Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 15:24
Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your [company.]
24. take my journey ] Lit., simply, travel. The Gr. does not, as the E. V. (“ my journey”) may seem to do, imply that this was a journey previously expected at Rome. But on the other hand it is almost certain that it was more or less definitely expected, considering that St Paul had such intimate friends (and no doubt correspondents) at Rome as Aquila and Priscilla.
into Spain ] Gr. Spania. The form Hispania is also found in Greek; Spania never in Latin. The far commoner Greek name of the Peninsula is Iberia.
On the question whether this journey ever took place, see Introduction, i. 31. See also on Rom 1:10; Rom 1:13.
I will come to you ] There is much documentary evidence against this clause, though it is not absolutely conclusive. The words are needful to the sense; and, if they are interpolated, we have here a strong example of St Paul’s elliptical style: he leaves the statement of his intention to be inferred from the words of Rom 15:22.
to see you ] The Gr. verb naturally implies a deliberate beholding, as of one admitted to a spectacle. Cp. Col 2:5.
in my journey ] Lit. travelling through. He would not make a long stay at Rome, because there “Christ had been already named.” He little anticipated the “two years in his private lodging.” (Act 28:30.)
to be brought on my way ] Perhaps some of the Roman Christians might accompany him to Spain.
by you ] A better reading gives, from you.
somewhat ] Lit. in part. He affectionately implies that the intercourse must be far shorter than his wishes; but that what enjoyment of it he can secure, he will.
filled ] As a faint and hungry traveller with welcome food, which sends him on refreshed. “Ch. Rom 1:12 furnishes the commentary to this word.” (Meyer.)
with your company ] Lit. with you.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Whensoever I take my journey into Spain – Ancient Spain comprehended the modern kingdoms of Spain and Portugal, or the whole of the Spanish peninsula. It was then subject to the Romans. It is remarkable, even here, that the apostle does not say that his principal object was to visit the church at Rome, much as he desired that, but only to take it in his way in the fulfillment of his higher purpose to preach the gospel in regions where Christ was not named. Whether he ever fulfilled his purpose of visiting Spain is a matter of doubt. Some of the fathers, Theodoret (on Phi 1:25; 2Ti 4:17) among others, say that after he was released from his captivity when he was brought before Nero, he passed two years in Spain. If he was imprisoned a second time at Rome, such a visit is not improbable as having taken place between the two imprisonments. But there is no certain evidence of this. Paul probably projected many journeys which were never accomplished.
To be brought on my way … – To be assisted by you in regard to this journey; or to be accompanied by you. This was the custom of the churches; Act 15:3; Act 17:14-15; Act 20:38; Act 21:5; 1Co 16:6, 1Co 16:11; 3Jo 1:8.
If first … – If on my journey, before I go into Spain.
Somewhat – Greek, In part. As though he could not be fully satisfied with their company, or could not hope to enjoy their society as fully and as long as he could desire. This is a very tender and delicate expression.
Filled – This is a strong expression, meaning to be satisfied, to enjoy. To be filled with a thing is to have great satisfaction and joy in it.
With your company – Greek, With you; meaning in your society. The expression to be filled with one, in the sense of being gratified, is sometimes used in the classic writers. (See Clarke on this verse.)
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 24. Whensoever I take my journey into Spain] Where it is very likely the Gospel had not yet been planted; though legendary tales inform us that St. James had planted the Gospel there long before this time, and had founded many bishoprics! But this is as unfounded as it is ridiculous and absurd; for nothing like what is now termed a bishopric, nor even a parish, was founded for many years after this. An itinerant preacher, might, with more propriety, say travelling circuits were formed, rather than bishoprics. Whether the apostle ever fulfilled his design of going to Spain is unknown; but there is no evidence whatever that he did, and the presumption is that he did not undertake this voyage. Antiquity affords no proof that he fulfilled his intention.
I will come to you] . These words are wanting in almost every MS. of note, and in the Syriac of Erpen, Coptic, Vulgate, Ethiopic, Armenian, and Itala. If the first clause of this verse be read in connection with the latter clause of the preceding, it will fully appear that this rejected clause is useless. Having a great desire, these many years to come unto you whensoever I take my journey into Spain: for I trust to see you in my journey, c.
