary journey. His long-term goal was to preach in Spain, but first, he had two priorities:

1. Delivering a financial gift to the struggling believers in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-27).
2. Visiting the believers in Rome on his way to Spain (Romans 15:24).

However, Paul knew that his journey to Jerusalem would be dangerous. Many Jewish leaders opposed him because he was preaching that salvation is by faith in Jesus, not by the law. In fact, when Paul finally did reach Jerusalem, he was:

• Arrested and falsely accused (Acts 21:27-36).
• Imprisoned for two years in Caesarea (Acts 24:27).
• Sent to Rome as a prisoner instead of as a free missionary (Acts 27-28).

Even though Paul did make it to Rome, it wasn’t the way he had originally hoped. He arrived in chains but still carried joy and faith, continuing to teach and encourage the believers in Rome (Acts 28:30-31).

Theological Implications

1. God’s Will Should Direct Our Plans – Paul made plans but always submitted them to God’s will. This teaches us that we should seek God’s guidance in everything we do (Proverbs 3:5-6).
2. Christian Fellowship is a Source of Strength – Paul knew that being with other believers would refresh and encourage him. This shows us that we are not meant to live the Christian life alone (Hebrews 10:24-25).
3. Joy Comes from Trusting God’s Plan – Paul hoped to come to Rome with joy, but even when things didn’t go as planned, he still found joy in God’s purpose (Philippians 4:11-13).
4. Prayer is Important in Seeking God’s Will – Earlier in Romans 15:30-31, Paul had asked the believers to pray for his journey. This reminds us that we should always be seeking God in prayer for direction and protection.

Literary Analysis

• “So that I may come to you with joy” – Paul’s desire wasn’t just to visit Rome, but to arrive with a joyful heart, knowing he was walking in God’s plan.
• “By God’s will” – Paul was always aware that his plans were subject to God’s greater purpose. This shows his humility and trust in God.
• “In your company be refreshed” – The word “refreshed” here suggests spiritual encouragement and renewal. Paul saw Christian fellowship as something that strengthened him for ministry.

This verse balances ambition with humility—Paul had big plans, but he was also willing to trust God’s direction and recognized his need for the support of fellow believers.

Biblical Cross-References

• Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Paul planned his journey but trusted in God’s direction.)
• James 4:13-15 – “You ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (Paul lived by this principle.)
• Philippians 4:11-13 – Paul speaks about finding joy in all circumstances, even in prison.
• Acts 28:15 – When Paul finally reached Rome, the believers came to meet him, and he was encouraged.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 – We should not neglect meeting together because Christian fellowship refreshes and strengthens us.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Make Plans, but Submit to God’s Will – It’s good to plan for the future, but we must always leave room for God to guide us.
2. Christian Fellowship is Important – Even Paul needed the encouragement of other believers. We should seek to refresh others and allow ourselves to be refreshed by Christian friendships.
3. Joy Comes from Trusting God’s Path – Paul’s journey didn’t go the way he expected, but he still found joy because he knew God was in control. We should seek joy in God’s plans, even when they look different from ours.
4. Pray for God’s Direction – Paul asked for prayer for his journey (Romans 15:30-31). We should also be praying for God’s guidance and asking others to pray for us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

• God’s love directs our paths – Paul trusted that God’s plan was good, even when it included hardships.
• God provides encouragement through His people – Paul knew that fellowship with other believers would bring him joy and refreshment.
• God gives us joy, even in uncertain circumstances – Paul wanted to arrive in Rome with joy, and even though his journey took an unexpected turn, he still found joy in serving God.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus Always Followed God’s Will – Just as Paul submitted to God’s will, Jesus also prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
• Jesus Found Joy in Doing the Father’s Work – Paul wanted to come to Rome with joy, just as Jesus found joy in fulfilling His mission (Hebrews 12:2).
• Jesus Encouraged Fellowship Among His Followers – Paul longed for Christian companionship and refreshment, just as Jesus taught that believers should love and support one another (John 13:34-35).
• Jesus Promised Rest and Refreshment – Paul looked forward to being refreshed by the Roman believers. Jesus Himself promised, “Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Do you pray for God’s will in your plans, or do you try to control everything yourself?
2. Paul found joy in serving God, even when his plans changed. How can you learn to find joy in unexpected circumstances?
3. Do you value Christian fellowship as Paul did? How can you be a source of encouragement and refreshment to others?
4. Have you ever experienced a time when Christian friendship helped strengthen you in your faith? How did it impact you?
5. Are you trusting that God’s plan for your life is better than your own? How can you grow in that trust?