Romans 15:17-24

Context

15:17 So I boast¹ in Christ Jesus about the things that pertain to God. 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in order to bring about the obedience² of the Gentiles, by word and deed, 15:19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem even as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 15:20 And in this way I desire to preach where Christ has not been named, so as not to build on another person’s foundation, 15:21 but as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”³

Paul’s Intention of Visiting the Romans

15:22 This is the reason I was often hindered from coming to you. 15:23 But now there is nothing more to keep me⁴ in these regions, and I have for many years desired⁵ to come to you 15:24 when I go to Spain. For I hope to visit you when I pass through and that you will help me⁶ on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.

[15:17] ¹tc ‡ After οὖν (oun), several important Alexandrian and Western mss (B C D F G 81 365 pc) have τήν (thn). The article is lacking in א A Ψ 33 1739 1881 Ï however. Ì⁴⁶ supplies a relative pronoun and has a different reading entirely (“which I have [as a] boast”). Articles were frequently introduced to clarify the meaning of the text. In this instance, since the word modified (καύχησιν, kauchsin) is third declension, a visual oversight (resulting in omission) is less likely. Hence, the shorter reading is probably original. The difference in translation between these first two options is negligible (“I have the boast” or “I have a boast”). NA²⁷ puts the article in brackets, indicating some doubt as to its authenticity.

[15:18] ²tn Grk “unto obedience.”

[15:21] ³sn A quotation from Isa 52:15.

[15:23] ⁴tn Grk “now no longer having a place…I have.”

[15:23] ⁵tn Grk “but having a desire…for many years.”

[15:24] ⁵tn Grk “and to be helped by you.” The passive construction was changed to an active one in the translation.