Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 15:28
When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
28. sealed ] The metaphor is from a solemn ratification. St Paul, handing over to the Church at Jerusalem the “fruit,” or proceeds, of the Macedonian and Achaian collections, would thereby finally attest it to be now the full property of the receivers: he would put the seal of their ownership upon it. Meyer suggests that the word indicates also the solemn close of his apostolic work in the East. It is not clear, however, that he would view the transition from the E. to the W. of the Adriatic as a wholly peculiar crisis.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Have sealed to them – That is, have secured it to them. To seal an instrument of writing, a contract, deed, etc. is to authenticate it, to make it sure. In this sense it is used here. Paul was going himself to see that it was placed securely in their hands.
This fruit – This result of the liberality of the Gentile churches – the fruit which their benevolence had produced.
I will come … – This was Pauls full purpose; but it is not clear that he ever accomplished it; Note, Rom 15:24.
By you – Taking Rome in my way.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 28. When, therefore, I have performed this] Service, and have sealed-faithfully delivered up, to them this fruit, of the success of my ministry and of your conversion to God, I will come by you into Spain: this was in his desire; he had fully purposed it, if God should see meet to permit him; but it does not appear that he ever went. See Ro 15:24.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit; i.e. After that I have despatched this business, and safely delivered the alms of the Greek churches to the Jews, wherewith I am intrusted; it is put into my hands as a treasure sealed in a bag or chest, that it may not be diminished or embezzled: he calls it fruit, because it proceeded from their faith and love, and because it would abound to their account, Phi 4:17; it would benefit them that received it, but much more them that gave it.
I will come by you into Spain; i.e. I will take you, or your city, in my way thither. He told them as much before, Rom 15:24. This he really intended, but it is generally concluded that he was prevented, that he never went this journey into Spain. The purposes of men are ruled and overruled by the providence of God, Pro 16:9.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
28, 29. When therefore I have . . .sealedthat is, delivered over safely
to them this fruitofthe faith and love of the Gentile converts
I will come“comeback,” or “return”
by you into Spain(Seeon Ro 15:24).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
When therefore I have performed this,…. Meaning when he had dispatched that business, and finished that affair which the Macedonian and Achaian churches had entreated him to engage in, and which he had undertook; namely, to take their collection, and carry it to Jerusalem, and distribute it among the poor saints there; and which he expresses by another phrase,
and have sealed to them this fruit. The liberality of the Gentile churches is called fruit, as it may be on many accounts; as with respect to the apostle, it was the fruit of his ministry and laborious preaching of the Gospel among them; he had been sowing the seed of the word, and planting churches in these parts; and among other fruits brought forth hereby, as the conversion of sinners, and edification of saints, the exercise of grace, and performance of good works, this of liberality to the poor saints was one: with respect to the persons, the objects of this bounty, it was the fruit of their spiritual things, which the Gentiles, by their means, had been partakers of; and would be as fruit, useful and profitable to them, to relieve their wants, supply them with necessaries, and make their lives more comfortable: and also with respect to the contributors, it was the fruit of the Spirit of God, and his grace in them; it was the fruit of faith, which works by love; and it was the fruit of their love to Christ, and to his saints; and was profitable to them in things temporal, spiritual, and eternal; promises of each being made and performed to such that sow liberally and bountifully. Now the ministration of this to the poor saints at Jerusalem, and on the behalf of the Grecian churches, the apostle calls a “sealing” it to them; and it is thought to be an allusion to the delivery of money sealed up, that it may not be lost, nor made use of for any other purpose than that for which it was designed: whether the apostle carried this collection sealed or not, it matters not; his sense is, that he should deliver it whole and safe unto them, and in such manner as to leave no suspicion that he had converted any part of it to his own use; though the word here used seems to answer to the Hebrew , which, with the Jews, frequently signifies to conclude, “finish”, and make an end of anything, as well as to “seal”; the sealing up of letters being the last and finishing part of them. Innumerable instances might be given; take the following one as a proof d:
“we find in the former prophets, , “that they sealed”, or ended their words with words of praise, or with words of consolation Says R. Eliezer, except Jeremiah, , “who sealed”, or finished with words of reproof.”
