Romans 1:13, Unfulfilled Plans

Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

The Apostle Paul speaks of unfulfilled plans to visit the Christians in Rome. He says, “I purposed to come unto you“! A strong word of resolve but the plan did not materialise. He personally made plans, not once but on many occasions to visit Rome. He sought the Lord in prayer and was led to make the journey. But he was being hindered. He was prevented to make the journey. That’s the meaning of the phrase, “was let hitherto”. He did not elaborate concerning these hinderances here but a hint was given in Romans 15:22-29 that God had directed him to go first to Jerusalem to minister to poor saints bringing with him an offering from the churches in Macedonia and Achaia.

Have you had that same experience? You had in mind to visit someone to encourage him in the faith but just could not make the visit because other pressing needs had arisen. Nevertheless, you know that you would come around to make that visitation. The Apostle Paul prayed for the Christians in Rome whilst he could not possibly be with them. He sent a letter to encourage them. Today, we have through the advancement of technology the ability to make instant communication through the telephone or the electronic mail. May we avail ourselves to these to send a note of encouragement to someone whom you had thought to personally encourage but was hindered.

You would notice that the Apostle Paul had the heart to care for the Roman Christians. And that caused him to write this letter to establish their faith. He took the trouble to do something for them. May we learn from his example.