13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.
Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren,
The Romans could have assumed that Paul did not want to visit them, so he wanted them to know he’d planned many times to go to them.
that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now),
Paul made many attempts to go to Rome but God did not allow it until now. It was not by his personal preference or design that he had not gone. It was due to circ*mstances out of his control that hindered him from going. God needed to prepare the hearts of those in Rome first.
that I might have some fruit among you also,
The purpose of going to Rome was to have “fruit” (harvest). Fruit “among you” (Roman Christians) referred to their encouragement in the faith and converts among their friends.
just as among the other Gentiles.
The aim of going to Rome also included reaching Gentiles, as well as encouraging believers. The grip on Paul’s life was ministry to the Gentiles.
PRINCIPLE:
Priorities reveal what is important.
APPLICATION:
There is a difference between management and leadership. Management sees that things are done right; leadership sees that right things are done. Priorities reveal what is important to us.
