True Missionary Zeal
J. Lyth, D. D. Romans 15:22-24 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.… is — I. UNWEARYING. 1. It survives hindrances. 2. Desires ever to extend its sphere of operation. II. PRUDENT. It — 1. Proceeds cautiously. 2. First discharging those duties which are most imperative. III. WISE. 1. It does not overlook nearer claims in its desire to meet those which are more distant. 2. Paul's zeal reached to Spain, the boundary of the then known world — but he would not pass by Rome. IV. COMPREHENSIVE. He does not forget the mother Church, but makes his new spheres of labour subservient to its prosperity — 1. By proofs that its efforts have not been unsuccessful. 2. By material help in time of need. 3. By the happy effect which the examples of the converted heathen might have upon the careless at home. (J. Lyth, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. WEB: Therefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you,