Somewhat filled with your company.] The word , which we translate filled, would be better rendered gratified for signifies to be satisfied, to be gratified, and to enjoy. AELIAN., Hist. Anim., lib. v., c. 21, speaking of the peacock spreading out his beautiful plumage, says: “He readily permits the spectator to gratify himself by viewing him.” And MAXIMUS TYRIUS, Dissert. 41, page 413: “That he may behold the heavens, , and be gratified with the splendour of the light.” HOMER uses the word in the same sense:-
‘ .
Odyss., lib. xi., ver. 451.
“But my wife never suffered my eyes to be delighted with my son.”
The apostle, though he had not the honour of having planted the Church at Rome, yet expected much gratification from the visit which he intended to pay them.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Here he sets down the time when he would visit them, i.e. when he took his journey into Spain. He saith, he trusted he should see them then; he was not assured of it, he had no revelation from God concerning it, he could make no absolute promise. See Rom 15:28.
And to be brought on my way thitherward by you; i.e. by some of you; this he did promise himself from them, and indeed it was usually done by the churches he visited; see Act 17:15; not that he affected any train or pomp, but it was done for his guidance and safety, as he travelled through unknown and dangerous ways.
If first I be somewhat filled with your company: this he adds, lest they should think he meant to make no stay with them; he gives them to understand, that he did not intend to leave them, till they were mutually filled and satisfied with one anothers company and society.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
24. whensoever I take my journeyinto SpainWhether this purpose was ever accomplished has beenmuch disputed, as no record of it nor allusion to it anywhere occurs.Those who think our apostle was never at large after his firstimprisonment at Rome will of course hold that it never was; whilethose who are persuaded, as we are, that he underwent a secondimprisonment, prior to which he was at large for a considerable timeafter his first, incline naturally to the other opinion.
I will come to youIfthese words were not originally in the text, and there is weightyevidence against them, they must at least be inserted as a necessarysupplement.
in my journey, &c.”asI pass through by you, to be set forward on my journey thither, iffirst I be somewhat filled with your company”: that is, “Ishould indeed like to stay longer with you than I can hope to do, butI must, to some extent at least, have my fill of your company.”
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Whensoever I take my journey into Spain,…. Which he had now meditated and resolved upon, being a place, as before observed, where it is very likely the Gospel as yet had not been preached, which made him desirous of going thither; but whether he ever went thither, or not, is not certain; some think he never performed the intended journey; others affirm he did, some time between his two appearances before Nero. Sepharad, in Ob 1:20, is taken by the Jewish writers for this country; and is by the Targum, Jarchi, and Aben Ezra on that place, called , “Aspamia”; a name not greatly different from Hispania, by which it usually goes among the Greeks and Latins; but Kimchi calls it , “Spania”, the very word used in this place, and by us rendered “Spain”, as it is usually called: it was called “Span” in the language of the Celtic, who first inhabited it, which signifies a companion; it was formerly called Iberia, from the river Iberus; afterwards Hesperia, from Hesperus, the brother of Atlas; and then Hispalia, from the city Hispalis, or Sevil; and from thence corruptly Hispania; there are some that derive it from , from the roughness of some places in it, barren, uncultivated, and uninhabited: it has on the east the Pyrenean mountains, by which it is divided from France, on the west the Atlantic ocean, on the north the Cantabrian, and on the south the Herculean sea, and the straits of Gades: now as the apostle intended a journey into this country; he mentions it, in order to raise their expectations of seeing him; since in his way thither, he would have a fair opportunity of coming to them; yea, he assures them, that whenever he went thither, he would come:
I will come to you: it was his real intention, a settled resolution and determination in his mind so to do; but whereas everything of this kind depends not upon the will of man, but upon the will and providence of God, and so many unforeseen things fall out which prevent the fulfilling of human purposes, therefore he adds,
for I trust, or “hope”
