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Romans 15:20
Verse
Context
Paul the Minister to the Gentiles
19by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.20In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. 21Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
So have I strived to preach the Gospel - Οὑτω δε φιλοτιμουμενον· For I have considered it my honor to preach the Gospel where that Gospel was before unknown. This is the proper import of the word φιλοτιμεισθαι; from φιλος, a friend, and τιμη, honor. As I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, so I esteem it an honor to preach it, and especially to proclaim it among the heathen; not building on another man's foundation - not watering what another apostle had planted; but cheerfully exposing myself to all kinds of dangers and hardships, in order to found new Churches.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Yea, &c.--rather, "Yet making it my study (compare Co2 5:9; Th1 4:11, Greek) so to preach the Gospel, not where Christ was [already] named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation: but (might act) as it is written, To whom no tidings of Him came, they shall see," &c.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But as it is written,.... In Isa 52:15; to whom he was not spoken of, they shall see, and they that have not heard shall understand; for the Messiah was not spoken of to the Gentiles; they were strangers to the covenants of promise; the oracles of God were committed to the Jews; God gave his word and statutes to them, and not to any other nation: and yet, according to this prophecy, the Gentiles were to see him whom they had no account of; not in the flesh with their bodily eyes, in which sense only, or at least chiefly, the Jews saw him; but with the eyes of their understanding, by faith, as exhibited and evidently set forth before them as crucified, in the Gospel and the ordinances of it: and though they had heard nothing of him, having for many hundreds of years been left in ignorance, and suffered to walk in their own ways, until the apostles were sent among them; whose sound went into all the earth, and their words to the end of the world; yet when this would be the case, according to these words, they would understand the mind and will of God, the mysteries of his grace, the nature of the person and offices of Christ, the design of his coming into the world, and the way of salvation by him; all which was greatly brought about and accomplished, in the ministry of the Apostle Paul among them. The passage is very pertinently cited and applied by the apostle. The whole paragraph is to be understood of the Messiah, from whence it is taken, as it is owned, and accordingly interpreted by many Jewish writers, both ancient (b) and modern (c); and these words particularly respect the kings and nations of the world, who are represented as struck with silence and wonder, when, upon the preaching and hearing of the Messiah, they should see him by faith, and spiritually understand what is declared concerning him. The difference between the apostle's version of these words, which is the same with the Septuagint, and the text in Isaiah, is very inconsiderable. The first clause of the Hebrew text may be literally rendered thus, "for him, who was not spoken of to them, they shall see"; and the apostle's Greek in this manner, to whom "it was not spoken of concerning him, they shall see"; the sense is the same, and person intended Christ: the latter clause, which we from the Hebrew text render, "and that which they had not heard, shall they consider"; and here, "they that have not heard, shall understand", has nothing material in it, in which they differ; for in the former part of it both design the Messiah, and the things concerning him, the Gentiles had not heard of; and the latter is rendered and explained by the Targum, and by R. Sol Jarchi, as by the apostle, "they shall understand"; and which fitly expresses the sense of the Hebrew word used by the prophet. (b) Targum in Isa. lii. 13. Pesikta in Kettoreth hassammim in Num. fol. 27. 2. Tanchuma apud Huls. Jud. Theolog. p. 321. (c) Baal Hatturim in Lev. xvi. 14. R. Moses Aishech in lsa. lii. 13. Vid. R. Aben Ezra in ib.
Romans 15:20
Paul the Minister to the Gentiles
19by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.20In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. 21Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Cry of the Unreached
By K.P. Yohannan2.1K39:33Lost MankindLAM 1:12MAT 6:33ROM 15:20In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering a young girl in need and reflecting on his own privileged life. He then goes on to talk about a young missionary named Sam who was determined to stay in a dangerous place to share the message of Christ, even if it meant risking his life. The speaker challenges the audience to consider their own priorities and how they prioritize material things over spreading the gospel. He emphasizes the need for a revolution in individual lives and a shift in mindset towards reaching the billions of people who have yet to hear about Christ.
It's Sunday but Monday's coming..