So the word is used in Da 9:24, and then the apostle’s plain meaning is, when I have made an end of this affair, have finished this business of ministering and distributing to the poor saints at Jerusalem,
I will come by you into Spain. The Ethiopic version reads it, “Lasitania”, designing, no doubt, Lusitania, which was formerly a part of Spain, now called Portugal. Whether the apostle ever was there is not certain nor very probable, since when he came to Jerusalem he was apprehended, and after sometime sent a prisoner to Rome, where he suffered; however, it was his intention to go to Spain, and to take Rome in his way thither.
d T. Hieros. Beracot, fol. 8. 4.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Have sealed (). First aorist middle participle (antecedent action, having sealed) of , old verb from , a seal (Ro 4:11), to stamp with a seal for security (Mt 27:66) or for confirmation (2Co 1:22) and here in a metaphorical sense. Paul was keenly sensitive that this collection should be actually conveyed to Jerusalem free from all suspicion (2Co 8:18-23).
I will go on by you ( ‘ ). Future middle of , to go off or on. Note three prepositions here (‘ from Rome, ‘ by means of you or through you, unto Spain). He repeats the point of verse 24, his temporary stay in Rome with Spain as the objective. How little we know what is ahead of us and how grateful we should be for our ignorance on this point.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Sealed – this fruit. Secured to them the product of the contribution. See on Joh 3:33; Rev 22:10.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1 ) “When therefore I have performed this,” (touto oun epitelesas) “And when I shall have completed this mission”; the mission to the Jerusalem church saints with the bounty from the church saints of Greece and Macedonia, 2Co 9:2; 2Co 9:12-13.
2) “And have sealed to them this fruit,” (kai sphragisamenos autois ton karpon touton) “And when I have sealed to them this fruit”; delivered the bounty of goods, the collection, to them, 1Co 16:3-4; 2Co 8, 4, 7, 11, 14, 19, 20. This fruit means fruit of charity, compassion, gratitude, and justice, fruit of the spirit in obedient saints, Jas 1:22. It also confirms that one who gives receives return from men, Luk 6:38.
3) I will come by you into Spain,” (apeleusomai di’ humon eis Spanian) “I will come or go through your company, good will, and help into Spain,” by to fellowship with you the church at Rome and accept your assistance in helping me on the journey into Spain, Rom 15:24 as a missionary with a vision, and resolve to keep on keeping on, Paul lived a full life of service to others in life and death, Pro 29:18; Act 26:19-20; 2Ti 4:7-8; Php_3:7; 1Co 9:21-23.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
28. And sealed to them this fruit, etc. I disapprove not of what some think, that there is here an allusion to a practice among the ancients, who closed up with their seals what they intended to lay up in safety. Thus Paul commends his own faithfulness and integrity; as though he had said, that he was an honest keeper of the money deposited in his hands, no otherwise than if he carried it sealed up. (462) — The word fruit seems to designate the produce, which he had before said returned to the Jews from the propagation of the gospel, in a way similar to the land, which by bringing forth fruit supports its cultivator.
(462) More satisfactory is the explanation of [ Stuart ] : he says, that the word “sealed” means that the instrument to which a seal is applied is authenticated, made valid, i.e., “sure to answer the purpose intended. So here the Apostle would not stop short in the performance of his duty, as the almoner of the Churches, until he had seen the actual distribution of their charity.” It seems then that “sealed” here means “secured,” or safely conveyed. “Delivered to them safely,” is the paraphrase of [ Hammond ]. — Ed.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(28) Sealed to them this fruit.Placed in their hands the sum raised by the collection. This will appear at first sight a somewhat stilted expression, but it takes a certain solemnity from the fact that St. Paul seems to regard this journey to Jerusalem as the close of his own apostolic labours in those parts, the dropping of the curtain, as it were, before a new act in his career.
Will come by you.Will pass through your city on my way to Spain.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
28. Sealed Secured to them as if with a seal. So, says Chrysostom, kings were accustomed to place a seal upon their treasury as a firm security.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by you to Spain.’
He assures them that once he has accomplished this ministry, and has made fully clear to the Jerusalem church both the source of the contribution, and the love that lay behind it, (‘sealed to them this fruit’), he will go on via Rome to Spain. Whether he actually received a reply under seal when he delivered the gift we do not know, but for such a large sum it is quite possible..
