18. I will not try to speak of anything except what Christ has done through me. He has been leading those who aren't Jews to obey God. He has been doing this by what I have said and done.
19. He has given me power to do signs and miracles. He has given me the power of the Holy Spirit. From Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum I have finished preaching the good news about Christ.
20. I have always wanted to preach the good news where Christ was not known. I don't want to build on what someone else has started.
21. It is written, "Those who were not told about him will understand. Those who have not heard will know what it all means." (Isaiah 52:15)
22. That's why I have often been kept from coming to you.
23. Now there is no more place for me to work in those areas. For many years I have been longing to see you.
24. So I plan to see you when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while I am passing through. And I hope you will help me on my journey there. But first I want to enjoy being with you for a while.
25. Now I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve God's people there.
26. The believers in Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to take an offering for those who were poor among God's people in Jerusalem.
27. They were happy to do it. And of course they owe it to them. Those who aren't Jews have shared from the Jews' spiritual blessings. So the non-Jews should share their earthly blessings with the Jews.
28. I want to finish my task. I want to make sure that the poor in Jerusalem have received the offering. Then I will go to Spain. On my way I will visit you.
29. I know that when I come to you, I will come with the full blessing of Christ.