I have often been hindered
Paul's missionary journeys were frequently met with obstacles, both spiritual and physical. The word "hindered" suggests divine providence and the reality of spiritual warfare, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 2:18 where Paul mentions Satan hindering him. This reflects the challenges faced by early Christians in spreading the Gospel, including opposition from both Jewish and Gentile communities.

from coming to you
Paul's desire to visit the Roman believers is evident throughout the epistle (Romans 1:11-13). Rome was a significant center of power and culture, and the church there was influential. His inability to visit earlier underscores the strategic importance of his mission work elsewhere. This also reflects the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities and Paul's role in strengthening and unifying the church across different regions.

Paul links back to his stated ambition in the previous verses: “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known” (Romans 15:20).

• The word reaches all the way to Isaiah 52:15, quoted in Romans 15:21, showing Paul’s heart for unreached peoples, just as Acts 13:46-47 records him turning to the Gentiles.

• By saying “That,” he puts his missionary calling ahead of any personal travel plans, echoing 2 Corinthians 10:15-16 where he longs to preach “in regions beyond you.”

The verb keeps the reason current, not past. Paul still lives under the same divine assignment.

• His determination mirrors 1 Timothy 1:15, where he declares, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

• God’s unchanging purpose, highlighted in 2 Corinthians 1:18-20, gives weight to Paul’s present-tense commitment.

Here’s the cause-and-effect hinge. Paul is explaining, not excusing.

• Romans 1:13 shows he had “often planned” to visit but was “prevented until now,” reinforcing the same motive.

• Philippians 1:22 reveals his habit of evaluating every option by its gospel outcome—“what will result in fruitful labor.”

His desire to visit Rome wasn’t a passing whim; it kept surfacing.

• 1 Thessalonians 2:18: “We wanted to come to you—again and again.”

• Acts 19:21 reports another plan: “After I have been there, I must see Rome as well.”

• Romans 1:10 shows him “always” praying for a way to come.

Obstacles were real and varied.

• 1 Thessalonians 2:18 names one source: “Satan hindered us.”

• Acts 16:6-7 shows the Holy Spirit Himself sometimes blocking routes.

• 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 details physical and logistical hardships that could slow any missionary.

Travel to Rome had to wait until the gospel foundation elsewhere was secure.

• Romans 1:11-12: he longs to “impart some spiritual gift” and “be encouraged together,” but timing matters.

• Acts 23:11 later confirms the Lord’s promise that Paul “must testify in Rome,” proving delay was not denial.

The church in Rome held strategic importance—already thriving in faith (Romans 1:8) and poised to help launch Paul to Spain (Romans 15:24).

• Romans 15:14 praises them as “full of goodness… able to instruct one another,” making them ideal partners once Paul’s prior task was done.

Romans 15:22 shows Paul’s missionary priorities directing his travel plans. His repeated attempts, genuine longing, and real hindrances all serve one purpose: finishing the work God assigned in unreached regions before enjoying fellowship in Rome. The verse reminds believers to let God’s mission, not personal preference, set the agenda, trusting that delays, detours, and even obstacles fit within His faithful, sovereign plan.

Much.--These many times; so often.

Parallel Commentaries ...