Devine Scripture

Romans 15:20

What does Romans 15:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 15:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 15:20 means

Paul’s ambition has been to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named, avoiding building on another’s foundation. He seeks to extend the frontier of the gospel, not compete with or duplicate others’ labors. This calling explains both his travels and his delays. It also illustrates a principle: different servants may have different assignments, and faithfulness means staying within the grace given. Paul’s heart is for new ground, for planting the name of Jesus where it has not yet taken root, so that new communities of faith may arise.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

yea, making it my aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man’s foundation;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

yea, making it my aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man’s foundation;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Making it my purpose not to take the good news where Christ was named, so that my work might not be resting on that of others;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and so counting it honour to proclaim good news, not where Christ was named--that upon another's foundation I might not build--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I have so preached this gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man a foundation.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and so aiming to announce the glad tidings, not where Christ has been named, that I might not build upon another's foundation;

Context

After recounting the Spirit’s powerful work through him across vast regions (v.19), Paul states his missionary policy (v.20). Verse 21 will anchor this ambition in Scripture. Immediately following (v.22), he will explain how this focus hindered his coming to Rome. The flow shows that Paul’s plans are not arbitrary; they are governed by a biblically informed strategy to reach those who have not yet heard of Christ.

v.19in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Holy Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and round about even unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ;

v.20This passage

v.21but, as it is written, They shall see, to whom no tidings of him came, And they who have not heard shall understand.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:9

    For we are God’s fellow-workers: ye are God’s husbandry, God’s building.

  • Ephesians 2:20

    being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone;

  • 2 Corinthians 10:13

    But we will not glory beyond our measure, but according to the measure of the province which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even unto you.

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