But now that there are no further opportunities for me in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to visit you,
St. Paul here declares his purpose to come and see the Christians at Rome. Upon this head his matter is but common and ordinary, appointing a visit to his friends; but the manner of his expression is gracious and savoury, very instructive, and for our imitation. We should learn by it to speak of our common affairs in the language of Canaan.
Commenting on Romans 15:22-29
Whensoever I take my journey into Spain,.... Which he had now meditated and resolved upon, being a place, as before observed, where it is very likely the Gospel as yet had not been preached, which made him desirous of going thither; but whether he ever went thither, or not, is not certain; some think he never performed the intended journey; others affirm he did, some...
Verse 23. But now, etc. Having no further opportunity in these regions to preach to those who have never heard the gospel. In these parts. In the regions before specified, he had gone over them, had established churches, had left them in the care of elders, () and was now prepared to penetrate into some new region, and lay the foundation of other churches. And having a great desire, etc.