What does Romans 15:20 mean?

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: Romans 15:20

Explanation

Romans 15:20 is part of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Roman church. In this verse, Paul is expressing his intention and desire to preach the gospel where it had not yet been heard, to avoid building on the foundation laid by other evangelists. The literal sense of this verse speaks to Paul’s missionary strategy. He sought new territories for his evangelistic efforts, aiming to reach those who had never been exposed to the message of Jesus Christ. This approach ties closely to Paul’s role as the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” an identity that is foundational to his ministry.

Deeper meanings of this verse reflect Paul’s commitment to pioneering work for the expansion of the early Christian movement. It signifies an understanding of the gospel as a message meant to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. Also, the verse underscores the importance of respecting the labor of fellow workers in the field of evangelism and acknowledging the shared goal of spreading Christianity.

Historical Context

The Book of Romans was written by Paul around A.D. 57, likely from Corinth during his third missionary journey. During this time, Paul had already established several churches throughout the Greco-Roman world, and he was writing to a Christian community in Rome that he had not personally founded. There was a mixture of Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome, and Paul wished to encourage them and explain his theology in depth. His intention to preach where Christ was not known may have reflected his understanding of Isaiah’s prophecies and his strategy to bring the gospel to areas such as Spain, which he mentions later in the epistle (Romans 15:24, 28).

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse highlights several key insights. The notion of “preaching the gospel” underlines the central role of evangelism in Paul’s ministry and in Christianity as a whole. Furthermore, Paul is recognizing the importance of “not building upon another man’s foundation,” which may reflect an understanding of division of labor within the Body of Christ. Each worker has a different role to play, and there should be cooperation and respect for each person’s contribution.

Different denominations interpret this verse and Paul’s strategy within their own theological frameworks. Some see it as a call to focus on unreached people groups, while others may view it as a broader mandate for the continuation of mission work globally. Additionally, the concept of establishing one’s own work in the faith, rather than just riding on the coattails of others, can be seen as a principle guiding Christian service and mission.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Romans 15:20 can inspire current believers to seek out new avenues for sharing the gospel, especially among those who have not had the opportunity to hear it. It can motivate Christians to innovate in their methods of evangelism in order to reach different communities. Moreover, this verse encourages believers to respect and honor the work done by others and avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts in ministry, promoting effective collaboration and unity in the church.

Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 10:16: “To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.”
• Acts 13:47: “For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.”
• Galatians 2:7-9: “But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;”

Language Study

In Romans 15:20, a key phrase to examine in the original Greek is “οὐκ ὅπου ὠνομάσθη Χριστός” (ou hopou ōnomasthē Christos), which translates as “not where Christ was [already] named.” The word “ὠνομάσθη” (ōnomasthē), deriving from the root “ὀνομάζω” (onomazō), means “to name.” This term implies a recognition or identification with a name. In this context, it signifies places where the message and person of Jesus Christ are known or recognized.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

When comparing to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, Paul’s strategy of reaching new areas is somewhat unique in its departure from the traditional ideas of territorial or national gods. In contrast, Christianity, as articulated by Paul, is presented as a universal religion, not confined to a specific ethnic group or geopolitical boundary. His approach to evangelism differs from the practices seen in some ancient religions, where gods had specific local jurisdiction and did not ‘compete’ in the same way for adherents across different regions.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, understanding the spread of ideas, including religious beliefs, may engage disciplines like anthropology, sociology, and psychology. The diffusion of innovations theory, for example, may provide insight into how Paul’s intent to preach in areas where Christ was not known could have contributed to the rapid spread of Christianity. Modern communications theories and network analysis may also shed light on the effectiveness of Paul’s strategic choice as a way to leverage social networks for the spread of a new religion.

Commentaries

Commentators offer various interpretations of Romans 15:20. Renowned biblical scholar F. F. Bruce suggests that Paul’s enthusiasm for his pioneering work was in line with his divine commission as the Apostle to the Gentiles. John Stott remarks that Paul’s policy stemmed from his ambitious nature, driven by a divine compulsion to preach Christ where He was not known. Matthew Henry’s commentary praises Paul’s zeal and humility, pointing out that he was not looking to interfere with other’s ministries but to go where there was most need. These different views highlight both the historical and spiritual aspects inherent in Paul’s declaration of his missionary principle in Romans 15:20.