Rom 15:25-31 | PNT | STEP | Now I go unto Jerusalem , etc. For account of the undertaking of this journey. Also . He is going to Jerusalem to minister to the poor saints ( ).

‏ Romans 15:25-31

Now I go unto Jerusalem, etc. For account of the undertaking of this journey. Also Ac 20:3. He is going to Jerusalem to minister to the poor saints (Ac 24:17). For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia, etc. Concerning the contribution, see 1Co 16:1 2Co 8:1 9:2.

Certain contribution. The Greek word, "koinonia", is the same rendered "fellowship" in Ac 2:42. Their debtors they are. It pleased these Gentile Christians to help those at Jerusalem, and, besides, they were under obligation to them, for the church at Jerusalem was the center from which the gospel had been spread abroad. Why the need of this contribution for the church at Jerusalem? This is often asked. (1) Because it was mainly composed in the start of the poor. (2) Because it had undergone persecution, and this always impoverishes, not only because members are spoiled of their goods, but because they are driven from their employments. Hence, this church, at the center of conflict, and with a great number of poor, had need of the aid of the saints elsewhere, where they were more favored with the worldly blessings. When therefore I have performed this. As soon as he has discharged this office, it is his purpose to start to Spain, and to take Rome in on the way.

Sealed to them this fruit. Made this contribution safe to them. What is sealed is made secure. I am sure that, when I come unto you. He assures them that his coming will be full of blessing to them in Christ. Godet says, with force: ``Would a forger of this epistle, in the second century, have drawn a picture of the future so opposite to the way in which things really came to pass?'' These allusions to his future movements are positive proof that this was written before Paul was a prisoner. Now I beseech you, etc. This urgent request of the apostle for his brethren's prayers, shows a strong confidence in their faith and devotion. Compare Ro 15:29. That I may be delivered. Paul knew too well the bitter hostility of the Jews to him, and that his visit to Jerusalem would be beset with dangers. He goes there with some forebodings. See Ac 20:22 21:13.

And that my service . . . may be acceptable to the saints. The Jewish brethren looked with great prejudice on Paul's work among the Gentiles, and that various rumors were circulated among them. See Ac 21:21.