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
A word in conclusion:
v. 28. When, therefore, I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
v. 29. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ.
v. 30. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake and for the love of the Spirit that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
v. 31. that I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
v. 32. that I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
v. 33. Now the God of peace be with you all! Amen. The trip to Jerusalem had to be taken first, that plan could not be changed. But as soon as Paul had brought this business to its end and consigned, safely delivered, into the hands of the members of the church in Jerusalem this fruit of love, as the collection could well be termed, being the outgrowth of faith which was active in love, then he would pass through Rome on his way to Spain. And of one thing he was sure even then, namely, that in coming to them he would come with the fullness of the blessing of Christ and of the Gospel. That he would be supplied with, that he would bring along in rich abundance. For he was convinced that Christ, who through his labors had shed forth such abundant spiritual blessings upon the Gentile believers, would not overlook the congregation at Rome.
But with all his confident promises, Paul cannot help voicing an apprehension, a presentiment of evil. He had suffered so much in persecution on the part of the Jews that he could not quite throw off a foreboding of harm which might befall him in Jerusalem. Therefore he earnestly begs the Christians of Rome, through the Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to wage warfare with him in their prayers to God for him. By the work of Jesus Christ all believers are united in a most intimate communion and may intercede for one another with all fervor. And the love which is planted in the hearts of the Christians by the Holy Spirit urges them to come to one another’s aid in prayer. And so earnest and urgent is their prayer that it partakes of the nature of a battle, a fight against the invisible, hostile powers that are endeavoring to hinder the labors of the apostle. With such prayers to assist him, he may expect to be delivered from the disobedient in Judea, from those that refused obedience to the Gospel. And their intercessory prayer may effect also so much that his service to Jerusalem will be made acceptable to the saints, that they will gladly avail themselves of the assistance which was thus brought to them by Paul and his companions. From Act 21:17 ff. we know that the prayer of Paul and of the Christians at Rome was heard, that he was received with joy by the members of the congregation at Jerusalem. And, although Paul did not come to Rome in the way in which he planned to go at this time, he was nevertheless, by the providence of God, brought there in due time, was welcomed by them with great joy, and found some refreshment for further apostolic labors through his intercourse with them. With the earnest prayer, which amounts to a blessing, that the God of peace, He that is reconciled to us through Christ, our Peace, may be with them all, St. Paul closes the epilog of his letter.
Summary
The apostle admonishes the Christians to bear the weaknesses of the brethren and always to live, as a true household of God, in brotherly harmony; he tells them of his plan to visit Rome on his way to Spain, and asks them to remember him in their prayers.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Rom 15:28. WhenI have performed this, &c. Dispatched this affair, and have secured to them this collection. See Doddridge.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Rom 15:28 . ] This work of service for Jerusalem.
. . . . .] and when I shall have sealed to them this fruit, i.e. shall have confirmed the produce of the , Rom 15:26 , to them , secured it as their property. . in the figurative sense: to confirm , to ratify (see on Joh 3:33 ); for by delivery of the moneys they were, on the part of the apostle, confirmed to the recipients as the fruit collected for them , after the manner of the law of possession, as with seal impressed. [31] The expression chosen has a certain solemnity ; the apostle is moved by the thought that with the close of the work of love to which he refers he was to finish his long and great labours in the East, and was to take in hand a new field in the far West. In these circumstances, an unusual thoughtful expression for the concluding act offers itself naturally. But that which Fritzsche finds in it (rendering of an account and other formalities) neither lies in the simple figurative word, nor was it doubtless intended by Paul, considering his apostolical dignity. Others take . in the proper sense, either thus: “ when I have brought over the money to them, sealed ” (Erasmus, Cornelius a Lapide, Estius), which, however, the words do not express at all, and how paltrily unapostolic the thought would be! or, referring to the Greek Christians (so already Theodoret): “ when I have made them secure with letter and seal respecting the right delivery of their collection ” (Glckler, and so already Michaelis), against which, apart from the unsuitableness of the sense, it is decisive that brooks no other reference than and , Rom 15:27 (comp. , Rom 15:25 ). This also against Reithmayr, who brings out even a depositing for the almsgivers in God’s treasury!
[31] The act of handing over itself, namely, was the of the collection for the recipients. Before the delivery the moneys were indeed destined for them, but not yet de facto assured to them as property on the part of the apostle, the bearer. Theodore of Mopsuestia well explains the . by , and adds, by way of assigning the reason: , , . Without any ground in the text, Hofmann introduces bearers appointed on the part of the church , whom the apostle himself conducts to Jerusalem, thereby designating the gift to the recipients as one destined for them with his knowledge and will . Hofmann’s objection, that the interpretation given above rather suggests that it should be termed an unsealing than a sealing , is a cavil running counter to the figurative usage elsewhere of and , and which might just as aptly be applied to Hofmann’s own explanation.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
Ver. 28. When I have sealed ] That is, safely delivered, as if it were under seal.
