Going to Spain (Bulletin Article for August 26)

As Paul closed his letter to the congregation in Rome, he told them of his great desire to evangelize the area now known as Spain. In Romans 15:23-24, Paul wrote, “But now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, for a while.” Later in the same chapter, Paul penned, “Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain” (verse 28).

Why this mentioning of Spain? Paul had never been to that land, so what was his desire in going that great distance from his homeland and from the congregations he loved so much?

In the same book, Paul gave his deepest desire: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them [his countrymen, ADF] is for their salvation” (Romans 10:1). While there are many great themes in the book of Romans, Paul’s fervor for the salvation of souls is one of the main thrusts of this grand book. Paul wanted people to be saved.

That is why he wanted to travel to Spain. It did not matter that he had never been there before; he went to other strange lands and preached. It did not matter that the culture (even then) was quite different than his familiar surroundings; he once preached on a strange island to natives (Acts 28). The distance that needed to be traveled was not a deterrent; Paul often went on extended travels for the purpose of spreading the Gospel.

Why? So that souls would hear the Gospel! Paul knew that Jesus had not given the “Great Suggestion.” Jesus commanded us, “Having gone on your way…teach all the nations” (Matthew 28:19, Kenneth Wuest, The New Testament: An Expanded Translation. Page 78).

Many of us will not travel across an ocean in our lifetime to share the Truth with others. But we do so often “go.” We go to town. We go to the mall. We go to the game. We go to our family’s house. We go on vacation.

“Having gone,” do we teach? Paul planned this overseas trip to Spain to teach. Let’s use that as an example. Let’s plan to teach someone soon. Think of that neighbor, friend, family member, coworker, classmate or associate who needs to hear the Truth. Make that person your “Spain,” and plan to talk with him/her soon.