By George Verwer1.9K49:59ACT 1:8ACT 5:29ACT 6:5ACT 7:59ROM 15:20PHP 2:3COL 3:23This sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and the need for believers to have a global mission vision, praying for and reaching out to nations around the world. It challenges Christians to boldly proclaim the gospel, prioritize integrity and obedience to God, and be willing to sacrifice for the sake of Christ. The speaker encourages a deep commitment to following Jesus, even unto death, and highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in everyday life.
(The Book of Acts) Session 04
By George Verwer1.5K00:00ActsACT 2:21ROM 15:202CO 10:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of preaching the word of God and the role of speeches or messages in the book of Acts. He mentions that 25% of the book of Acts is comprised of speeches, which are believed to be summaries of the actual messages given at that time. The speaker also shares a personal experience of distributing gospel tracks in Vienna and how God gave him the idea of Operation Mobilization, a ministry focused on spreading the gospel in Western Europe. The sermon emphasizes the need for evangelism and the power of God to guide and inspire individuals in their mission.
Our Man in Rome
By J. Vernon McGee1.3K44:37MAT 6:33ROM 2:16ROM 15:20ROM 15:29ROM 16:25In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee discusses the concept of instant information in our modern age and compares it to the time of the early Church. He uses the example of news media providing immediate analysis and reports from around the world to highlight the speed at which information is now available. Dr. McGee then introduces the sermon topic of "Our Man in Rome" by referencing Romans Chapter 15. He mentions the challenges faced by the apostle Paul on his journey to Rome, including being bitten by a poisonous viper. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the gospel and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers.
Audio Sermon: Cry of the Unreached
By K.P. Yohannan1.3K39:54LAM 1:12MAT 16:26LUK 14:26ROM 15:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of missions and sharing the gospel with those who have never heard about Jesus. It challenges listeners to consider the eternal destiny of those who do not know Christ, highlighting the urgency and significance of world missions. The speaker shares personal experiences and reflections on the value of life, the reality of hell, and the need for a radical commitment to reaching the lost for Christ.
Holy Ambition to Preach Where Christ Has Not Been Named
By John Piper1.2K34:10ROM 1:18ROM 15:20This sermon focuses on three key points: a holy ambition, an immeasurable need, and a global strategy. Paul's holy ambition to preach the Gospel where Christ is not known is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of having a passion to reach the unreached. The immeasurable need for people to hear the Gospel is discussed, stressing that a holy ambition always meets a real need. Additionally, a global strategy for missions is outlined, distinguishing between evangelism and missions, and emphasizing the importance of both local evangelism and reaching unreached people groups.
Short Term Missions
By George Verwer96544:36Short Term MissionsMAT 9:38LUK 14:33ACT 1:8ROM 15:202CO 10:16PHP 4:192TI 2:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for commitment with balance in the work of evangelism. He acknowledges that there has been a lack of understanding about personal evangelism and the different forms it can take. The speaker also acknowledges that mistakes have been made in the past, with a tendency to be heavy on zeal and short on wisdom. However, he highlights the importance of maintaining balance and learning from these mistakes. The sermon also emphasizes the concept of love and freedom, as well as the need for discipline and self-discipline in the work of God.
The Biblical Call to Missions
By Dick Brogden95940:44MAT 16:24LUK 9:23JHN 15:4ROM 15:202CO 4:7PHP 1:29PHP 3:101PE 4:12REV 2:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of inviting Jesus into our lives, acknowledging our unworthiness, and the need for collective obedience to fulfill the Great Commission. It calls for a return to the simplicity of abiding in Jesus, advancing together to plant churches where the gospel is not yet preached, and embracing suffering and persecution for Jesus' sake as a normal reality.
Reality in the Book of Acts Eng to German
By George Verwer88950:00RealityACT 1:14ACT 4:31ACT 5:42ACT 20:20ACT 20:31ROM 15:202CO 10:16In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes about his relationship with his fiancée and their commitment to abstain from physical intimacy until they were engaged. He then discusses the importance of evangelism and cites examples from the book of Acts, highlighting the apostle Paul's dedication to spreading the message of Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to be involved in face-to-face evangelism and shares his own experiences of witnessing in a bus station. He also mentions the biblical basis for global evangelism and the importance of training programs to ensure that individuals are qualified and equipped for ministry.
