Romans 15:20
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
Original Language Analysis
φιλοτιμούμενον
have I strived
G5389
φιλοτιμούμενον
have I strived
Strong's:
G5389
Word #:
3 of 14
to be fond of honor, i.e., emulous (eager or earnest to do something)
εὐαγγελίζεσθαι
to preach the gospel
G2097
εὐαγγελίζεσθαι
to preach the gospel
Strong's:
G2097
Word #:
4 of 14
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
ὠνομάσθη
was named
G3687
ὠνομάσθη
was named
Strong's:
G3687
Word #:
7 of 14
to name, i.e., assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐπ'
upon
G1909
ἐπ'
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἀλλότριον
another man's
G245
ἀλλότριον
another man's
Strong's:
G245
Word #:
12 of 14
another's, i.e., not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile
Historical Context
Paul's pioneer principle explains why he wrote to Rome (a church he didn't plant) but planned only to visit briefly (vv. 23-24, 28-29) en route to Spain—new territory. This also explains his lengthy Ephesian ministry (Acts 19-20) versus brief stops elsewhere: Ephesus was strategic for reaching Asia Minor. His missionary strategy was intentional, not haphazard.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's ambition to preach where Christ is not yet named challenge or inform contemporary missionary strategy and personal evangelistic priorities?
- What is the difference between Paul's avoidance of building on others' foundations and inappropriate competition among Christian workers today?
- In your ministry context, are you called to pioneer work (planting/evangelism) or building work (pastoral care/discipleship), and how do you know?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named (οὕτως δὲ φιλοτιμούμενον εὐαγγελίζεσθαι οὐχ ὅπου ὠνομάσθη Χριστός, houtōs de philotimoumenon euangelizesthai ouch hopou ōnomasthē Christos)—Philotimoumenon (strived, made it my ambition) indicates deliberate strategic focus. Paul's missionary principle was pioneer evangelism: preaching where Christ was not yet named (ouch hopou ōnomasthē Christos). He prioritized unreached regions over established churches. This wasn't arrogance but recognition of his specific calling: apostolic church-planting among Gentiles, not pastoral nurture of existing congregations.
Lest I should build upon another man's foundation (ἵνα μὴ ἐπ' ἀλλότριον θεμέλιον οἰκοδομῶ, hina mē ep' allotrion themelion oikodomō)—Themelion (foundation) is Christ himself (1 Cor 3:11) and the apostolic testimony about Christ (Eph 2:20). Paul avoided building (oikodomō) where others had laid foundations—not from competitiveness but from missional focus. He left pastoral work to others (like Apollos, 1 Cor 3:6) while he pressed into unreached territory. This models strategic mission: diverse callings working complementarily.