I.Its history. “Oftentimes.” The project doubtless early formed. What more natural than that so distinguished a Christian citizen should desire to see the gospel firmly planted in the centre of the empire. This would be strongly opened by the conviction that from Rome the gospel would perforce radiate more powerfully. A Christianised Rome would mean a Christianised world. The purpose was originated or confirmed by Divine revelation (cf. Act_19:21; Act_27:24; Rom_15:23)
. His eye would never be off this great object.
II. Its temporary frustration.
1. Doubtless by Divine interpositions. He was kept from Rome as he was kept from Asia, etc. (Act_16:6-7). Sometimes God’s purposes are best answered by the frustration of our own when they are of the highest. Perhaps it was best for Paul to work his way to Rome by a circuitous route, coming in contact with diverse peoples, and so preparing him for dealing with the heterogeneous population of the capital. Anyhow, no ministry at Rome would have compensated for the loss of his brilliant history.
2. Certainly by necessary engagements (Rom_15:20-21). It is always best to do the duty which is nearest to hand, and follow it up by proceeding to the next. All Paul’s career seems an illustration of this. He never seems to have gone out of his way. One event leads to another by a perfectly natural sequence.
3. Possibly Satan may have hindered. If at one time, why not at another (1Th_2:18; Dan_10:13)? Did he hinder at Illyricum (Rom_15:20) when Rome was so temptingly near?
III. Its ultimate object. “Fruit.”
1. This fruit was--
(1) The conversion of sinners (Col_1:6; Php_1:11).
(2) The comfort and advancement of believers (Joh_15:16; Php_1:25).
(3) The growth of the Church, both inwardly and outwardly.
2. Much fruit he had reaped already (Rom_15:18-21).
3. Yet he yearned for more. He could have no rest while one field remained unplanted, and he knew that the most fruitful field yet remained.
IV. Its accomplishment. Read Php_1:1-30, and remember that Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon were written at Rome. Who shall estimate the fruit reaped by this visit to Rome? Only the Great Husbandman at the Great Day. (J. W. Burn.)
But was let hitherto.--
The true estimate of hindrances
1. Distinguish between the imaginary and the real.
2. Do not be discouraged by them, nor seek to evade them.
3. Conquer them by prayer.
4. Convert them into means of advancement--among other things the apostle’s difficulties occasioned this Epistle to the Romans. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
That I might have some fruit.--
Anxiety for souls
Brainerd could say of himself on more than one occasion, “I cared not where or how I lived, or what hardships I went through, so that I could but gain souls to Christ. While I was asleep I dreamed of these things; and, when I waked, the first thing I thought of was this great work. All my desire was for the conversion of the heathen, and all my hope was in God.”
Earnestness in seeking for souls
When Judson carried the message of salvation to the villages and jungles of India, he declared his conviction that men mast be redeemed to God by personal, individual contact with those who knew the grace of Christ; and he said, “I am determined to preach the gospel wherever I can find a congregation of one.”
