Read Romans 15
It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ
was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s
foundation.
Romans 15:20
The vast area of opportunity in other parts of the empire kept Paul
from visiting Rome sooner. He was not hindered from going to Rome
by satanic opposition or physical obstacles but by the challenge of
completing his work right where he was. He was so faithful in his
evangelistic outreach that he was able to say that he had no more
place to minister in those parts (Rom. 15:23). This statement did not
mean that Paul had personally witnessed to every person in that area
but that he had taken the gospel throughout the region and had left
behind witnessing churches and Christians who would carry on the
work. Paul finished one job before he started another one.
Paul’s desire for many years had been to visit Rome and then
move on to Spain (v. 24), but there is no record that he ever did so.
Tradition says that he did go to Spain, and to Britain, after he was
released from prison, but church tradition is not always to be trusted.
Something to Ponder
How do you determine when it is time to “move on” from one project
or ministry to another?