World Mission at Pip N Jay 25.6.77
By George Verwer83256:01World MissionsPRO 29:18MAT 6:33ROM 15:202CO 10:16EPH 5:15In this sermon, Martin Lloyd-Jones discusses the importance of aiming high in our Christian lives and not settling for small ambitions. He emphasizes the need to preach the gospel in regions beyond, highlighting the urgency of reaching tribes and people groups who have not yet heard the message of Jesus Christ. Lloyd-Jones challenges the audience to consider the contrast between the dedication and determination of mountain climbers in conquering physical challenges, and the lack of effort in reaching the world for Christ. He encourages the audience to read books such as "Spiritual Depression" by Michael Griffith and "Give Up Your Small Ambitions" to gain a deeper understanding of living a life of discipline and purpose in serving God.
Cd Gv266 Spiritual Leadership
By George Verwer69800:00MAT 6:33ACT 1:8ACT 2:38ACT 3:6ACT 5:5ROM 15:202CO 10:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of training people for all aspects of life, regardless of their circumstances. They mention examples such as Wang Ming Dao, who spent 22 years in prison, and individuals working in secular jobs. The speaker highlights the significance of prayer and prayer meetings, urging attendees to prioritize them. They also discuss the themes of boldness, readiness to suffer, and the role of the local church. The sermon concludes with a mention of the 13 key aspects found in the book of Acts, including witness, world vision, and the reality of life beyond conferences.
Worship & Foot Washing
By George Verwer6941:08:04WorshipMAT 6:33MRK 16:15ACT 1:8ROM 15:201TI 4:132TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people becoming slaves to the pleasure cult, particularly in our country. He emphasizes the importance of not getting caught up in worldly pleasures and instead focusing on the message and challenge of the gospel. The speaker also mentions the need for training and equipping believers in countries like Somalia and Bhutan, where there are few believers. He cautions against an overemphasis on emotions and encourages a greater emphasis on dying to self and discipline. Overall, the sermon highlights the need for a balanced and disciplined approach to living out the Christian faith.
Our Supreme Concern
By John Vissers60533:20ConcernPSA 96:3PSA 96:6PSA 96:9MAT 28:19ROM 15:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the nature and motivation for mission. He starts by emphasizing the importance of declaring the praise and glory of God, as commanded in Psalm 96. Mission is not an option for the church, but an obligation. The speaker references the Great Commission in Matthew 28, where Jesus commands his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. The sermon encourages listeners to have a passion for the glory of God and to participate in the great missionary task that God is leading in the world.
Cd Gv504 the h.spirit, World Mission & Local Church
By George Verwer59400:00MAT 6:33ACT 1:8ROM 15:202CO 10:16In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging that humans have a tendency to make small things into big problems when they don't have major issues to wrestle with. He then expresses excitement about a book review series and a power pack of Christian literature that he has seen, emphasizing its value and the addition of new books. The speaker mentions his preference for giving full portions of preaching rather than short snippets, citing advice he received from a church planter in India. He also addresses the danger of the church becoming a spectator sport and emphasizes the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit with a vision and willingness to obey God, as described in the Bible.
Evangelistic Conference 1978 (Mcmaster University) - Part 2
By George Verwer5021:08:25ConferenceROM 15:202CO 10:16In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of humility and service, using the example of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. He emphasizes the danger of becoming slaves to worldly pleasures and encourages young people to rebel against this mindset. The speaker also discusses the need for believers to forsake all and follow Jesus, while acknowledging the importance of balance and sound theology. He highlights the urgency of spreading the gospel to the unreached, noting that a significant percentage of the world's population still hasn't heard the message.
Gv4337 Total or Token Commitment (Acts 1v8)
By George Verwer12543:29CommitmentACT 1:8ROM 15:202CO 10:16In this sermon, the speaker shares his burden for reaching the unreached people of the world with the Gospel. He recounts his personal journey of being partly saved through reading the Gospel of John before he was even saved. He talks about his involvement with the Pocket Testament League and how he started showing their films and raising money to buy Gospels for distribution. The speaker emphasizes the importance of mobilizing young people to spread the word of God and highlights the need for more workers in reaching the forgotten and unreached nations. He references 2 Corinthians 10:16 to emphasize the call to preach the gospel in regions beyond.
