Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 1:13

"And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you (and was hindered hitherto), that I might have some fruit in you also, even as in the rest of the Gentiles." — Romans 1:13 (ASV)

In the previous verses the Apostle has been speaking of his desire; here he speaks of his purpose, which is one step nearer to the realization. He had intended to add the Roman Church to the harvest that he was engaged in gathering in.

Let.—This is, of course, an archaism for “hindered,” “prevented.” The Greek is literally, “and was prevented until now.”

It is hardly worthwhile to speculate, as some commentators have done, on the causes that may have hindered the Apostle from going to Rome. In a life like his there may have been many.