You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Paul's travel plans were made because of his call from God to preach the gospel, and the inner impulse of his godly ambitions. He had anticipated that his trip to Jerusalem to deliver the humanitarian fund, collected from new Christians in Greece, would be a little interlude in his missionary journey. He then expected to go from Jerusalem to Spain, stopping off in Italy to visit the church in Rome. No doubt he hoped that they would support his mission and perhaps add additional gifted people to the team.
As far as we know, he never reached Spain, but he did get to Rome. Indeed he spent quite a long time there - not as a guest of the church but as an imperial prisoner awaiting trial before Caesar. False accusations by Jews in Jerusalem that would stir up a riot had Paul arrested for causing a disturbance. At that point, he used his Roman citizenship to appeal for a fair trial before the Emperor. Nevertheless, he did minister to the church and, through his letters, to many other churches and to us as well. He knew that he must share with them the blessings which he had received from Christ. He shared the gospel and some were saved including members of Caesar's household; he also shared spiritual wisdom with the church in Rome, and with the other churches as he received news of them and wrote his letters.
Perhaps we often underestimate how many blessings we have received from Christ and how important it is that we should share them. Wherever we go, the Lord expects us to share blessings on His behalf - not just pious words but truth and physical provisions to meet people's needs. Even our short journeys and regular friendships should provide an opportunity to share our blessings with others. When we travel further we should expect to meet people who are hungry to receive help from God: He has appointed us to be the courier of truth and practical love. Are you ready to share God's truth and practical blessings with the people you meet today?
Prayer: Loving Lord. Thank You for so many blessings I have received in Christ and for the prospect that You will provide for me every day until I meet You face to face. I am sorry when I have taken Your blessings for granted or assumed that they were only for my enjoyment. Help me to fully appreciate what You have given me and look for ways to share Your blessings with others. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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