“Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.”
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you but have been prevented until now in order that I might have a harvest of fruit among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. Paul's repeated desire to visit the Romans reflects his strategic concern for the mission to the Gentiles and the establishment of the Gospel in Rome, the heart of the empire. A harvest of fruit (karpos) denotes the spiritual multiplication and growth that his apostolic ministry seeks to facilitate. The prevention may involve divine arrangement rather than mere circumstance.
Church Fathers on Romans 1:13
“Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I desired to come unto you (but was let hitherto).” Here is a compliance great as that of slaves, and a plain exhibition of his excellent temper (εὐγνωμοσύνης)! For, that he was let, he says, but why, he does not go on to say. For he does not pry into the command of his Master, but only obeys. And yet one might expect a person to start questions, as to why God hindered a city so conspicuous and great, and towards…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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