This fruit ] This sweet ripe fruit of their faith and love, their alms.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
28. ] , hardly, as Calv., al., “proventum quem ex Evangelii satione ad Judos redire nuper dixit:” more probably said generally, fruit of the faith and love of the Gentiles .
., . , Chrys. Hom. xxx. p. 739.
, through your city.
Rom 15:28 . : having brought this business to a close. It is a mistake to find in Paul’s use of any reference to the performance of a religious rite: see 2Co 8:6 ; 2Co 8:2 , Gal 3:3 , Phi 1:6 . . “This fruit” is, of course, the collection; it is one of the gracious results of the reception of the Gospel by the Gentiles, and Paul loves to conceive and to speak of it spiritually rather than materially. Thus in 2Co 8:9 he calls it a , a , a , a , a : never money. The point of the figure in cannot be said to be clear. It may possibly suggest that Paul, in handing over the money to the saints, authenticates it to them as the fruit of their , which have been sown among the Gentiles (so . and H.); or it may only mean “when I have secured this fruit to them as their property ” (so Meyer). The ideas of “property,” “security,” “formality,” “solemnity,” “finality,” are all associated with and in different passages of the N.T., and it is impossible to say which preponderated in Paul’s mind as he wrote these words. Cf. Joh 3:33 ; Joh 6:27 . is simply abibo: the idea of departing from Jerusalem is included in it, which is not brought out in the R.V., “I will go on”. : cf. 2Co 1:16 . : there is no evidence that this intention was ever carried out except the well-known passage in Clem. Rom 1:5 which speaks of Paul as having come : an expression which, especially if the writer was a Jew, may as well mean Rome as Spain. But all the more if it was not carried out is this passage in Romans assuredly genuine; a second-century writer would not gratuitously ascribe to an apostle intentions which he must have known were never accomplished.
performed = accomplished.
will come. See Act 4:15 (go aside).
28.] , hardly, as Calv., al., proventum quem ex Evangelii satione ad Judos redire nuper dixit: more probably said generally,-fruit of the faith and love of the Gentiles.
., . , Chrys. Hom. xxx. p. 739.
, through your city.
Rom 15:28. ) Words nearly related to each other, 2Ki 22:4, , LXX., , and seal the silver. Paul finished this first; nothing interrupted him, how eager soever he might be as to other objects, Act 19:21. , as soon as I shall have sealed, not only that they might perceive the good faith of him, who delivered it, but that they might also be confirmed in spiritual communion. , I will go away) even though I may never be about to return from Spain. This is the force of the compound verb.-, Spain) Paul does not seem to have reached Spain. A holy purpose often exists in the minds of godly men, which, although it is not fulfilled, is nevertheless precious [in Gods eyes], 2Sa 7:2; 2Sa 7:4.
Rom 15:28
Rom 15:28
When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit,-This gift carried to the churches in Judea was the fruit of the Christian religion. This spirit of helpfulness is a peculiarity of the religion of Jesus Christ. No general teaching of sacrificing for the good of others is found
elsewhere than among the people under the influence of the teaching of Jesus Christ. He calls it the seal of the fruit- the proof of the love of the Gentile Christians for their Jewish brethren and for God.
I will go on by you unto Spain.-Pauls purpose was, when he completed this work of delivering to the churches in Judea the offering of the Gentiles in their behalf, to go thence to Spain, and would pass through Rome on the way.
and: Phi 4:17, Col 1:6
I will: Rom 15:24, Pro 19:21, Lam 3:37, Jam 4:13-15
Reciprocal: Job 33:16 – sealeth Son 4:16 – Let Isa 19:21 – and shall Eze 28:12 – Thou sealest Act 25:12 – unto Caesar shalt Phi 1:11 – filled Phi 2:24 – General Tit 3:14 – that Heb 13:23 – I will
:28
Rom 15:28. See the comments at verse 24.
Rom 15:28. when therefore, etc. Reverting to the hope expressed in Rom 15:24.
