by Walter A. Boyd (South Africa)
Paper 20
C. Paul and Prayer (Romans 15.30-33)
The last four verses of chapter fifteen give an insight into the heart of the Apostle Paul, as he contemplated his intended journey to Jerusalem. In the previous section (15.25-29), we saw his clear and resolute intention to complete the task of taking practical help to the saints in Jerusalem, before making his way on to Rome. In this present section it is clear that Paul knew there were considerable dangers to be faced in such a journey. He realised that, when he reached Jerusalem, he would face the malicious intentions of them that believe not (15.31). Even though this was the case, the Apostle, just like his Master, did not hesitate to take the journey. His primary precautions for such a dangerous journey were to submit to the will of God (15.32), and solicit the prayers of the people of God (15.30). His commitment to the task in hand, and courage in the face of danger, are without question. The section has three main components;
1. His Request for prayer (v30)
2. The Matters for prayer (v31,32)
3. His Apostolic prayer (v33)
1. His Request for prayer (v.30).
This is the second of three specific requests that he makes in the epistle. Each commences with the words, I beseech you brethren (12.1, 15.30, 16.17). In the first he deals with consecration, in the last with identification, and in the present one with supplication. There are three matters to consider in his request for prayer.
A. The Incentive for prayer is two-fold:
For our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake and for the love of the Spirit. Paul affectionately addresses the saints in Rome as his "brethren." When his letter would be read among the saints in Rome they would find it difficult to refuse his request, because of the grounds and graciousness of his appeal.
By our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, is a complex phrase. It most likely means that he makes his request by the Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, and he expects them to respond because of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love which the Spirit gives.
B. The Intensity in the prayer is found in the word strive. By their prayers, the believers at Rome will be striving together with Paul for the accomplishment of his mission in the journey to Jerusalem. To strive, has the idea of joining side by side in the combat with the great Apostle. By using this word, he is letting us see that he expects a real conflict when he reaches Jerusalem. Paul appreciates his fellow-believers, and he is ready to engage their help in his labours. He is not beyond accepting the help of others.
C. The Intercession of their prayer is found in the words, to God for me. What a comfort to Paul, that saints as far away as Rome were interceding directly with God on his behalf. The commitment of praying saints gives courage and confidence to many a weary servant of God, as he faces danger and opposition in his work. Can we be relied upon to respond to such a request for prayer today? Perhaps we are too glib when we promise to pray for those in need. Do we keep every promise we make in this respect?
2. The Matters for prayer (v.31, 32).
Paul has three clear objectives before his mind for his journey to Jerusalem, and these are conveyed in the details of his request for prayer. It is not just a general request, like "pray for me." There is no fuzzy thinking here. He knows exactly what it is that he wants to accomplish, and can thus make specific requests for prayer to that end. He wanted them to be precise in their prayers: a brief, "God bless Paul," would not suffice! They were asked to pray for:
A. The Deliverance from his enemies (v.31). Paul knew well the character of those in Jerusalem who would oppose him. Perhaps they had been his cohorts in earlier unconverted days. The translation, them that believe not, is too weak; and is more accurately, them that are disobedient. These people have heard the gospel and rejected its claims, and demands for obedience. Those who at one time would have applauded his evil deeds against the Christians in Judea, are now opposing him, and he recognised the dangers that he faced from such people. Therefore, this is no melodramatic exaggeration in order to gain the sympathy of the believers in Rome. When you read Acts ch.21-28, where his eventual arrival in Rome and the treatment he received there are recorded, it is clear he had every reason to fear the worst. But, however real those fears were, he remained undeterred. The wickedness of men’s hearts, the witness of the Spirit, the warning of the prophet Agabus, and the weeping of concerned saints, would not change his plan to travel to Jerusalem, in the will of God. Only God could deliver from these dangers, and take him safely with the gift from the Gentile assemblies. That being so, what more does he need to do than commit himself to God, and ask for the prayers of fellow believers?
B. The Acceptance of his service (v.31). What Paul speaks of here, is more than the safe deposit of the funds that he was carrying to the Christians at Jerusalem. It includes the idea that Paul was anxious that the Jewish believers would heartily accept the gift from Gentile believers, as well as his part in its delivery. Perhaps the gift would be refused, because of where it came from; perhaps it would not be accepted, because of who carried it. These real concerns were committed to God in prayer, and Paul was happy to invoke the prayerful help of others to ensure the success of his mission. The Jewish acceptance of a Gentile gift would be a vindication of Paul’s teaching that, as Christians there is neither Jew nor Gentile, they are both one in Christ Jesus. His arrival in Jerusalem with a gift from Gentile assemblies would be a real test as to the acceptance and progress of his ministry among the Christians, as well as the possible cause of a tumult among the unsaved.
C. The Realisation of his plans (v.32). In ch.1.10,11, Paul expressed a longing to visit them in Rome. He is now asking them to pray with him to that end. Not just that he would reach Rome, but that he would reach them with joy, and be refreshed by his visit to them. Paul’s work was subject to the will of God, and his pursuance of that will guaranteed the joy he anticipated on reaching Rome, after successfully completing his service in Jerusalem.
3. His Apostolic prayer (v.33).
The Apostle’s benedictory prayer is closely linked to similar expressions found earlier in this chapter:
15.5 - Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded …
15.13 - Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing …
15.33 - Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
If they are going to live peacefully (be likeminded), and be filled with peace in believing, they will need the God of Peace to be with them. Paul wants them to experience and enjoy Divine peace in all its fullness and blessing: peace of heart, peace of mind, peace of conscience, peace of soul, and peace in relationships.
The Source of peace - The God of peace - His Person
The Substance of peace - Be with you - His Presence
The Scope of peace - With you all - His Plenitude
—to be continued (D.V.)