Rom 1:13, Phili 2:30 | JFB | STEP | 13. oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, but was let-- hindered. hitherto-- chiefly by his desire to go first to places where Christ was not known ( ). that I might have some fruit-- of my ministry among you also, even as among other Gentiles-- The Gentile origin of the Church at Rome is here so explicitly stated, that those who conclude, merely from the Jewish strain of the argument, that they must have been mostly Israelites, decide in opposition to the apostle himself. (But see on Introduction to this Epistle.)

‏ Romans 1:13

13. oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, but was let--hindered.

hitherto--chiefly by his desire to go first to places where Christ was not known (Ro 15:20-24).

that I might have some fruit--of my ministry

among you also, even as among other Gentiles--The Gentile origin of the Church at Rome is here so explicitly stated, that those who conclude, merely from the Jewish strain of the argument, that they must have been mostly Israelites, decide in opposition to the apostle himself. (But see on Introduction to this Epistle.)

‏ Philippians 2:30

30. for the work of Christ--namely, the bringing of a supply to me, the minister of Christ. He was probably in a delicate state of health in setting out from Philippi; but at all hazards he undertook this service of Christian love, which cost him a serious sickness.

not regarding his life--Most of the oldest manuscripts read, "hazarding," &c.

to supply your lack of service--Not that Paul would imply, they lacked the will: what they "lacked" was the "opportunity" by which to send their accustomed bounty (Php 4:10). "That which ye would have done if you could (but which you could not through absence), he did for you; therefore receive him with all joy" [Alford].