Romans 15:20
New International Version
It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.

New Living Translation
My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.

English Standard Version
and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation,

Berean Standard Bible
In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.

Berean Literal Bible
and thus being ambitious to preach the gospel where Christ had not been named, so that I might not build upon another's foundation.

King James Bible
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

New King James Version
And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation,

New American Standard Bible
And in this way I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already known by name, so that I would not build on another person’s foundation;

NASB 1995
And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation;

NASB 1977
And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man’s foundation;

Legacy Standard Bible
And in this way I make it my ambition to proclaim the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation;

Amplified Bible
Accordingly I set a goal to preach the gospel, not where Christ’s name was already known, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation;

Christian Standard Bible
My aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
My aim is to evangelize where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation,

American Standard Version
yea, making it my aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation;

Contemporary English Version
But I have always tried to preach where people have never heard about Christ. I am like a builder who doesn't build on someone else's foundation.

English Revised Version
yea, making it my aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
My goal was to spread the Good News where the name of Christ was not known. I didn't want to build on a foundation which others had laid.

Good News Translation
My ambition has always been to proclaim the Good News in places where Christ has not been heard of, so as not to build on a foundation laid by someone else.

International Standard Version
My one ambition is to proclaim the gospel where the name of the Messiah is not known, so I don't build on someone else's foundation.

Majority Standard Bible
In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.

NET Bible
And in this way I desire to preach where Christ has not been named, so as not to build on another person's foundation,

New Heart English Bible
yes, making it my aim to proclaim the Good News, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build on another's foundation.

Webster's Bible Translation
And so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

Weymouth New Testament
making it my ambition, however, not to tell the Good News where Christ's name was already known, for fear I should be building on another man's foundation.

World English Bible
yes, making it my aim to preach the Good News, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build on another’s foundation.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and so counting it honor to proclaim good news, not where Christ was named—that on another’s foundation I might not build—

Berean Literal Bible
and thus being ambitious to preach the gospel where Christ had not been named, so that I might not build upon another's foundation.

Young's Literal Translation
and so counting it honour to proclaim good news, not where Christ was named -- that upon another's foundation I might not build --

Smith's Literal Translation
And so seeking the honour to announce the good news, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon a strange foundation:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I have so preached this gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so I have preached this Gospel, not where Christ was known by name, lest I build upon the foundation of another,

New American Bible
Thus I aspire to proclaim the gospel not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on another’s foundation,

New Revised Standard Version
Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else’s foundation,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And I have strived to preach the gospel, not at any place where Christ’s name had already been preached, because I did not want to build on another’s foundation:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
While I take pains to preach The Good News, not where the name of The Messiah is invoked, lest I build on an unusual foundation.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
so earnestly desirous have I been to preach the gospel, not where Christ had been named, lest I should build on another man's foundation;

Godbey New Testament
but being so ambitious not to preach the gospel, where Christ has been named, in order that I may not build on another man's foundation;

Haweis New Testament
But I have in such manner endeavoured to preach the gospel, not where Christ?s name had been heard, lest I should build upon another man?s foundation:

Mace New Testament
I have effectually preached the gospel of Christ: yet so as studiously to avoid preaching it where Christ was owned, lest I should build upon another man's foundation; for,

Weymouth New Testament
making it my ambition, however, not to tell the Good News where Christ's name was already known, for fear I should be building on another man's foundation.

Worrell New Testament
and, making it my aim so to proclaim the Gospel?not where Christ was already named?that I might not build upon another's foundation;

Worsley New Testament
being studious however so to preach the gospel, not where Christ had been named, least I should build upon another man's foundation;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul the Minister to the Gentiles
19by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20 In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. 21Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”…

Cross References
Isaiah 52:15
so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard.

2 Corinthians 10:16
so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. Then we will not be boasting in the work already done in another man’s territory.

Isaiah 66:19
I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations.

Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Acts 16:6-10
After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. / And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them. / So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. ...

1 Corinthians 3:10
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds.

1 Corinthians 9:16-18
Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! / If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. / What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.

Colossians 1:28-29
We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. / To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.

Acts 13:47
For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

1 Peter 1:12
It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Acts 19:21
After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”

Acts 20:24
But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

1 Thessalonians 2:9
Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Acts 14:21-23
They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, / strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. / Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.


Treasury of Scripture

Yes, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation:

so.

2 Corinthians 10:14-16
For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: …

build.

1 Corinthians 3:9-15
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building…

2 Corinthians 10:13-16
But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you…

Ephesians 2:20-22
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; …

Jump to Previous
Aim Aiming Already Always Ambition Announce Another's Build Building Christ Christ's Counting Else's Fear Foundation Glad Good Gospel Honour However Making News Others Preach Proclaim Purpose Resting Someone Work
Jump to Next
Aim Aiming Already Always Ambition Announce Another's Build Building Christ Christ's Counting Else's Fear Foundation Glad Good Gospel Honour However Making News Others Preach Proclaim Purpose Resting Someone Work
Romans 15
1. The strong must bear with the weak.
2. We must not please ourselves;
3. for Christ did not so;
7. but receive one another, as Christ did us all;
8. both Jews and Gentiles;
15. Paul excuses his writing;
28. and promises to see them;
30. and requests their prayers.














