20 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.
20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation,
20 This has all been pioneer work, bringing the Message only into those places where Jesus was not yet known and worshiped.
20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation,
20 My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 15:20
Commentary on Romans 15:14-21
(Read Romans 15:14-21)
The apostle was persuaded that the Roman Christians were filled with a kind and affectionate spirit, as well as with knowledge. He had written to remind them of their duties and their dangers, because God had appointed him the minister of Christ to the Gentiles. Paul preached to them; but what made them sacrifices to God, was, their sanctification; not his work, but the work of the Holy Ghost: unholy things can never be pleasing to the holy God. The conversion of souls pertains unto God; therefore it is the matter of Paul's glorying, not the things of the flesh. But though a great preacher, he could not make one soul obedient, further than the Spirit of God accompanied his labours. He principally sought the good of those that sat in darkness. Whatever good we do, it is Christ who does it by us.