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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 15:20 In 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/15-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/45_Rom_15_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 15:20 - Paul the Minister to the Gentiles" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In 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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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<a href="/nasb/romans/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man&#8217s foundation; <a href="/nasb77/romans/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man’s foundation; <a href="/lsb/romans/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And in this way I make it my ambition to proclaim the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation; <a href="/amp/romans/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Accordingly I set a goal to preach the gospel, not where Christ’s name was already known, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation; <a href="/csb/romans/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> My aim is to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation, <a href="/hcsb/romans/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> My aim is to evangelize where Christ has not been named, so that I will not build on someone else&#8217s foundation, <a href="/asv/romans/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> yea, making it my aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation; <a href="/cev/romans/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But I have always tried to preach where people have never heard about Christ. I am like a builder who doesn't build on someone else's foundation. <a href="/erv/romans/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> yea, making it my aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation; <a href="/gwt/romans/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> My goal was to spread the Good News where the name of Christ was not known. I didn't want to build on a foundation which others had laid. <a href="/gnt/romans/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> My ambition has always been to proclaim the Good News in places where Christ has not been heard of, so as not to build on a foundation laid by someone else. <a href="/isv/romans/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> My one ambition is to proclaim the gospel where the name of the Messiah is not known, so I don't build on someone else's foundation. <a href="/msb/romans/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> In 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. <a href="/net/romans/15.htm">NET Bible</a> And in this way I desire to preach where Christ has not been named, so as not to build on another person's foundation, <a href="/nheb/romans/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> yes, making it my aim to proclaim the Good News, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build on another's foundation. <a href="/wbt/romans/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: <a href="/wey/romans/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> making it my ambition, however, not to tell the Good News where Christ's name was already known, for fear I should be building on another man's foundation. <a href="/web/romans/15.htm">World English Bible</a> yes, making it my aim to preach the Good News, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build on another’s foundation. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and so counting it honor to proclaim good news, not where Christ was named—that on another’s foundation I might not build— <a href="/blb/romans/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> and thus being ambitious to preach the gospel where Christ had not been named, so that I might not build upon another's foundation. <a href="/ylt/romans/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and so counting it honour to proclaim good news, not where Christ was named -- that upon another's foundation I might not build -- <a href="/slt/romans/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And so seeking the honour to announce the good news, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon a strange foundation:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And I have so preached this gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation. <a href="/cpdv/romans/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so I have preached this Gospel, not where Christ was known by name, lest I build upon the foundation of another, <a href="/nabre/romans/15.htm">New American Bible</a> Thus I aspire to proclaim the gospel not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on another’s foundation, <a href="/nrsvce/romans/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else’s foundation,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And I have strived to preach the gospel, not at any place where Christ’s name had already been preached, because I did not want to build on another’s foundation: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> While I take pains to preach The Good News, not where the name of The Messiah is invoked, lest I build on an unusual foundation.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> so earnestly desirous have I been to preach the gospel, not where Christ had been named, lest I should build on another man's foundation; <a href="/godbey/romans/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> but being so ambitious not to preach the gospel, where Christ has been named, in order that I may not build on another man's foundation; <a href="/haweis/romans/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But I have in such manner endeavoured to preach the gospel, not where Christ?s name had been heard, lest I should build upon another man?s foundation: <a href="/mace/romans/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a> I have effectually preached the gospel of Christ: yet so as studiously to avoid preaching it where Christ was owned, lest I should build upon another man's foundation; for, <a href="/wey/romans/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> making it my ambition, however, not to tell the Good News where Christ's name was already known, for fear I should be building on another man's foundation. <a href="/worrell/romans/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> and, making it my aim so to proclaim the Gospel?not where Christ was already named?that I might not build upon another's foundation; <a href="/worsley/romans/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> being studious however so to preach the gospel, not where Christ had been named, least I should build upon another man's foundation; <a href="/parallel/romans/15-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=3758" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/15.htm">Paul the Minister to the Gentiles</a> …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. 20<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">In this way</a> <a href="/greek/5389.htm" title="5389: philotimoumenon (V-PPM/P-AMS) -- To be zealous, strive eagerly, desire very strongly. ">I have aspired</a> <a href="/greek/2097.htm" title="2097: euangelizesthai (V-PNM) -- From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel.">to preach the gospel</a> <a href="/greek/3699.htm" title="3699: hopou (Adv) -- Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.">where</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christos (N-NMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouch (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/3687.htm" title="3687: ōnomasthē (V-AIP-3S) -- From onoma; to name, i.e. Assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess.">was not known,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3618.htm" title="3618: oikodomō (V-PSA-1S) -- From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.">I would not be building</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: ep’ (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">on</a> <a href="/greek/245.htm" title="245: allotrion (Adj-AMS) -- From allos; another's, i.e. Not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile.">someone else’s</a> <a href="/greek/2310.htm" title="2310: themelion (N-AMS) -- From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction.">foundation.