In this way
This phrase indicates a method or manner of action. The Greek word used here is "houtōs," which means "thus" or "in this manner." Paul is referring to his strategic approach to ministry. His method was intentional and purposeful, reflecting a deep commitment to spreading the gospel in uncharted territories. This approach underscores the importance of having a clear vision and strategy in ministry, emphasizing that our actions should align with our divine calling.

I aspired
The Greek word "philotimeomai" is used here, which means "to strive earnestly" or "to be ambitious." This word conveys a sense of noble ambition and a heartfelt desire. Paul’s aspiration was not for personal glory but for the advancement of the gospel. This highlights the importance of having godly ambitions that align with God's purposes, encouraging believers to pursue their callings with passion and dedication.

to preach the gospel
The phrase "to preach the gospel" comes from the Greek "euangelizomai," meaning "to announce good news." Paul’s primary mission was to proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. This underscores the centrality of the gospel in Christian ministry and the responsibility of believers to share the good news with others. It serves as a reminder that the core of our mission is to bring the message of hope and redemption to a world in need.

where Christ was not known
This phrase indicates Paul’s pioneering spirit. The Greek word "onomazō" means "to name" or "to mention." Paul sought to bring the message of Christ to places where His name had not yet been proclaimed. This reflects the missionary heart of Paul and the call to reach the unreached. It challenges believers to step out of their comfort zones and take the gospel to new frontiers, fulfilling the Great Commission.

so that I would not be building
The Greek word "oikodomeō" means "to build" or "to construct." Paul’s intention was to lay new foundations rather than build upon the work of others. This reflects a respect for the work of fellow laborers and a desire to expand the reach of the gospel. It encourages believers to seek new opportunities for ministry and to respect the contributions of others in the body of Christ.

on someone else’s foundation
The term "foundation" in Greek is "themelios," which refers to the base or groundwork of a structure. Paul’s desire was to establish new works rather than continue on the groundwork laid by others. This highlights the importance of innovation and creativity in ministry, as well as the need to honor and build upon the legacy of those who have gone before us. It serves as a call to contribute uniquely to the kingdom of God while respecting the efforts of fellow believers.

(20, 21) Throughout all this long missionary career, the Apostle had made it his endeavour not merely to go over old ground where others had been before him, but to seek out new and virgin soil, where he might enter as a pioneer, and convey the good news of the kingdom of heaven for the first time.

(20) Yea, so have I strived.--Rather, but making it my ambition. The Apostle set it before him as a point of honour, not merely to carry forward a work that others had begun, but to build up the whole edifice from the foundation himself.

Not where Christ was named.--Not in places where there were Christians already.

Another man's foundation.--Comp. 2Corinthians 10:15-16; and for the use of the word "foundation" for the first preaching of the gospel, 1Corinthians 3:10.

Verse 20. - Yea (or, but), so striving (or, earnestly desiring, or making it my aim. The word is φιλοτιμούμενον, cf. 2 Corinthians 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:11) to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation. In the compact between St. Paul and the apostles of the circumcision referred to in Galatians 2:1-7, it was agreed that he should confine his apostolic ministry to the Gentiles. Consequently, we find him selecting as centres of his work the principal cities of the heathen world. But he was further careful to avoid places, wherever they might be, in which Churches were already founded. It was the function of an apostle to extend the gospel by founding new Churches, rather than to invade the provinces of others. Those founded by himself, and thus under his immediate jurisdiction, as e.g. the Corinthian Church, he visited as need arose, and addressed them in authoritative letters, commanding as well as exhorting. But his rule in this respect did not preclude his writing also letters of general encouragement and admonition to any whom his peculiar commission as apostle of the Gen- tiles gave him a claim to be heard by. Thus he wrote to the Colossians, though he had never seen them (Colossians 1:4; Colossians 2:1); and thus also to the Romans, at the same time (as we have seen, Romans 15:15, seq.) almost apologizing for doing so; and, though he proposes visiting them, it is nor with the view of staying among them long, so as to take up the superintendence of them, but only on his way to Spain for mutual comfort and edification (see Romans 1:11, 12; Romans 15:24).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
In this way,
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

I have aspired
φιλοτιμούμενον (philotimoumenon)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5389: To be zealous, strive eagerly, desire very strongly.

to preach the gospel
εὐαγγελίζεσθαι (euangelizesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle
Strong's 2097: From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel.

where
ὅπου (hopou)
Adverb
Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.

Christ
Χριστός (Christos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

was not known,
ὠνομάσθη (ōnomasthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3687: From onoma; to name, i.e. Assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

I would not be building
οἰκοδομῶ (oikodomō)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3618: From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.

on
ἐπ’ (ep’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

someone [else’s]
ἀλλότριον (allotrion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 245: From allos; another's, i.e. Not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile.

foundation.
θεμέλιον (themelion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2310: From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction.


Links
Romans 15:20 NIV
Romans 15:20 NLT
Romans 15:20 ESV
Romans 15:20 NASB
Romans 15:20 KJV

Romans 15:20 BibleApps.com
Romans 15:20 Biblia Paralela
Romans 15:20 Chinese Bible
Romans 15:20 French Bible
Romans 15:20 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Romans 15:20 Yes making it my aim to preach (Rom. Ro)
Romans 15:19
Top of Page
Top of Page