Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 15:20

"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;" — Romans 15:20 (ASV)

Yea, so have I strived. The word used here (filotimoumenon) means, properly, to be ambitious, to be studious of honour; and then to desire earnestly. In that sense it is used here. He earnestly desired; he made it a point for which he struggled, to penetrate into regions which had not heard the gospel.

Not where Christ was named. Where the gospel had not been preached before.

Lest I should build, etc. That is, he desired to found churches himself; he regarded himself as particularly called to this. Others might be called to edify the church, but he regarded it as his office to make known the name of the Saviour where it was not known before.

This work was particularly adapted to the ardour, zeal, energy, and bravery of such a man as Paul. Every man has his proper gift; and there are some particularly fitted to found and establish churches, while others are fitted to edify and comfort them (compare to 2 Corinthians 10:13–16). The apostle chose the higher honour, involving the most danger and responsibility; but still, any office in building up the church is honourable.