The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
22 And that's why it has taken me so long to finally get around to coming to you.
22
This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.
23 But now that there is no more pioneering work to be done in these parts, and since I have looked forward to seeing you for many years,
23
But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you,
24 I'm planning my visit. I'm headed for Spain, and expect to stop off on the way to enjoy a good visit with you, and eventually have you send me off with God's blessing.
24
I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.
25 First, though, I'm going to Jerusalem to deliver a relief offering to the Christians there.
25
Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there.
26 The Greeks - all the way from the Macedonians in the north to the Achaians in the south - decided they wanted to take up a collection for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem.
26
For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.
27 They were happy to do this, but it was also their duty. Seeing that they got in on all the spiritual gifts that flowed out of the Jerusalem community so generously, it is only right that they do what they can to relieve their poverty.
27
They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.
28 As soon as I have done this - personally handed over this "fruit basket" - I'm off to Spain, with a stopover with you in Rome.
28
So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way.
29 My hope is that my visit with you is going to be one of Christ's more extravagant blessings.
29
I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.