Have sealed to them this fruit. Secured to them as their property the fruit, the produce, of this contribution. Some take sealed in a literal sense, but this seems out of keeping with the tone of the passage. The Apostle is moved by the thought that with the close of the work of love to which he refers he was to finish his great and long labors in the East, and was to take in hand a new field in the far West. In these circumstances an unusual thoughtful expression for the concluding act offers itself naturally (Meyer).
I will proceed by you unto Spain. The full idea of the original is: I will depart (or, return) from Jerusalem, pass through your city, and go unto Spain. From Spain the way was discovered, after many centuries, to a farther West.
Rom 15:28-29. When, therefore, I have performed this journey and service, and have sealed to them Safely delivered to them, without diminution, as a treasure under a seal; this fruit This contribution, which is a fruit of their brethrens faith and love; I will come by you into Spain Such was his design, though it seems it was never accomplished. There are often holy purposes in the minds of good men, which are overruled by the providence of God, so as never to take effect; and yet they are precious in the sight of God. And I am sure , I know; that when I come to you, I shall come to you in the fulness, &c. I shall be a means of communicating to you abundance of gospel blessings. It is evident from this, and from the 28th verse, as well as from Rom 1:10-11, that Paul wrote this epistle while he was at liberty, and before Christ had told him, as is mentioned Act 23:11, that he must testify of him at Rome; and before he was constrained to appeal to Cesar, as is related Act 25:11; for in this epistle he speaks still of his journey to Rome as of a voluntary undertaking, not supposing that he should be sent thither as a prisoner.
Vv. 28-29. When, therefore, I have accomplished this and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by you unto Spain. Now I know that when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of Christ.
The term , to seal, has been understood here in many ways. Erasmus explained it thus: when I have delivered to them this money well enclosed and sealed. This meaning is grammatically impossible, and the idea is rather vulgar. Theodoret thought Paul was alluding to the duly signed and sealed receipt which should be given him by the receivers to be transmitted to the donors. But the , to them, can only apply to the former, while in this sense it would require to refer to the latter. Hofmann applies the idea of the seal to the signed and sealed deed by which the churches of Greece charged Paul to take to Jerusalem the deputies who were bearers of the collection. But how could all that be included in the simple expression: to seal? The term is frequently taken in a metaphorical sense: to keep closed, to keep secret, attest, confirm, consent. It is in this wide sense that it must be explained here. The word denotes the delivery officially and in due form of the sum collected. We can see, Act 21:18, how Paul, arrived at Jerusalem, repaired to the assembly of the elders called together in the house of James, as to a solemn reception. It was then no doubt that the letter of commission from the churches was communicated, with the sums accompanying it, and that a receipt duly signed was given by the elders.
Paul declares that this formality once accomplished, he will haste to take up his project of a journey to the west (Rom 15:29); and if things can be so brought about, he is perfectly sure of the happiness he will enjoy among his brethren of the church of Rome. Would a forger, writing in the apostle’s name in the second century, have made him pen a plan of the future so different from the way in which things really fell out?
The Greco-Latin reading , instead of (fulness), is evidently erroneous; for this word signifies only fulness of conviction, a meaning which does not suit the context. The words , of the gospel of (Christ), in the Byz. documents, must be regarded as an interpolation, unless we choose to explain their omission in the other Mjj. by the four terminations in which follow one another consecutively.
The more assured the mind of the apostle is when it is turned to Rome, the more does disquiet take possession of his heart when he thinks of Jerusalem.
When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by you unto Spain. [“Seal” is a figurative expression for “deliver safely.” Compare its use at 2Ki 22:4; where it is translated “sum”; i. e., count out. Our English word “consign” is a similar figure. Paul wished to complete a good work for them: to insure to them the benefit of a noble deed fully accomplished.]
Verse 28
Sealed to them; secured to them.
15:28 When therefore I have performed this, and have {r} sealed to them this {s} fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
(r) Performed it faithfully, and sealed it as it were with my ring.
(s) This money which was gathered for the use of the poor: and these alms are very fitly called fruit.
Paul evidently anticipated the completion of this project eagerly. The money given was "fruit" in that it was the product of gospel seed-sowing. Paul as "apostle to the Gentiles" evidently wanted the gift to serve as a token of the Gentile churches’ love and gratitude to the Jerusalem church. Or possibly he wanted it to serve as a token of the fruit that God had produced among the Gentiles because of the Jerusalem church. [Note: Cranfield, 2:775.]
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: Godet Commentary (Luke, John, Romans and 1 Corinthians)
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)