Romans 15:22
For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐνεκοπτόμην
I have been
G1465
ἐνεκοπτόμην
I have been
Strong's:
G1465
Word #:
3 of 9
to cut into, i.e., (figuratively) impede, detain
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολλὰ
much
G4183
πολλὰ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
5 of 9
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλθεῖν
from coming
G2064
ἐλθεῖν
from coming
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 9
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
Romans 1:13 mentions Paul's previous unsuccessful attempts to visit Rome. The delay was strategic, not circumstantial. By AD 57, with his eastern work 'complete' (v. 23), he can finally plan a Roman visit. This chronology helps date Romans: written near the end of the third missionary journey, before the Jerusalem visit (vv. 25-26) that would lead to his arrest and eventual Roman arrival as a prisoner (Acts 28).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'good' activities or relationships might God be calling you to delay for the sake of kingdom priorities?
- How do you discern between providential hindrance (Acts 16:6-7) and self-imposed discipline based on calling (as Paul here)?
- In what ways does Paul's example challenge pragmatic ministry approaches that prioritize convenience over strategic kingdom advance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you (διὸ καὶ ἐνεκοπτόμην τὰ πολλὰ τοῦ ἐλθεῖν πρὸς ὑμᾶς, dio kai enekoptomēn ta polla tou elthein pros hymas)—Dio (for which cause) connects back to vv. 19-21: Paul's pioneer principle explains his repeated delays visiting Rome. Enekoptomēn (I was hindered) is imperfect: repeated, ongoing hindrance. Ta polla (much, many times) indicates this wasn't a single delay but multiple postponements. Paul had desired to visit Rome (1:10-13) but prioritized completing his eastern Mediterranean mission first. The 'hindrance' was his own missiological strategy, not external opposition—he wouldn't visit Rome until his pioneer work elsewhere was done.
This demonstrates integrity: Paul doesn't just theorize about pioneer missions (vv. 20-21); he practices it, even when inconvenient. His longing to visit Rome (expressed in chapter 1) submits to his apostolic calling. This models Spirit-led priorities: even good desires (visiting Roman Christians) yield to greater callings (unreached peoples).