Spain, Jerusalem, the Collection, and Paul’s Request for Prayer

Paul finally explains his travel plan. With his eastern missionary work reaching a new stage, he hopes to visit Rome on the way to Spain. First, however, he is traveling to Jerusalem with a contribution from Macedonia and Achaia for poor saints there.

Paul interprets the collection theologically: Gentiles who have shared in Israel’s spiritual blessings owe material service in return. The offering therefore embodies Jew-Gentile unity rather than functioning as detached charity. Paul asks Roman believers to strive together in prayer that he may be delivered from unbelievers in Judea and that the service will be accepted by the saints.