Romans 15:1-33
Paul mentions the Gentiles five times in Old Testament scripture verses (vv. 9, 10, 11, 12). But in reality, the word that he uses for Gentiles is translated “nations” in these OT writings, and my sense is that the OT use of “nations” has a very global perspective. I don’t suppose that there is any misinterpretation of these verses by Paul, but he is clearly using these verses to support his ministry to Gentiles within his geographic sphere. Just that…
I appeal to you … to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea… (vv. 30-31a). Paul’s wishes here were not granted as we will see shortly as we read on in Acts. He was fully delivered to the unbelieving Jews in Jerusalem, who sought even to kill him, but he was saved from their hostility by the Roman authorities. Surprisingly, however, he did make it to Rome later as we will read further on in Acts, but not as he had planned as a stop on his way to Spain (vv. 22-24). We do not have Biblical record that Paul ever made it to Spain, but later when we read I Timothy I will share with you some scholars’ work arguing that Paul did, in fact, make it to Spain.
See also: July 9 / Romans 15:1-13; July 10 / Romans 15:14-21; July 11 / Romans 15:22-33