Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 15:24

"whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company)--" — Romans 15:24 (ASV)

Whensoever I take my journey into Spain. Ancient Spain included the modern kingdoms of Spain and Portugal, or the whole of the Spanish peninsula. It was then subject to the Romans.

It is remarkable, even here, that the apostle does not say that his principal object was to visit the church at Rome, much as he desired that, but only to visit it on his way in fulfilling his higher purpose to preach the gospel in regions where Christ was not named.

Whether he ever fulfilled his purpose of visiting Spain is a matter of doubt. Some of the Church Fathers, Theodoret (2 Timothy 4:17) among others, say that after he was released from his captivity, when he was brought before Nero, he spent two years in Spain.

If he was imprisoned a second time at Rome, such a visit is not improbable as having occurred between the two imprisonments. However, there is no certain evidence of this. Paul probably planned many journeys that were never accomplished.

The phrase To be brought on my way means to be assisted by you concerning this journey, or to be accompanied by you. This was the custom of the churches (Acts 15:3; Acts 17:14, 16; Acts 20:38; Acts 21:5; 1 Corinthians 16:6, 11; 3 John 1:6).

The phrase If first means if on my journey, before I go into Spain.

Somewhat. The Greek is In part. It is as if he could not be fully satisfied with their company, or could not hope to enjoy their society as fully and as long as he could desire. This is a very tender and delicate expression.

Filled. This is a strong expression, meaning to be satisfied, to enjoy. To be filled with something is to have great satisfaction and joy in it.

With your company. The Greek is, With you; meaning, in your society. The expression to be filled with someone, in the sense of being gratified, is sometimes used by classical writers (see Clarke on this verse).