"I also have been much hindered from coming to you."
Text: Romans 15:22
HINDRANCES IN THE MINISTRY
Paul had a great ministry! His commitment to minister for the Lord saw him experienced many difficulties! Paul had wanted to visit Rome but was somehow prevented from doing so.
“For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you.”
Romans 15:22
What were some of the obstacles that hindered his movements? Paul’s letter to the Corinthians underscores these problems that prevented him from having a greater sense of freedom of ministry. The following problems may be highlighted (Cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). These give us a better understanding of what Paul meant when he wrote about hindrances in the ministry.
1. There was general opposition from unbelievers
a) Stripes beyond measure (2 Corinthians 11:23)
b) Prisons more frequent (2 Corinthians 11:23)
c) In deaths more often (2 Corinthians 11:23)
2. There was opposition from unbelieving Jews
a) Five times I received forty stripes minus one (2 Corinthians 11:24)
b) Three times beaten with rods (2 Corinthians 11:25)
c) Once I was stoned (2 Corinthians 11:25)
3. There was danger afoot traveling in the first century
a) Peril of being shipwrecked (2 Corinthians 11:25)
b) Peril of being robbed (2 Corinthians 11:26)
c) Peril of being among false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:26)
d) Problem of insufficient support (2 Corinthians 11:27)
i) In hunger and thirst (2 Corinthians 11:27)
ii) In cold and nakedness (2 Corinthians 11:27)