17. In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast in what pertains to God.
18. For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to lead the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed,
19. by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit [of God], so that from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum I have finished preaching the gospel of Christ.
20. Thus I aspire to proclaim the gospel not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on another’s foundation,
21. but as it is written:“Those who have never been told of him shall see,and those who have never heard of him shall understand.”
22. That is why I have so often been prevented from coming to you.
23. But now, since I no longer have any opportunity in these regions and since I have desired to come to you for many years,
24. I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain and to be sent on my way there by you, after I have enjoyed being with you for a time.
25. Now, however, I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the holy ones.
26. For Macedonia and Achaia have decided to make some contribution for the poor among the holy ones in Jerusalem;
27. they decided to do it, and in fact they are indebted to them, for if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to serve them in material blessings.
28. So when I have completed this and safely handed over this contribution to them, I shall set out by way of you to Spain;
29. and I know that in coming to you I shall come in the fullness of Christ’s blessing.
30. I urge you, [brothers,] by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in the struggle by your prayers to God on my behalf,