to see you in my journey: he could not be certain that he should see them, but he hoped he should, for nothing was more desirable to him; his wish was not to see their emperor, their senate, or their famous city, but them, the church of Christ there; and a beautiful and delightful sight it is, to see a church of Christ in Gospel order, walking together in the faith and fellowship, and ordinances of it, and in peace one with another:
and to be brought on my way thitherward by you; he not only hoped to see them, but that he should have the company of some of them along with him, in his way to Spain; from whose conversation he might expect much spiritual pleasure and refreshment; and by whom he might be directed in his way, as well as supplied with all necessaries for his journey; in which sense the phrase of bringing on in the way, is sometimes used; see Tit 3:13; though before he should depart from them, he hoped to have abundance of satisfaction in his conversation with them together as a church:
if first I be somewhat, or in part,
filled with your company; or with you, meaning that before he should set forward from them to Spain, that he should be greatly delighted with beholding their order, and the steadfastness of their faith, hearing their sweet experiences, and observing their holy life and conversation, and their peace and concord among themselves; not that he expected entire satisfaction, a satiety of pleasure, fulness of joy, which are only to be had in the presence of God, and communion with angels and glorified saints; though perhaps he might expect more than he had, for at his first answer before Nero, all these Romans forsook him and fled; saints are often disappointed in their raised expectations of what they shall enjoy in each other’s company.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Whensoever I go ( ). Indefinite temporal clause with and the present middle subjunctive (cf. 1Cor 11:34; Phil 2:23 with aorist subjunctive).
Into Spain ( ). It was a Roman province with many Jews in it. The Greek name was , the Latin Hispania. The Textus Receptus adds here (I shall come to you), but it is not in Aleph A B C D and is not genuine. Without it we have a parenthesis (or anacoluthon) through the rest of verse 24.
In my journey (). Present middle participle, “passing through.” Paul planned only a brief stay in Rome since a strong church already existed there.
To be brought on my way thitherward ( ). “To be sent forward there.” First aorist passive infinitive of , common word for escorting one on a journey (1Cor 16:6; 1Cor 16:11; 2Cor 1:16; Titus 3:13; 2John 1:6).
If first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company ( ). Condition of third class with and first aorist passive subjunctive of , old verb, to fill up, to satisfy, to take one’s fill. See Lu 6:25. Literally, “if I first in part be filled with you” (get my fill of you). delicate compliment for the Roman church.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Spain. The usual Greek name is Iberia. Paul adopts a modification of the Roman name, Hispania.
In my journey [] . Lit., journeying through, or as I pass through.
To be brought on my way [] . Escorted. See on Act 14:3. Filled [] . Lit., filled full : satiated. Compare Act 14:17; Luk 1:53. Rev., satisfied.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Whensoever I take my journey into Spain,” (hos an poreuomai eis ten Spanian) “Whenever I ma e my way into Spain,” indicating a planned trip without a fixed date of itinerary. The desire to journey to Spain had no fixed time and it is uncertain that he ever made the visit.
2) I will come to you, for I trust to see you in my journey,” (elpizo gar diaporeuomenos theasasthai humas) “For I do hope to behold (see or gaze upon) you all as I journey through,” or as I pass through Rome on my way to Spain, Act 19:21. It appears that Paul did not desire to linger long in Rome, but desired very much to fellowship as he passed on to Spain.
3) “And to be brought on my way thitherward by you,” (Kai huph humin propemphthenai ekei) “And to be helped on my way,” assisted, or set forward, with means of physical or financial help. This indicates that Paul was financially or physically helped in his missionary travels by one place assisting him to go on to another, Act 15:3; 2Co 10:15.
4) “If first I be somewhat filled with your company,” (ean humon proton apo merous emplestho) “if I may first be filled with your company, good will, or fellowship, filled in the sense of satisfied with your company, of spiritual and social nature, 1Jn 1:7; 1Co 3:9; Joh 13:34-35.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
24. For I hope, etc. He refers to the reason why he had for a long time wished to come to them, and now intended to do so, — even that he might see them, enjoy an interview and an intercourse with them, and make himself known to them in his official character; for by the coming of the Apostles the gospel also came.
