why didn't paul go to rome?
Instead, Paul gave full testimony to why he followed Jesus and why everyone else in the court should too. That is one of the problems I have. They brought spiritual blessings to the Gentiles and so it was only right that the Gentiles share their material blessings with the Jews. For permissions, view our Copyright Policy. In keeping with the normal conventions of letter writing in the ancient Greco-Roman world, Paul immediately follows his salutation to the Roman church with an expression of thanksgiving. One commentator notes how Paul does not view God’s sovereignty as something that he should take as permission not to pray or act. We should pray that people wil respond positively to the preaching of their leaders and young people will accept the gospel presented by their Sunday school teachers. It is a rather sad reflection on our insularity that there are not as many instances of one local fellowship helping another as there should be. Given that Rome was the largest and most influential city in the known world at the time, we are not surprised that the presence of Christians there was known to the entire church. Paul wants to see the Romans, and he keeps praying to that end, all the while knowing that the Father may not grant that request. After looking at all the facts, the judge commented, �I don�t know how I�m going to decide this, because it appears that we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that does not.�. The false churches have lost this vision. Jesus was being proclaimed as Lord in the place where Caesar’s lordship was most evident, and that people were hearing of the true King of kings in the seat of imperial power was indeed something in which Christians could rejoice. The pastor was made so welcome and listened too with such a degree of appreciation that he returned to his own small church a new man! There are, of course, some who take kindness for granted and never offer so much as a word of thanks. We read that Claudius Lysias. The deputation represented the Grace Baptist Mission and went for a time of fellowship with like minded churches in the South of India. Paul obviously considered the delivery of this offering to be very important. Some went voluntarily and others involuntarily. Although Paul's plans were thwarted there is no doubt that he continued to witness effectively: at his trial, to the 276 passengers on the shipwrecked boat, to the receptive inhabitants of Malta and for 2 years in Rome itself. The apostle didn't intend to visit Rome just for a rest, a holiday or hospitality. v29. Cir. It was grand to walk in such a gorgeous area and heart warming for an old bachelor like me to have times of Bible study and prayer with two dear companions. He was under house arrest for 2 years. I don't think the Jerusalem church was as thankful as it might have been for the Gentile's gift. The well being of our brothers and sisters in Christ who witness in countries where there is much hatred of Christianity. He anticipated his visit would be: God gave Paul two easier, relatively untroubled years, during which he was able to teach freely before his eventual martyrdom. This prayer was answered and Paul did eventually get to Rome where he spent two relatively tranquil years of ministry in his own house. (Acts 19:21 RSV) (Acts 19:21 RSV) That was the beginning of Paul's resolve to go to Jerusalem. A pastor at one of our very small Grace Baptist churches in Suffolk went recently with a deputation to India. So the answer was clearly in scripture. To be kept safe from the Jewish opponents to Christianity of whom there were plenty in Jerusalem. Mr Oliver would say that those years were a preparation for his pioneering work in Nepal. But what he did instead was try to save the souls of everyone present. After losing his building the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building. Paul resisted and a contention so sharp developed between the two that these friends went their separate ways (Acts 15:36-39). In chapter 15 Paul says he wants to preach where “Christ has not been named,” which is why he hasn’t come there, but plans to stop by Rome on his way to Spain. After losing his building the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building. Acts itself provides the answer – Jesus told him he had to go there! " Well Paul certainly believed in the power of prayer. By the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, he is returning to Jerusalem with aid for the church there (Romans 15:25-26)—aid which comes mostly from the Gentile churches of Asia Minor and Greece. But to understand this situation we need to go back to Acts 20 where Paul says specifically: “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. Not once did he say, "Thank you.". He always requested prayer of the churches to whom he wrote. This prayer was answered. Charles Haddon Spurgeon counselled Mr Haddler not to commence building until he had the money. In the event I don't think it did. After looking at all the facts, the judge commented, �I don�t know how I�m going to decide this, because it appears that we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that does not.