</a> 21Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/52-15.htm">Isaiah 52:15</a> so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-16.htm">2 Corinthians 10:16</a> so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. Then we will not be boasting in the work already done in another man’s territory. <a href="/isaiah/66-19.htm">Isaiah 66:19</a> I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations. <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a> Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” <a href="/acts/16-6.htm">Acts 16:6-10</a> After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. / And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them. / So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10</a> By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">1 Corinthians 9:16-18</a> Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! / If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. / What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it. <a href="/colossians/1-28.htm">Colossians 1:28-29</a> We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. / To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me. <a href="/acts/13-47.htm">Acts 13:47</a> For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” <a href="/1_peter/1-12.htm">1 Peter 1:12</a> It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. <a href="/acts/19-21.htm">Acts 19:21</a> After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.” <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Acts 20:24</a> But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a> Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a> But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. <a href="/acts/14-21.htm">Acts 14:21-23</a> They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, / strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. / Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Yes, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation:so.<a href="/2_corinthians/10-14.htm">2 Corinthians 10:14-16</a> For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: … build.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9-15</a> For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building… <a href="/2_corinthians/10-13.htm">2 Corinthians 10:13-16</a> But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you… <a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20-22</a> And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/14-19.htm">Aim</a> <a href="/romans/15-2.htm">Aiming</a> <a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Already</a> <a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Always</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Ambition</a> <a href="/romans/1-15.htm">Announce</a> <a href="/romans/14-4.htm">Another's</a> <a href="/romans/15-12.htm">Build</a> <a href="/romans/15-2.htm">Building</a> <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/romans/14-18.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-18.htm">Counting</a> <a href="/luke/16-12.htm">Else's</a> <a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/john/17-24.htm">Foundation</a> <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Good</a> <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/romans/15-9.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/romans/14-20.htm">However</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Making</a> <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">News</a> <a href="/romans/15-14.htm">Others</a> <a href="/romans/10-15.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/romans/1-15.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/romans/14-9.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Resting</a> <a href="/romans/14-20.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/romans/15-18.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/3-8.htm">Aim</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-33.htm">Aiming</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">Already</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-4.htm">Always</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">Ambition</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">Announce</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-24.htm">Another's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-12.htm">Build</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">Building</a> <a href="/romans/15-29.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/romans/15-30.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-19.htm">Counting</a> <a href="/genesis/43-34.htm">Else's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-15.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">Foundation</a> <a href="/romans/15-32.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/romans/15-26.htm">Good</a> <a href="/romans/15-29.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-28.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/romans/15-25.htm">However</a> <a href="/romans/15-28.htm">Making</a> <a href="/romans/15-21.htm">News</a> <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Others</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Preach</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Proclaim</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-7.htm">Resting</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/romans/15-23.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 15</div>1. <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">The strong must bear with the weak.</a> 2. <a href="/romans/15-2.htm">We must not please ourselves;</a> 3. <a href="/romans/15-3.htm">for Christ did not so;</a> 7. <a href="/romans/15-7.htm">but receive one another, as Christ did us all;</a> 8. <a href="/romans/15-8.htm">both Jews and Gentiles;</a> 15. <a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Paul excuses his writing;</a> 28. <a href="/romans/15-28.htm">and promises to see them;</a> 30. <a href="/romans/15-30.htm">and requests their prayers.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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His method was intentional and strategic, focusing on areas where the message of Christ had not yet reached. This reflects his role as an apostle to the Gentiles, as seen in <a href="/romans/11-13.htm">Romans 11:13</a>.I have aspired The term "aspired" indicates a strong desire or ambition. Paul’s ambition was not for personal gain but for the expansion of the gospel. This aligns with his calling and dedication to his mission, as seen in <a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a>, where God declares Paul as a chosen instrument to carry His name before the Gentiles.to preach the gospel Preaching the gospel was central to Paul's mission. The gospel, or "good news," is the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul’s commitment to this task is evident throughout his epistles, emphasizing the power of the gospel in <a href="/romans/1-16.htm">Romans 1:16</a>.where Christ was not known Paul sought to reach unreached people groups, fulfilling the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>). This approach highlights the importance of pioneering missionary work and the expansion of the church into new territories, as seen in <a href="/acts/13-47.htm">Acts 13:47</a>.so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation Paul desired to lay new foundations rather than build upon the work of others. This reflects his respect for the work of other apostles and his desire to avoid conflict or redundancy. It also underscores the importance of unity and cooperation in the early church, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10-11</a>, where Paul discusses the concept of building on the foundation of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome</a> The city to which the letter is addressed. At the time, Rome was the center of the Roman Empire and a significant hub for early Christianity. 