By saying, to be brought on my way thither by you, he intimates how much he expected from their kindness; and this, as we have already observed, is the best way for conciliating favor; for the more confidence any one hears is reposed in him, the stronger are the obligations under which he feels himself; inasmuch as we deem it base and discourteous to disappoint the good opinion formed of us. And by adding, When I shall first be in part filled, etc., he bears witness to the benevolence of his mind towards them; and to convince them of this was very necessary for the interest of the gospel.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(24) Into Spain.In his eagerness to seek out entirely new regions, and to avoid any possibility of crossing the lines of his fellow Apostles, desiring also himself to gather in the fulness of the Gentiles so far as lay in his power, he had determined to push on even to Spain. Whether he ever succeeded in carrying out his purpose we cannot say positively, but it is, perhaps, rather more probable than not. A tradition which dates back to the Epistle of Clement of Rome (circ. A.D. 95) says that he visited the extreme limit of the West, a phrase which seems hardly satisfied by being interpreted simply of Rome. The author of the Muratorian Fragment (circ. A.D. 170) speaks expressly of a journey to Spain, though his language looks as if it might be an inference from this Epistle. The Acts, it is true, do not carry the Apostle beyond Rome, but the phenomena of the Pastoral Epistles and tradition together seem to justify us in assuming the probability of a later journey or journeys not recorded in that volume, and the argument from silence, as the book in any case stops short of the death of the Apostle, counts for but little. This is just a case in which it cannot be wrong to accept the balance of the argument as it stands. At the same time it is impossible not to feel the grievous blank which lies over the later years of the life of St. Paul, and few things would be more deeply interesting, or would throw more light on the principles of criticism, than the discovery, if only it were possible, of the merest fragment bearing upon it. It is to be feared, however, that there is no reasonable hope of such a discovery being ever made.
I will come to you . . .These words are wanting in the true text, and have to be supplied. The sentence is left unfinished.
To be brought on my way.A graphic description of this bringing upon the way, is given in the account of the departure of St. Paul after his seven days sojourn at Tyre, Act. 21:5. (Comp. Act. 20:36-38.)
Somewhat filled.Another characteristic touch. The Apostle will not allow it to be supposed that he could have enough of the society of the Roman Church. He therefore qualifies his expression, somewhat filled, or satisfied, satisfied if only in part.
If first I be somewhat filled is practically equivalent to when I have been filled.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
24. Nothing less will do than a journey into Spain Says Lange upon the passage: “As ancient Spain embraced the whole Pyrenean peninsula, it undoubtedly has for the apostle the still further significance of a symbol of the whole West extending beyond Rome. To him Spain meant the Western world. But Spain itself was a proper object, because there the two preliminary conditions of missionary labour already existed Jews and Jewish synagogues, and Grecian and Roman civilization.”
That his purpose of a journey into Spain (fully promised in Rom 15:28) was accomplished commentators doubt. If at all, it took place between his first and second imprisonment, if two there were. But we may here note that no commentator supposes that the non-fulfilment of these words is any disparagement to their inspiration. And this may indicate that even a similar mistake with regard to the coming of our Lord in his own day would be no such disparagement. (See our sup. note, vol. i, p. 301. See also Alford on Rom 13:11.)
Come to you Rome then was an incident, a stopping place by the way. He had no ambition to be a metropolitan Bishop or preacher even in the metropolis of the civilized world. It is the call for the Gospel in the distant West that draws his soul.
Somewhat filled Partly satisfied. A delicate hint that it was no want of love that prevented his dwelling with them. He hoped only to be partly satiated with the society of his Roman friends, and then for the broad fields of Spain!
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Whenever I go to Spain (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way there by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company) ’
In a typically unfinished Pauline sentence, for he regularly changes his direction when writing on a topic, Paul explains that his next aim is to take the Gospel to Spain, and explains that at that stage he intends to visit Rome, and indeed is hopeful of their assistance in different ways in speeding him on his way once he has spent a good time of fellowship with them. Thus he links together his ambition to visit Rome with his intention to reach out further into places where Christ has not been named. To be in Rome is not his ultimate ambition.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Rom 15:24. Into Spain It hence appears probable, considering the principle by which St. Paul chose to govern himself, of not building on another man’s foundation, that no Apostle had as yet planted any church in Spain; which very ill agrees with the “Legend of St. James;” for, according to that, he had now been fifteen years in Spain, and had erected several bishopricks there. See Geddes’s Miscell. vol. 2: p. 221.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company .