�. Anyway, they told me a story about their father. I will divide my exposition into four parts: Baulked Plans, Brotherly Provision, Blessed Presence and Besought Prayer. Paul was released by Nero. Such a life style was unsustainable. How he longed for the Jews to accept Christ. We must be careful not to detract from the pleasure of those doing good for Christ's sake. Paul was not ashamed to ask for help. I suppose my lack of opportunity to preach is what led me to create a website. We are under an obligation to give financial aid to fellow Christians in need. Maybe they would agree to finance his trip. Other ministries In Romans 15:22, Paul indicated that one reason why he was prevented from going to Rome was that he had extensive missionary work going on in other areas. I pray for the help of the Holy Spirit to make me effective. He has a message for the church there, and he wants them to benefit from it. The controversy over John Mark was no simple disagreement. The Next 500 Years: 2017 National Conference, Right Now Counts Forever: 4-Volume Collection, Show Me Your Glory: Understanding the Majestic Splendor of God, Naming Ligonier the Beneficiary of a Bank or Investment Account, Gifts That Provide Income and Tax Benefits. For congregations to be receptive to the word. Paul's Journey to Rome 13. Paul Visits Rome " I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong. Another is Peter, who thought he needed to put Jesus, his master, right. I had the money so I paid his debt. God knew of the advantages of Paul spending two secure years in Rome where he could teach everyone who visited him. This is an excellent example of God-honoring prayer that is content with the will of our Creator but nevertheless keeps on asking, seeking, and knocking when one does not know what God’s will is. The situation which so distressed him was easily solved. While Paul is not described as avoiding persecution, he may have thought that it would be better to have success elsewhere rather than go and be executed by his former masters! I was so pleased to be linked through those two old ladies to Charles Haddon Spurgeon and his genial benevolence. Imprisoned in Rome, Mark is there with Paul as a “fellow It was a time during which, thanks to the generosity Christians who sold their land, people could meet together every day to receive apostolic teaching about Jesus. In my recent book The Fate of the Apostles, I make the case that the apostles were all willing to suffer and die for their faith. His priority was not to do some sightseeing! in all its fullness to as many people as possible. The local Baptist church started a campaign to block the bar from opening with petitions and many prayers. The spiritual gift Paul mentions likely refers to some special insight that the Apostle wants to share with the Romans. Paul’s Intent to Visit Rome “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (vv. There was probably only one person available to act as secretary of the small church at Brockley - and it was to this task God assigned me. I said to myself, "You should be glad to have the opportunity to help a brother in distress." Expedient. The most natural thing for Paul to do would have been to try to save his own life. And if you are wondering whether you should dedicate some time in the Eternal City, here are 10 Reasons to Visit Rome: When Moses was forty he wanted to take on the role of spokesman for his enslaved people. Testify of what Jesus had done for them. 1 Samuel 1:1â20 Matthew 7:7â11 1 Thessalonians 5:17 James 5:13â18. Paul fully expected that his visit to Rome would be both a blessing to the Christians there and himself. Answer to: In the Bible, why did Paul go to Rome? That wasn't God's plan. I reach far more people this way than I ever could teaching the Bible in my native Suffolk. Visitors from all over the empire came to Rome and doubtless many of them spent time with Paul. Enjoyable. When I retired I would like to have done more preaching and Bible teaching. In chapter Work progressed right up till the week before opening when lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground. The pay awarded to ministers in England is significantly less than any other profession. I always ask my church to pray for me when I embark on a long road journey. Christians have a duty to provide financial support to those who are a blessing to them spiritually. Paul's first visit to Rome is initiated when he is arrested at Jerusalem's temple in late spring of 58 A.D. “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (vv. In a small Texas town, a bar began construction on a new building to increase their business. This was vitally important to Paul and seems to me to be the main purpose of his epistle to the Romans. It certainly illustrates the truth of William Cowper's famous hymn: 'God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform.'. That his ministry would be well received by the Christians in Jerusalem. Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the Saints there, so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. In the past I found it very refreshing to meet with Christians from other churches at Pioneer Camp. His teaching was also needed in the capital of the Roman Empire. He wasn't especially warmly received by the church. We should have more of them. This passage teaches us some very significant lessons. The apostle needed to pass through Rome to continue with his pioneering ministry. It was a full time job and not one I had any training for!! Knowing the nature and character of God helps you understand why certain people are chosen for certain tasks. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. v25to25. Rather, it is deeply symbolic of the newfound unity that Jews and Gentiles now have in Christ. Miss Haddler's father was called to a small fellowship in Kent who hoped to build a bigger chapel. Letter of Paul to the Romans, sixth book of the New Testament and the longest and doctrinally most significant of Saint Paul the Apostle’s writings. 11–12). As is evident in Romans 1:8–12, the Apostle has much to be thankful for, and he clearly has an affection for the believers in the empire’s capital city even though he has never met most of them before. In Paul's opinion the Jerusalem believers deserved it. God wants The first Christians did not go to church to listen to a pastor. Evidently he did not For Paul, this aid is not just about alleviating material suffering. But at least he was met by a delegation of brothers at the Three Taverns on the Appian Way. God's servants and especially Christian leaders all of whom need a break from time to time. They WERE the church, seven days a week. My dear, old father when he was the pastor of Brockley Grace Baptist Church took an interest in all the activities of the church. Paul and Silas didn’t end up in prison by preaching a watered down, tamed and domesticated moral vision. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. But by A.D. 476, the traditional date of the empire's "fall," the "invaders" had long been essential parts of the Roman administration and army. The apostle's ministry changed dramatically. Then after being shipwrecked on his journey to Rome he had three months in Malta. We have to accept that many for whom we pray will not respond to the truth. A few years ago I had a holiday in the Lake District with two Christian friends. The church members at Jerusalem were poor due in part to heavy taxation and a recent famine. But they had to wait for many years in N. India before they were allowed in. He was a student at Spurgeon's College in the days of the great preacher himself. What a blessing that �50 was in so many different ways. Persecution is still meted out to Christians by the militant adherents of other religions - Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. 1:9–10). I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. God's plans do not always coincide with ours. Donate Now. Paul appeared before Nero some time during his house arrest in Rome. It is important for church leaders to show an interest in, and support for, the different kinds service that go on in their churches. The members of the first church were grounded in Christ's teaching and so equipped to tell others, including Gentiles, when they were forced by persecution to scatter. IT WAS NOT AN EASY TASK. When I was a young student I visited two friends of my mothers who attended the Grace Baptist Church in Richmond, Surrey. Discuss the many aspects of Jesus' ministry - his teaching, example and saving work. We are tempted to think that we know best. However, God has at his disposal plenty of teachers and preachers. Perhaps he was even able to instruct curious visitors from Spain. Verse 37 says, “Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark.” Luke chooses the imperfect tense in the Greek for the verb we translate as wanted, indicating Barnabas was persistent and determined in his request. There are others who do accept help in extremis but always try and pay the Good Samaritan back. forward to the capital city. We humans, who cannot see ahead, have a short term outlook. All roads led to Rome. Paul looked forward to visiting Rome. SeanMcDowell.org The traditional view is that Paul was beheaded in Rome during the reign of Nero AD 64-67. Yeah, in John 7, they said, If you are really the Messiah, go up, it’s the feast of the Passover now, go on up.And Jesus said, Well, I’m not going yet, and then He went, of course.No, they were not favorable, they didn’t believe in For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 5:18–20), the Lord deserves thanks whenever someone comes to faith. They were both old spinsters who may well have been in love with my grandfather, Pastor Hughes. Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome." However, the New Testament gives us enough information about Paul's itinerary to piece together some reasons why God's "higher thoughts and ways" caused a revision of Paul's plans. God knew that Paul needed to slow down. I resigned from Geography teaching and spent two years looking after my father who had Parkinson's disease. Some Christians are so independent that they never accept an offer of help. Paul hoped the Gentiles love gift would bring the Jewish and Gentile Christians closer together.
His priority was not to do some sightseeing! Paul fully expected that his visit to Rome would be both a blessing to the Christians there and himself. Martin Hengel and Anna Maria Schwemer, Paul Between Damascus and Antioch (Louisville: Westminster / John Knox, 1997), 94. We are not indispensible to the work we have in mind to do. It took him much longer to get to Rome than he planned. (God had promised Paul in a vision in Acts 27:24 that he would stand before Caesar.) For Paul, then, it’s fitting that since the Gentiles have come to share in the spiritual blessings of Israel, the Gentile… Jonah is a classic example. After all, He is the one who grants it. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. One of them, Lydia – from Thyatira in the Roman province of Asia (see Map 24 ) – is a wealthy dealer in expensive purple cloth (which only the most important Roman citizens … Later, when C.H.S. The apostle had asked the churches to take up a collection for the Jerusalem Christians. He anticipated enjoying the company of the Christians in Rome. The apostle never went as a pioneering evangelist to Spain. The apostle didn't intend to visit Rome just for a rest, a holiday or hospitality. But the young pastor somewhat impetuously decided to proceed with the project in faith. Mr Ernest Oliver and his wife were led to go as missionaries to Nepal. Some time ago one of our members got into debt by undertaking to pay for his brother's funeral. It didn't succeed in bringing the Gentile and Jewish Christians closer together. The local Baptist church started a campaign to block the bar from opening with petitions and many prayers. First of all, Paul himself seems to have had a revelation from the Holy Spirit that he should go up to Jerusalem (Acts 19:21; 20:22), knowing full well that persecutions would find him there (Acts 20:23-24). Paul actually had most success in Malta before arriving in Rome. He looked forward to carrying on with what he done so well - taking the gospel to pastures new - un-evangelised Spain. Note that Paul says he gives his thanks to God “through Jesus Christ.” Our Lord is the only way to the Father, and whenever we come before Him, we must come through Jesus (Col. 3:17; Heb. It's likely that Paul's father didn't just repair and sell tents to Jews, but to Gentiles as well, giving