Paul’s immediate plans: (15:25-29): The churches in Asia Minor had contributed for the poor saints of Judea and Jerusalem. Paul mentions only Macedonia and Achaia because they were close to Rome. The apostle refers these two churches in (2 Cor.8 & 9). Paul felt that it was important to mention the token of gift of Gentiles who received the spiritual gifts from Jews, now it is their turn to benefit the Jews with material gifts when there was a great need. Paul’s intention was that the believers in Rome would also look for ways to support new churches around their region. In a way both Gentile and Jewish believers would support each other for the extension of God’s kingdom.
Ex: This is true for every church in 21st century especially in third world countries. Until 20th century, missionaries from developed countries Europe , USA, Canada, Australia etc. have reached third world countries with the Gospel. Now it is time that missionaries of the third world countries must cross to the developed countries as there is a great need for evangelisation.
Paul’s future plan was to go to Spain, because Spain was at the western end of Roman kingdom with many intellectuals. Since there was good presence of Jews in Spain, Paul intended that the believers of Rome would support for the propagation of the Gospel. Paul wanted to send a clear message to the Jerusalem churches that Gentiles are thankful to God because the spiritual blessings which originally came to Israel are being extended to Gentiles through the work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. In a way the Gentiles are sending gifts to Jerusalem believers as a first-fruits offering to sanctify the rest of the harvest among the Gentiles just as Isaiah has prophesied: “And they will bring all your people, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the Lord—on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels,” says the Lord. “They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple of the Lord in ceremonially clean vessels” (Isa.66:20).
The need of prayer for missionaries: (15:30-33):
The apostle Paul urges the believers in Rome to join him in the ministry through their prayer. Paul knew that it was going to be a struggle for him. Paul’s immediate plan was to go to Jerusalem, and then to Rome on his way to Spain. Paul wanted Romans to be partners with him in the ministry through their prayers. Every church pastor or minister needs prayer of their flocks. Every pastor, minister or missionary is sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit and the prayer of their flock. When the Spirit flows through the church, the church would excel in giving. This was seen in the lives of members of Macedonian and Achaia (2 Cor.8:1-5).
Ex: One of such beautiful example can be seen in the life of Oswald J Smith, the founder of The Peoples Church, Toronto. After assuming as the Pastor of the church, the church which was running under debts, within a short time, the church was able to support 350 missionaries across the boundaries.
As Paul was leaving for Jerusalem, he was deeply concerned about the Judaizers who opposed the message to the Gentiles and who wanted the Gentiles to become Jews in order to receive the grace of God. The Judaizers were following Paul, instigating fights and tried to steal the church members from the established churches. Paul urges the believers to pray earnestly, fervently so that Paul could complete his task. Paul knew that there could be dangers as he was many times warned of the dangers from Judaizers (Acts 20:22-23). If Paul’s task was accomplished, he could then joyfully by God’s will come to Rome and further to Spain. He was hoping to have a refreshment and relaxation when he visits Rome after completing his task at Jerusalem. Paul was confident that after he had delivered this offering, the Lord would bless his mission to Rome and Spain. He asks them to help him in his difficult mission by praying for him. Paul’s humbleness and meekness is so evident that although being an Apostle, who is full of grace and power, requesting the members of an unknown church to pray for his visit to Jerusalem.
Yes, God answered the prayers of Roman believers and Paul’s desire to visit to Rome, but not in the way Paul thought so. Paul did go to Jerusalem and Judea to handover the material gift to the believers, but his triumphal entry to Rome was not in the way he thought so, but as a ship-wrecked prisoner in chains to Rome (Acts 28:11ff). The Apostle concludes his letter with a personal greeting and benediction that God’s peace would abound them. In essence, the object of the whole letter is to establish peace between believing Jews and Gentiles, so that by mutual obligation, love and peace the church would continue to grow in leaps and bounds. Finally he concludes the letter with “Amen.” The next chapter-16, is full of personal greetings to members of the Roman church.