Romans 15:20

Yea (outw de). "And so," introducing a limitation to the preceding statement. Making it my aim (pilotimoumenon). Present middle participle (accusative case agreeing with me) of pilotimeomai, old verb, to be fond of honour (pilo, timh). In N.T. only here and 1 Thessalonians 4:11 ; 2 Corinthians 5:9 . A noble word in itself, quite different in aim from the Latin word for ambition (ambio, to go on both sides to carry one's point). Not where (ouc opou). Paul was a pioneer preacher pushing on to new fields after the manner of Daniel Boone in Kentucky. That I might now build upon another man's foundation (ina mh ep allotrion qemelion oikodomw). For allotrio (not allo) see 2 Corinthians 14:4 . For qemelion, see Luke 6:48 ; 1 Corinthians 3:11 . This noble ambition of Paul's is not within the range of some ministers who can only build on another's foundation as Apollos did in Corinth. But the pioneer preacher and missionary has a dignity and glory all his own.