Romans 15:20
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 (KJV)
Context
This verse appears in the concluding section of Paul’s letter to the Romans, where he explains his missionary practice. Paul had not yet visited Rome, and he writes to prepare the way for his journey, describing the work that had occupied him in the eastern Mediterranean.
Meaning
The word “strived” translates a Greek term that carries the idea of holy ambition or earnest endeavor. Paul’s striving was not competitive or self-promoting; it was a zealous commitment to fulfill the mission God had given him. He made it his aim to preach the gospel where Christ was not already named, so that he would not build upon another man’s foundation. This reveals both his passion for the unreached and his respect for the work of other ministers. He did not want to duplicate efforts or cause division, but to lay new foundations in places where the message of salvation had not yet been heard.
Biblical connections
Paul’s practice reflects his specific apostolic calling to reach new frontiers. His approach was not about avoiding cooperation, but about fulfilling the mission God had entrusted to him. The verse stands on its own as a clear statement of Paul’s pioneering strategy, without requiring support from other passages to establish its meaning.
Application
This verse encourages believers to have a passion for sharing the gospel and reaching the unreached. It prompts us to consider areas where the message of Christ is not widely known and to contribute to establishing a solid foundation of faith in those places.
It reminds us to appreciate the work of other believers while also actively engaging in pioneering efforts to spread the good news of salvation.
Reflection
Romans 15:20 teaches us about the importance of sharing the gospel zealously and strategically, focusing on areas where Christ is not yet known. It urges us to build on a solid foundation while pioneering new territories for the expansion of God’s kingdom. Paul’s example challenges us to examine our own priorities: Are we willing to step out in faith, to go where Christ is not named, and to lay foundations that will endure for future believers?
