Romans 1:10

“Making request, if by any means now at length, etc..] A principal thing, which be incessantly and importunately requested at the throne of grace, was, that he might have an opportunity of coming to them; that God in his providence would open a way for him; and that he might have a safe and comfortable journey in a very little time; all which he submits to the will of God, as a good man ought to do; and which he thus expresses, I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God, to come unto you; (see <590413>James 4:13,14).”

“Making request, if by any means now at length I may have a prosperous journey by the will of God, to come to you--Though long anxious to visit the capital, he met with a number of providential hindrances (Rom 1:13; Rom 15:22; and see on Act 19:21; Act 23:11; Act 28:15); insomuch that nearly a quarter of a century elapsed, after his conversion, ere his desire was accomplished, and that only as "a prisoner of Jesus Christ." Thus taught that his whole future was in the hands of God, he makes it his continual prayer that at length the obstacles to a happy and prosperous meeting might be removed.”

“Making request - It was his earnest desire to see them, and he presented the subject before God. If by any means - This shows the earnest desire which he had to see them, and implies that be had designed it, and had been hindered; see Romans 1:13. Now at length - He had purposed it a long time, but had been hindered. He doubtless cherished this purpose for years. The expressions in the Greek imply an earnest wish that this long-cherished purpose might be accomplished before long. A prosperous journey - A safe, pleasant journey. It is right to regard all success in traveling as depending on God, and to pray for success and safety from danger. Yet all such prayers are not answered according to…”

“Always - In all my solemn addresses to God. If by any means now at length - This accumulation of particles declares the strength of his desire. Romans 1:11”

“request: Rom 15:22-24, Rom 15:30-32; Phi 4:6; Th1 2:18, Th1 3:10, Th1 3:11; Plm 1:22; Heb 13:19 a prosperous: Act 19:21, 27:1-28:31 by the will: Act 18:21, Act 21:14; Co1 4:19; Jam 4:15 Romans 1:11”