Translations
Original
Notes
I hope to see you on my way to Spain: In Paul’s time, "Spain" referred to the whole Iberian Peninsula, which includes modern Spain and Portugal. The Romans had controlled parts of this region since 200 BC. However, it became an organized Roman province only during Paul’s lifetime. Paul viewed Spain, at the western edge of the Mediterranean world, as the final stage of his mission. Through this mission, he believed he was fulfilling Isaiah 66:19–20.
you can equip me for my journey: Spain was very far from Paul’s earlier sending church in Antioch of Syria. For this reason, Paul hoped the church in Rome could support him and serve as a base for this future work.
This final section includes elements often found at the end of New Testament letters:
a discussion of travel plans (15:14–29),
requests for prayer (15:30–33),
greetings (16:3–16), and
a short hymn of praise (16:25–27).
Only the warning about false teachers is a non-standard feature in this conclusion (16:17–19).
Parallels
Places
Spain: Country Paul intended to visit to preach gospel
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Letter to the Romans Paul the Apostle Rome (City) Spain Travel
Topics
Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Spain: Paul Plans to Visit