God Knows No Borders. Gott Kennt Keinen Harten Boden (German)
By George Verwer1241:14:17GermanMAT 6:33MAT 9:35MAT 9:37MAT 28:19ROM 15:20The video mentioned in the sermon transcript is a 7-minute song video by Bill Drake about the 1040 window, a needy part of the world. The 1040 window refers to the area between 10 degrees north of the equator to 40 degrees north. The video was premiered in Korea five years ago and was widely distributed by leaders who took copies all over the world. The speaker encourages young people to request the video through email and mentions that it is a powerful song that highlights the importance of reaching the unreached people in the 1040 window.
Schau Auf Jesus (4) (German)
By George Verwer8649:59GermanACT 1:8ACT 4:32ACT 5:40ROM 15:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the right attitude towards giving to the Lord and His work. He mentions the example of the believers in Acts chapter 4 who were of one heart and one mind, willing to share and not cling to their possessions. The speaker also highlights the need to be ready for spiritual experiences by being willing to give up money, time, and endure hardships in the local church. He encourages the audience to study the book of Acts, which has had a profound impact on his own life, and to be bold and passionate in proclaiming the name of Jesus.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
So have I strived to preach the Gospel - Οὑτω δε φιλοτιμουμενον· For I have considered it my honor to preach the Gospel where that Gospel was before unknown. This is the proper import of the word φιλοτιμεισθαι; from φιλος, a friend, and τιμη, honor. As I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, so I esteem it an honor to preach it, and especially to proclaim it among the heathen; not building on another man's foundation - not watering what another apostle had planted; but cheerfully exposing myself to all kinds of dangers and hardships, in order to found new Churches.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Yea, &c.--rather, "Yet making it my study (compare Co2 5:9; Th1 4:11, Greek) so to preach the Gospel, not where Christ was [already] named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation: but (might act) as it is written, To whom no tidings of Him came, they shall see," &c.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But as it is written,.... In Isa 52:15; to whom he was not spoken of, they shall see, and they that have not heard shall understand; for the Messiah was not spoken of to the Gentiles; they were strangers to the covenants of promise; the oracles of God were committed to the Jews; God gave his word and statutes to them, and not to any other nation: and yet, according to this prophecy, the Gentiles were to see him whom they had no account of; not in the flesh with their bodily eyes, in which sense only, or at least chiefly, the Jews saw him; but with the eyes of their understanding, by faith, as exhibited and evidently set forth before them as crucified, in the Gospel and the ordinances of it: and though they had heard nothing of him, having for many hundreds of years been left in ignorance, and suffered to walk in their own ways, until the apostles were sent among them; whose sound went into all the earth, and their words to the end of the world; yet when this would be the case, according to these words, they would understand the mind and will of God, the mysteries of his grace, the nature of the person and offices of Christ, the design of his coming into the world, and the way of salvation by him; all which was greatly brought about and accomplished, in the ministry of the Apostle Paul among them. The passage is very pertinently cited and applied by the apostle. The whole paragraph is to be understood of the Messiah, from whence it is taken, as it is owned, and accordingly interpreted by many Jewish writers, both ancient (b) and modern (c); and these words particularly respect the kings and nations of the world, who are represented as struck with silence and wonder, when, upon the preaching and hearing of the Messiah, they should see him by faith, and spiritually understand what is declared concerning him. The difference between the apostle's version of these words, which is the same with the Septuagint, and the text in Isaiah, is very inconsiderable. The first clause of the Hebrew text may be literally rendered thus, "for him, who was not spoken of to them, they shall see"; and the apostle's Greek in this manner, to whom "it was not spoken of concerning him, they shall see"; the sense is the same, and person intended Christ: the latter clause, which we from the Hebrew text render, "and that which they had not heard, shall they consider"; and here, "they that have not heard, shall understand", has nothing material in it, in which they differ; for in the former part of it both design the Messiah, and the things concerning him, the Gentiles had not heard of; and the latter is rendered and explained by the Targum, and by R. Sol Jarchi, as by the apostle, "they shall understand"; and which fitly expresses the sense of the Hebrew word used by the prophet. (b) Targum in Isa. lii. 13. Pesikta in Kettoreth hassammim in Num. fol. 27. 2. Tanchuma apud Huls. Jud. Theolog. p. 321. (c) Baal Hatturim in Lev. xvi. 14. R. Moses Aishech in lsa. lii. 13. Vid. R. Aben Ezra in ib.