Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

ROMANS 15:20KJV
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Romans 15:20 (KJV)

What does Romans 15:20 mean?

Romans 15:20 describes how Paul made it his aim to preach the gospel in places where Christ was not yet known, so that he would not build on someone else’s foundation. Paul wanted to share the message of Jesus with people who had never heard it before, rather than working where others had already started.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, explaining his approach to spreading the message about Jesus. He emphasizes that his mission is to go to new regions, not to take over or continue the work that other believers had already begun. This shows Paul’s desire to reach new people and his respect for the work of others.

The Greek behind Romans 15:20

  • "strived" (φιλοτιμέομαι, philotimeomai): This Greek word means to be ambitious or to earnestly aspire to something. Paul’s use of it here shows that he saw preaching in new places as a personal calling and a matter of deep commitment.
  • "foundation" (θεμέλιος, themelios): This word refers to the base or groundwork of a building. Paul uses it as a picture for the initial work of teaching about Christ in a new area, making clear he did not want to build on someone else’s groundwork.

Why Romans 15:20 matters

  • Romans 15:20 clears up that Paul was not competing with other Christian workers, but was focused on reaching people who had not yet heard about Jesus.
  • The verse highlights Paul’s pioneering spirit and his respect for the unique work God gave to each person.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain why Paul often traveled to distant regions and why he sometimes avoided places where churches already existed.

Where else these words appear

“strived” Greek G5389 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

“named” Greek G3687 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
  • 1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
  • Ephesians 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

“man's” Greek G245 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
  • Acts 7:6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
  • 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

“foundation” Greek G2310 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
  • 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.