Paul a clear glimpse into Gentile cultures, even though he was raised in … There were other evangelists to take the gospel to Spain and further afield. The mission, passion and purpose of Ligonier Ministries is to proclaim the holiness of God The time between the Day of Pentecost and the dispersal of Christians all over the Empire was crucial to the growth of the church. And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. In John Bunyan's, 'Pilgrim's progress,' Christian and Hopeful had a lovely time in the Delectable Mountains on their way to the Celestial City. So, Festus, Felix, Agrippa, Bernice, it was kind of a family affair wasn’t it.Well, Dave next week we’ll see that Paul has appealed to Rome and to Rome he’s going to go, but we’ll pick up on the details next week, Lord willing. He attended the Sunday School Anniversary practices and the Fellowship of Youth meetings. I can't honestly say that I was all that glad! The attachment of the legalistic Jewish Christians to the Law of Moses proved too much of an obstacle to genuine fellowship with the more liberal Gentile believers. The Bible records that the apostle Paul was in Rome twice, both times as a prisoner, during his thirty-five year public ministry.His appearance in the city of Rome occurs during his fourth and his fifth missionary journeys. But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. v23and24. As a result, the fall was less catastrophic and affected the Roman population less than is typically … Verses 11–12 indicate that Paul wants to come to Rome in order to strengthen the church there and to be encouraged by the believers’ words and witness. Paul had three specific items for prayer: Today there are three similar crucial items for us to pray about: I pray for help whenever I preach. The church vehemently denied all responsibility in its reply to the court. God takes a long term view. Even school teachers get paid more! By signing up, you'll get thousands of step-by-step solutions to your homework questions. Churches Work progressed right up till the week before opening when lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground. Rome had a large number of poor people within its population and Christianity continued to grow. The elders main concern seemed to be the reaction of Jewish Christians. He didn't sit aloof in his study - letting others get on with it. In a small Texas town, a bar began construction on a new building to increase their business. Here he asks for prayer partners to help him in the struggle to make Christ known. I have little confidence in my ability to drive safely! Since even faith itself is a gift that the Spirit of God sovereignly bestows (Eph. However, the experiment of selling their assets and having all things in common was bound in the end to impoverish people. However, I often forget to pray for the congregation - that they will receive the message and act upon it. He arrived in Rome under armed guard. This went on for several years. They unabashedly drove out a demon that was afflicting a girl, and in so doing they engaged in a revolutionary threat to a 2. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. We should be pleased when we have the opportunity. We also read in today’s passage of Paul’s longing to come to see the Christians in Rome. The latter were driven away by a wave of persecution in which Saul of Tarsus was to the fore. Paul's Letters to Corinth Spurgeon said to him: "Well brother - I'll give you �50 - for ignoring my advice." That he manages in the will of God to arrive safely and joyfully in Rome for a time of spiritual refreshment. 13:15). Acts 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. It took the intervention of Paul's nephew to save him from a Jewish plot to assassinate him. I wasn't able to teach, preach or even write. He was venturing into what was for him the most dangerous place on earth. He did so for the following reasons: The Jerusalem church was the centre from which men and women went out with the gospel. That was the case for Paul. Paul in Berea Paul in Athens Paul in Corinth Paul returns to Jerusalem 11. After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. She did and it meant a lot to me at the time. Our church treasurer said, "I will come along and give you some support." 10 Reasons to Visit Rome - let me convince you! That is why many Christians are greatly blessed at events like the Keswich Convention or Spring Harvest. Yet again, Paul is the This became very clear when Paul arrived in Jerusalem. The apostle spent two years in prison in Caesarea. If you're planning a trip to Italy, chances are good you will fly in or out of Rome. In AD 313, the Emperor Constantine made Christianity legal and for the first time, they were allowed to openly worship. When that happens we are liable to be disappointed, confused and frustrated. Finally, Paul and his companions sailed for Rome where Paul was to stand trial for his alleged crimes. My Christian brother faced bankruptcy. Luke records: Paul remained in Rome for much longer than he anticipated. Fix that problem! Paul's Letters to Galatia & Thessalonica 14. asked him how things were going, Pastor Haddler had to admit what he had authorised. I was extremely busy at the time and did not want the responsibility. This denies a brother the opportunity to serve Jesus. But time passes and people change. Romans 15:25-28 But now I go unto When one church in any way helps another it can bind them more closely together in love. I did ask God whether he knew what he was doing! Moses needed to get acquainted with the desert in preparation for 40 years leading the Israelites in the wilderness. That was Paul's sincere hope for the gift he took to Jerusalem. There he was arrested and thrown into prison. He was no Superman who could manage alone. v30 and 32. The church vehemently denied all responsibility in its reply to the court. It is one I could do something about!!