Romans 15:28

So after I have completed this service and have safely delivered this bounty to them, I will set off to Spain by way of you.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Roman church while concluding a financial collection for the saints in Jerusalem. He announces his immediate itinerary: finish the delivery, then travel to Spain through Rome.

The words — The term σφραγισάμενος (sphragisamenos) means "having sealed," indicating the secure authentication of the completed task. The word καρπὸν (karpon) translates literally to "fruit," denoting the material bounty gathered from the Gentile congregations.

The thread — The Spain itinerary fulfills his prior commitment in Romans 15:24 to seek their support for that mission. The agricultural metaphor for the collection echoes the financial accounting language in Philippians 4:17 and the gospel's fruit-bearing in Colossians 1:6.

Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that apostolic work demands both practical stewardship and geographic strategy. It asks the community to align their resources and hospitality with a concrete, time-bound plan.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

τοῦτοtoutoThis οὖνountherefore ἐπιτελέσαςepitelesashaving finished καὶkaiand σφραγισάμενοςsphragisamenoshaving sealed αὐτοῖςautoisto them τὸνton<the>καρπὸνkarponfruit τοῦτονtoutonthis ἀπελεύσομαιapeleusomaiI will set off δι᾽di᾽through ὑμῶνhumōnyou εἰςeisinto τὴνtēn<the>Σπανίαν.SpanianSpain.

King James Version

When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

Cross-references

Romans 15:24 I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And after I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me for my journey.
Philippians 4:17 Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.
Colossians 1:6 that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God.
Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
Lamentations 3:37 Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it?
James 4:13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.”