Romans 15:23
But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
Original Language Analysis
τόπον
place
G5117
τόπον
place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
4 of 19
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
ἔχων
having
G2192
ἔχων
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
5 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κλίμασιν
parts
G2824
κλίμασιν
parts
Strong's:
G2824
Word #:
8 of 19
a slope, i.e., (specially) a "clime" or tract of country
τούτοις
G5125
ἔχων
having
G2192
ἔχων
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
12 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλθεῖν
to come
G2064
ἐλθεῖν
to come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
14 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
15 of 19
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἀπὸ
these
G575
ἀπὸ
these
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
17 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Romans 15:32That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.Acts 19:21After 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.Romans 15:29And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.1 Thessalonians 3:10Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?2 Timothy 1:4Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
Historical Context
'Many years' suggests Paul had known about the Roman church and desired to visit since the early-to-mid 50s AD. By 57, with work in the east complete and plans for Spain forming (v. 24), the timing was right. This verse indicates Paul's advance planning and strategic thinking—apostolic ministry wasn't random opportunism but careful, prayerful strategy.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Paul's sense of 'completion' in one region before moving to another teach about finishing well versus perpetually moving to new challenges?
- How do you maintain patient, disciplined pursuit of long-held desires while remaining flexible to God's timing?
- What role does strategic assessment ('no more place') play in discerning ministry transitions versus restless ambition or burnout-driven change?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But now having no more place in these parts (νυνὶ δὲ μηκέτι τόπον ἔχων ἐν τοῖς κλίμασι τούτοις, nyni de mēketi topon echōn en tois klimasi toutois)—Mēketi topon echōn (having no more place) indicates completion: Paul has fulfilled his pioneer church-planting mandate in the eastern Mediterranean. Klimasi (regions, territories) refers to the area from Jerusalem to Illyricum (v. 19). This doesn't mean every person is converted but that churches are established in major centers, capable of evangelizing their regions. Paul's apostolic task—laying foundations (v. 20)—is complete there; others will build on them.
And having a great desire these many years to come unto you (ἐπιποθίαν δὲ ἔχων τοῦ ἐλθεῖν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ πολλῶν ἐτῶν, epipothian de echōn tou elthein pros hymas apo pollōn etōn)—Epipothian (longing, desire) is strong yearning. Apo pollōn etōn (from many years) indicates this isn't a recent impulse but long-held desire. Paul's missionary strategy required patience: he waited years to visit Rome until strategic timing aligned. This demonstrates disciplined ambition—passionate desires held in check by Spirit-directed priorities.