and so aiming to announce the glad tidings, not where Christ has been named, that I might not build upon another's foundation;
Paul ends the account of his service by naming the aim that steered his travels. Why did he avoid places where the gospel had already come, and what does that mean for serving God today?
Older versions translate the key word here as "strived." One writer points to another rendering that shows what kind of drive it was.
The same Greek word is used a second time in Romans 15:20, where the older English version translates it "strived." The New Translation gives it as "aiming": "And so aiming to announce the glad tidings." This is what the apostle's ambition toward people was made of. We may well pause before the challenge of it, especially when we think of the exercise and labour called for in the rest of that verse: "not where Christ has been named, that I might not build upon another's foundation." … Could there be a greater ambition, a more blessed or happier way of life, than to bring this good news, by the way we live and by word of mouth, to people who are now strangers to God and know nothing of His mighty power and love?
Paul's rule came from the kind of servant he was. He laid foundations, and once a region had that, his part there was over.
He then shows the power with which he had worked, and how he had gone, not where Christianity was already planted, but to poor souls far away from God and light. His ministry in these parts was now over. He had finished his service. Others might build up, but his work was done. He was a master-builder who laid the foundation… He could preach, despite every danger, where no one had been. He could form, establish, ordain, and go into every detail this needed. He could resist evil and false teaching, so that his building would not be pulled down… Even now, a man may finish his work in a place — the work of forming and establishing — and only be in the way if he stays, hindering others.
Other servants had also seen people blessed. Paul would not weigh up their work or move onto their ground.
Christ had other servants whom the Lord had used to bless souls, but the Apostle would not judge their work. He speaks only of what Christ had done through him, and his preaching carried mighty signs and wonders in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle had tried to avoid places where Christ was already named, so that he would not build on another man's foundation.
Yet this was a rule Paul set for himself, not a fence for everyone. One writer will not make it absolute for workers today:
They do not mind working on another man's foundation. An apostle could not help it. Still, if there is faithful devotion and the place is truly filled, God is above this danger too. If it is not filled, it may be humbling. But we could not wish God to leave these poor souls uncalled just because we were not the instruments… "He does not follow with us" will not do, if he preaches Christ.
A written promise about people who have never heard stands behind this choice. One writer draws confidence from it:
Does it not encourage and widen our hearts to read, "Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand"? If we want to be sure of converts to God — people who will both see and understand the One the gospel speaks of — we can look for them with confidence among those who have not heard before, and who were never told of Him. I think the normal movement of a believer's heart must be forward.
The place where Christ is not named may be close to home.
Oh, think even today how many thousands of people in the towns and villages are Christians only in name, and have never heard the gospel. And in many places, there is a real thirst for the simple truth.
Another writer asks the reader how far his own "regions beyond" reach:
Christian reader, are you thinking of "the regions beyond you"? In your case this may mean the next house, the next street, the next village, the next city, the next kingdom, or the next continent… I do not want you to leave your present post at all — at least, not until you are sure that your work there is done. But, remember, the gospel plough should never stand still. "Onward" is the motto of every true evangelist.
- Ambition — the word behind "strived" means aiming. Paul's deepest wish was to bring the good news to people who had never heard.
- Assignment — he laid foundations. Once a region had that, his work there was done, and others built on it.
- Restraint — he would not judge or take over another servant's field. Writers differ on how far that binds workers today.
- Assurance — those never told will see, and those who never heard will understand. So untouched ground is the most hopeful ground.
- Onward — the regions beyond may be the next street or the next continent. The gospel plough should never stand still.
but according as it is written, To whom there was nothing told concerning him, they shall see; and they that have not heard shall understand.
Commentary for this verse has not been generated yet.