3. <a href="/topical/g/gentiles.htm">Gentiles</a> Non-Jewish people to whom Paul often directed his missionary efforts, emphasizing the universality of the Gospel. 4. <a href="/topical/m/missionary_journeys.htm">Missionary Journeys</a> Paul's travels to spread the Gospel, often to places where Christ was not yet known, as described in the Book of Acts. 5. <a href="/topical/f/foundation_of_the_church.htm">Foundation of the Church</a> The metaphorical groundwork laid by the apostles and early Christians in establishing the church and spreading the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_pioneer_evangelism.htm">The Call to Pioneer Evangelism</a> Paul’s desire to preach where Christ was not known highlights the importance of reaching unreached people groups. Christians today are called to consider how they can support or engage in missions to those who have not heard the Gospel. <a href="/topical/b/building_on_a_solid_foundation.htm">Building on a Solid Foundation</a> While Paul sought to avoid building on another's foundation, he recognized the importance of a solid foundation in Christ. Believers should ensure their faith and ministry are rooted in the teachings of Jesus. <a href="/topical/r/respecting_the_work_of_others.htm">Respecting the Work of Others</a> Paul’s approach shows respect for the work of other apostles and church leaders. In ministry, it is crucial to honor and collaborate with others, recognizing the diverse roles within the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_ambition_in_ministry.htm">The Role of Ambition in Ministry</a> Paul’s ambition was directed towards God’s glory and the spread of the Gospel. Christians should evaluate their ambitions to ensure they align with God’s purposes and contribute to His kingdom. <a href="/topical/t/the_universality_of_the_gospel.htm">The Universality of the Gospel</a> Paul’s mission to the Gentiles underscores the Gospel’s reach beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries. Believers are encouraged to embrace and promote the inclusivity of the Gospel message.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 15</a> <a href="/q/how_to_resolve_paul's_preaching_paradox.htm">Romans 15:20 indicates Paul aimed to preach where Christ was unknown, yet some historical records suggest Christian presence preceded him; how do we resolve this apparent contradiction? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_testing_boost_faith_biblically.htm">How can we effectively preach the gospel today?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_ambition_serve_god.htm">How does ambition align with serving God?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_being_zealous_for_god_mean.htm">What does being zealous for God mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20, 21) Throughout all this long missionary career, the Apostle had made it his endeavour not merely to go over old ground where others had been before him, but to seek out new and virgin soil, where he might enter as a pioneer, and convey the good news of the kingdom of heaven for the first time.(20) Yea, so have I strived.--Rather, but making it my ambition. The Apostle set it before him as a point of honour, not merely to carry forward a work that others had begun, but to build up the whole edifice from the foundation himself.Not where Christ was named.--Not in places where there were Christians already.Another man's foundation.--Comp. <a href="/context/2_corinthians/10-15.htm" title="Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,">2Corinthians 10:15-16</a>; and for the use of the word "foundation" for the first preaching of the gospel, <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm" title="According to the grace of God which is given to me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon.">1Corinthians 3:10</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - Yea (or, but), so striving (or, earnestly desiring, or making it my aim. The word is φιλοτιμούμενον, cf. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">2 Corinthians 5:9</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11</a>) to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation. In the compact between St. Paul and the apostles of the circumcision referred to in <a href="/galatians/2-1.htm">Galatians 2:1-7</a>, it was agreed that he should confine his apostolic ministry to the Gentiles. Consequently, we find him selecting as centres of his work the principal cities of the heathen world. But he was further careful to avoid places, wherever they might be, in which Churches were already founded. It was the function of an apostle to extend the gospel by founding new Churches, rather than to invade the provinces of others. Those founded by himself, and thus under his immediate jurisdiction, as e.g. the Corinthian Church, he visited as need arose, and addressed them in authoritative letters, commanding as well as exhorting. But his rule in this respect did not preclude his writing also letters of general encouragement and admonition to any whom his peculiar commission as apostle of the Gen- tiles gave him a claim to be heard by. Thus he wrote to the Colossians, though he had never seen them (<a href="/colossians/1-4.htm">Colossians 1:4</a>; <a href="/colossians/2-1.htm">Colossians 2:1</a>); and thus also to the Romans, at the same time (as we have seen, <a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Romans 15:15</a>, seq.) almost apologizing for doing so; and, though he proposes visiting them, it is nor with the view of staying among them long, so as to take up the superintendence of them, but only on his way to Spain for mutual comfort and edification (see <a href="/romans/1-11.htm">Romans 1:11, 12</a>; <a href="/romans/15-24.htm">Romans 15:24</a>). <a href="/commentaries/romans/15-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>In this way, οὕτως (houtōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). I have aspired φιλοτιμούμενον (philotimoumenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5389.htm">Strong's 5389: </a> To be zealous, strive eagerly, desire very strongly. to preach the gospel εὐαγγελίζεσθαι (euangelizesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle <a href="/greek/strongs_2097.htm">Strong's 2097: </a> From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel. where ὅπου (hopou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3699.htm">Strong's 3699: </a> Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot. Christ Χριστός (Christos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. was not known, ὠνομάσθη (ōnomasthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3687.htm">Strong's 3687: </a> From onoma; to name, i.e. Assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. I would not be building οἰκοδομῶ (oikodomō) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3618.htm">Strong's 3618: </a> From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm. on ἐπ’ (ep’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. someone [else’s] ἀλλότριον (allotrion) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_245.htm">Strong's 245: </a> From allos; another's, i.e. Not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile. foundation. θεμέλιον (themelion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2310.htm">Strong's 2310: </a> From a derivative of tithemi; something put down, i.e. A substruction. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/15-20.htm">Romans 15:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/15-20.htm">NT Letters: Romans 15:20 Yes making it my aim to preach (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/15-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 15:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 15:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/15-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 15:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 15:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>