Can anyone explain what Paul is saying here ? I am having a hard time with this verse :
Rom 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:
-Thanks,
Matt
Hello Matt,
The verses before and after this passage help explain:
Rom 15:18-19 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.As Christ told His disciples, His name was to be preached to all nations, Jews & Gentiles [Matt 24:14; Mk 13:10; Lk 24:47]. Paul says he brought this message, by the power of the Spirit of God, from Jerusalem and all the way to Illyricum.
Rom 5:20-21 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.The 2nd half of this passage is a quote from Isaiah 52:15.
Isa 52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they considerPaul says he was not called to preach where Christ was already being or had been preached. But rather, as the fulfillment of this prophecy, to speak to those 'to whom it was NOT spoken of and those that had NOT heard'.
Hope this helps,
Marques