Lesson 446

(Lesson 446)(11-04-12) Romans 15:23-33, "But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen."

In this lesson Paul expresses his long running desire to visit, in person,with the disciples in Rome. He assures them that after his mission to Jerusalem is complete, he will be coming to visit with them.
Paul demonstrates how the disciples in Macedonia, and Achaia, have shown their love and appreciation toward those poor disciples in Jerusalem by making contributions to them. He also requests prayer for his safety as he goes back among those Jews in Jerusalem who so bitterly hate him and all that he stands for.

There are two distinct lessons that modern Christians may draw from this text. One being that, out of love and appreciation for the saving grace of God, we should always tend the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. The other, and possibly the most important, is that, no matter what physical harm might await us as we go, or how we might encounter some who despise us, we are to continue to spread the good news of salvation to those who seek it, no matter where they may be or what the circumstances are that might surround them. ~