Ver. 24. For I trust to see you ] Ipse aspectus viri boni delectat, He himself delights at the sight of good men, saith Seneca. There is a great deal of sweetness in the society of saints, and much good to be gotten thereby. Sometimes (saith a grave divine) though we know that which we ask of others as well as they do, yet good speeches will draw us to know it better, by giving occasion to speak more of it: wherewith the Spirit works more effectually, and imprints it deeper, so that it shall be a more rooted knowledge than before. For that doth good that is graciously known, and that is graciously known that the Spirit seals upon our souls.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
24. ] is an affectionate limitation of , implying that he would wish to remain much longer than he anticipated being able to do, and also, as Chrys. , .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Rom 15:24 . : it is here the apodosis begins, which being broken in on by is never formally resumed, though the sense is taken up again in Rom 15:28 f. is temporal = simulatque: cf. 1Co 11:34 , Phi 2:23 : Buttmann, p. 232. The principle which Paul has just laid down as regulating his Apostolic work (Rom 15:20 ) forbids him to think of Rome as a proper sphere for it; great as is his interest in the capital of the world, he can only pay it a passing visit on the way to another field. : it has been said that Paul expected or claimed “ quasi pro jure suo ” to be escorted all the way to Spain (by sea) by members of the Roman Church; but this is not included in . Practical illustrations are seen in Act 20:35 ; Act 21:5 : similar anticipations in 1Co 16:6 ; 1Co 16:11 . For see Mat 7:5 ; Mat 8:21 . indicates that no such stay would be equal to the Apostle’s longing for fellowship with the Romans, but it would be at least a partial satisfaction of it.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Whensoever. App-118.
take . . . journey = go, as Rom 15:25.
into. App-104.
see. App-133.
in . . . journey. See Act 15:4. brought. See Act 15:3.
by. App-104.
if. App-118.
somewhat. See Rom 15:15.
with . . . company. Literally with you. Compare Rom 1:12.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
24.] is an affectionate limitation of , implying that he would wish to remain much longer than he anticipated being able to do,-and also, as Chrys. , .
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Rom 15:24. ) is the principal particle; , soever,[161] , is redundant, in whatsoever manner, at whatsoever time, and by whatsoever route.- , into Spain) where the Gospel was not yet preached.-, passing through on my journey) because the foundation of the faith was already laid at Rome.-, to be brought on my way) The passive voice with a reciprocal signification, that is, to leave or commit himself to their care to be escorted by them on his journey; he writes familiarly to the brethren whom he had not yet seen, as though by virtue of right [as if his claim on them were matter of right].-, you) He speaks modestly. The Romans were rather likely to have reason to be filled (to be fully gratified) with Pauls company.- , in some measure) He intimates to them, that he would not however be so long at Rome, as he wished; or else, that it is Christ, and not believers, with whom believers should be perfectly filled.
[161] But the oldest MSS. have , viz. ABCD()G.-ED.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Rom 15:24
Rom 15:24
whensoever I go unto Spain-It was the purpose of Paul to make a tour into Spain as a new mission field. [It was quite natural that this Roman province, where many Jews lived and whither, perhaps, no teacher but himself was likely to go, should claim his attention.]
(for I hope to see you in my journey,-On his way thither he hoped to pass through Rome to see them.
and to be brought on my way thitherward by you,-This may mean that he expected them to assist him in the expenses of the journey, and perhaps be accompanied on the way by members of the Roman church. (See Act 15:3; Act 20:38; Act 21:5; 1Co 16:6; 1Co 16:11; 2Co 1:16; Tit 3:13; 2Jn 1:6).
