"Hindered until now…" Romans 1:13

PLANS IN LIFE AND MINISTRY

A careful study of the ministry of the apostle Paul as recorded in the Book of Acts would reveal the fact that he was one who planned his work. The following features may be noted of his planning (Cf. Acts 13-14)

1. Serving faithfully at the Church in Antioch Acts 13:1

2. Sensitive to the leading of the Spirit Acts 13:2-4

3. Separated to a special task (missions) Acts 13:2

4. Sent by the Spirit of God Acts 13:4

5. Supported by the Antiochan Church Acts 13:3

6. Series of cities reached (circuit established) Acts 13-14:28

7. Subsequently, returning to Antioch to report on work Acts 14:26-28

HINDRANCES IN MINISTRY

Paul wrote to the Romans to speak of encountering hindrances to his plan to visit Rome.

"Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren,
that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now),
that I might have some fruit among you also,
just as among the other Gentiles."
Romans 1:13

What were some of these hindrances?

1. Opposition from enemies of the faith

This was the most obvious of his hindrances. Paul had to change some of his plans when his opponents resorted to violence.

a) Sometimes he would be expelled from a region, Antioch of Pisidia (Cf. Acts 13:14, 50)

b) At Lystra, he was stoned and left for dead (Cf. Acts 14:19)

c) At Philippi, he was beaten and jailed (Cf. Acts 16:23)

2. Opposition from Satan

Paul in his letter to the Ephesians wrote that ultimately, our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the wiles of the devil. He can cause hindrances indeed!