What does Romans 15:32 mean?

That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Romans 15:32

Explanation

[That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.] This verse from Romans 15:32 shows the Apostle Paul expressing his desire to visit the believers in Rome. The joy mentioned here reflects Paul’s anticipation of fellowship and mutual encouragement with the Christians in Rome. He recognizes that any traveling plans he makes are subject to the will of God, illustrating his submission to God’s sovereignty. Being “refreshed” indicates the reciprocal strengthening and encouragement he expects to experience through his interactions with the Roman believers.

Historical Context

Paul wrote the Letter to the Romans around AD 56 or 57, while he was in Corinth during his third missionary journey. The Roman church at that time consisted of both Jewish and Gentile believers, and Paul had not yet visited Rome when he wrote this letter. Unlike most of his other epistles, Romans is more of a systematic presentation of Paul’s theology rather than being written to address specific issues within the church. In the wider context of the chapter, Paul elaborates on his mission strategy and his travel plans, which includes a visit to Rome on his way to Spain.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights several key doctrines:

• The Will of God: Paul shows his deep conviction in the sovereignty of God, emphasizing that his plans to travel and preach are dependent upon God’s enabling and permission.
• Christian Joy: The expectation of joy speaks to the Christian experience that is rooted in fellowship and unity in the body of Christ.
• Mutual Edification: The word “refreshed” implies that the Christian community provides support and encouragement to its members, pointing to the importance of relationships and accountability within the church.

Practical Applications

This verse can inform practical Christian living in several ways:

• Christians are encouraged to plan their lives while seeking and submitting to God’s will.
• There should be an expectation of joy in gathering with fellow believers, as such fellowship is designed to be uplifting and edifying.
• Believers ought to prioritize and value the spiritual refreshing that comes from Christian community and work to foster an environment where this can happen.

Cross-References

• Romans 1:9-12: “For God is my witness… that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.”
• Philippians 2:2: “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
• Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Romans 15:32, key words to analyze include:

• “Joy” (charan): This term is often related to the joy that arises from God’s grace.
• “Will of God” (thelemati tou Theou): This phrase denotes God’s purpose or decree, indicating Paul’s submission to divine providence.
• “Refreshed” (synanapauomai): A compound word meaning to rest or take comfort together with someone, suggesting a mutual rejuvenation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of joy and refreshment from divine fellowship is not exclusive to Christianity. It echoes themes found in multiple religious traditions where joy is often associated with divine presence or approval. For example, in ancient Greek culture, the concept of “Eudaimonia” represents a state of being helped or protected by a benevolent spirit and is often translated as ‘happiness’ or ‘welfare’. In Judaism, fellowship and joy are celebrated through various feasts and communal gatherings, emphasizing community and God’s providential care.

Scientific Perspectives

While scientific disciplines typically do not engage directly with theological claims, the psychological benefits of community and social support, as well as the positive impact of joy and contentment on mental health, have been widely recognized. These elements correspond with the emphasis that Romans 15:32 places on the experience of being refreshed through fellowship, a principle which aligns with modern understandings of human social needs.

commentaries

Contemporary biblical scholars and theologians provide a variety of insights on Romans 15:32:

• John Stott emphasizes the importance of Christians needing one another for mutual encouragement, as Paul looked forward to being ‘refreshed’ by the Roman Christians.
• Douglas Moo comments on the necessity of seeking God’s will in making plans and notes Paul’s example of combining human planning with divine guidance.
• N.T. Wright suggests that Paul’s hope to come with joy indicates his confidence in the positive outcome of his mission to Jerusalem, where he was delivering aid to the Christians there before hoping to visit Rome. Wright sees this as an expression of Paul’s pastoral heart and his longing for fellowship with fellow believers.