if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company)-He anticipated being spiritually refreshed by their companionship [but in the words some measure he intimates that he may not be able to stay long enough to be fully satisfied with such delightful fellowship]. We have no evidence that Paul ever made this journey to Spain. This, with his visit to Rome as a prisoner instead as he now anticipated, shows that the Spirit did not reveal these matters concerning his personal labors to him.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
I take: Rom 15:28, Act 19:21
Spain: Spain is a large country in the west of Europe, which anciently comprehended both Spain and Portugal, separated from Gaul or France by the Pyrenees, and bounded on every other side by the sea.
and to: Act 15:3, Act 21:5, 2Co 1:16, 3Jo 1:6
if: Rom 1:12, 1Co 16:5-7
filled: Rather, “gratified – or enjoyyour society,” as frequently denotes.
with your company: Gr. with you, Rom 15:32
Reciprocal: Gen 18:16 – to bring 1Sa 23:17 – I shall be Pro 25:17 – weary Act 20:16 – had Act 28:15 – when Rom 15:19 – so that 1Co 16:6 – that ye 2Co 10:16 – preach 2Co 11:26 – journeyings Tit 3:13 – on Phm 1:22 – for I trust 2Jo 1:12 – I trust
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
:24
Rom 15:24. This purpose of Paul was never accomplished that we have any substantial account of, nor any record of labors performed in that territory.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
whensoever I go unto Spain [We have no contemporary record stating that Paul visited Spain in his lifetime, but his noble wish was in large measure gratified, for he visited Spain in later centuries by his Epistles, which wrought so mightily that the Inquisition could only stamp out his influence by stamping out all the influenced] (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company) [“Brought on;” proempthenai means primarily “to accompany, to go with.” (See its use at Act 15:3; Act 20:38; Act 21:5; 1Co 16:6; 2Co 1:16) Paul thus delicately suggests, but does not deliberately ask, pecuniary and other aid to his journey. He also makes it plain that his stay will be merely a visit–a tarrying to satisfy his hungry desire for their fellowship. But the counsels of God decreed that Paul’s stay should be lengthened greatly (Act 28:30) so as to let his influence over the Gentiles radiate from the great Gentile center, and so as to fully gratify his longings for a fellowship which was as loyal and as loving as any that ever refreshed his soul– Act 28:14-15]
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
24. As I journey into Spain; for I hope going through to see you and to be sent forth thither by you if in the first place I may be somewhat refreshed by you. At the time Paul wrote this letter in Corinth, in the winter of A. D. 58, his arrangements were all made to go on his great and last tour to Jerusalem, to bear alms to the poor saints, having already prophetic intimations through the Spirit, anticipating the troubles that awaited him in the land of his consanguinity, and also glowing anticipations of his journey thence to Rome, which really transpired, landing him in the worlds metropolis three years from the date of this writing. The statement, having no place in these regions, simply means no appointments out, as he was going away and could not fill them. We see from this writing that Paul contemplated an evangelistic tour into Spain. Whether he ever verified that anticipation we have no record. Suffice it to say, the Anglo-Saxons have a tradition that he visited and preached in the British Isles, of which there is at least a probability in case he did make this tour into Spain. He arrived in Rome, Feb. A. D. 61, and spent the first two years in his hired house with unrestricted liberty, under the protection of Burrus, the commander-in-chief of the Praetorian army. After the death of this friend and protector at the expiration of two years, he was taken out of his hired house and placed in the military barracks, where he wrote the Epistle to the Philippians. The presumption is that he spent but a short time in the barracks till he was tried and acquitted for want of evidence, as Festus, the pro-consul of Judea, was utterly unable to furnish any charges against him criminally in Roman law. After the great fire at Rome, it is believed that he was arrested at Nicapolis, in Macedonia, on charge of the conflagration, not that he was personally guilty of this, but because he was a leading Christian, and this grave allegation was imputed to them by the emperor, Nero. The presumption is that his second imprisonment, trial and decapitation took place in A. D. 68, thus giving an interval of about four years between his two Roman imprisonments, during which he visited the churches in Greece and Asia and wrote the three pastoral epistles, and, for ought we know, carried out his plan to visit Spain, and perhaps went on up the coast to the British Isles, verifying the above mentioned Anglo-Saxon legend, of which we have no record.
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 24
Thitherward; towards Spain.