“Longing To Come Unto You”

by Micky Galloway

Romans 15:22-24, “Wherefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you: but now, having no more any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come unto you, whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company).”

There is no evidence that Paul had previously been to Rome. However, in this context, Paul indicates his plans to visit the brethren there. Many times he had been hindered from visiting them although he longed to see them. In the first chapter of the epistle addressed to the saints at Rome, Paul had strongly expressed his desire to come to them. “For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers making request, if by any means now at length I may be prospered by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; that is, that I with you may be comforted in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you (and was hindered hitherto), that I might have some fruit in you also, even as in the rest of the Gentiles” (Romans 1:9-13). Paul had a real, earnest desire to be in their presence. There was a satisfaction that could only be accomplished by being together.

Brethren, we have not been able to assemble for several weeks. Today is a grand occasion that provides great satisfaction. This presents a familiar theme in the writings of the apostle.

The Longing Of Brethren To Be Together. In the context of I Corinthians 16:1-3, Paul identifies the needs of the saints in Jerusalem and instructed the church in Corinth to “… lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem” (I Corinthians 16:1-4). He revisits that instruction as he writes from Macedonia on his way to Corinth. “For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: for I know your readiness, of which I glory on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia hath been prepared for a year past; and your zeal hath stirred up very many of them” (II Corinthians 9:1-2). The writer then comments on the result of the abundant contribution of these Gentiles to the needy among their Jewish brethren. (1) “For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but (2) aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God.” And (3) “they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of (your) contribution unto them and unto all.” Furthermore, (4) the receiving Jewish brethren who make “supplication on your behalf, long after you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you” (II Corinthians 9:12-15). The gift of these Gentiles for their Jewish brethren had cemented their relationship.

Paul, writing from a Roman prison, expresses his affection for the brethren in Philippi. “I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:7-8). He continued in the fourth chapter, “Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved” (Philippians 4:1). This same affection was shared by Epaphroditus. He is identified as Paul’s “fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need; since he longed after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick” (Philippians 2:25-26).

In I Thessalonians 3, Paul writes about the brevity of his first visit to Thessalonica and his concern for their spiritual growth. When he could “no longer forbear” he sent Timothy to establish and comfort them concerning their faith. “But when Timothy came even now unto us from you, and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, even as we also (to see) you … for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we render again unto God for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?” (I Thessalonians 3:1-10).

In II Corinthians 7:6-7, Paul described a similar situation regarding his concerns for those in Corinth. “God, comforted us by the coming of Titus; and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort wherewith he was comforted in you, while he told us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced yet more.”

In II Timothy 1:3-4, Paul, writing just prior to his execution, said to his beloved child in the faith (cf. I Timothy 1:18; II Timothy 2:1), “how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy.” How do you explain to someone the close affection we have for brethren? This is a special bond, “In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another …” (Romans 12:10). Peter expressed it this way, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently” (I Peter 1:22).

The Longing Of Brethren To Be Together With God. This is the greatest longing (earnest, vehement, desire). Sometimes the burdens of life seem so great and it presents a dilemma. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if to live in the flesh, – (if) this shall bring fruit from my work, then what I shall choose I know not. But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better: yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake” (Philippians 1:21-24). Paul longed to be at home with the Lord. “For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens. For verily in this we groan, longing to be clothed upon with our habitation which is from heaven” (II Corinthians 5:1-2). Job in all his agony said, “And after my skin, (even) this (body), is destroyed, Then without my flesh shall I see God” (Job 19:26).

I long to go to heaven. That is my earnest, vehement, desire. The inspired writer assures us that if we live by the Spirit, we “shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:8-9). Desire plus expectation … The Bible calls that “HOPE.” “For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth? But if we hope for that which we see not, (then) do we with patience wait for it” (Romans 8:24-25). Let us treasure our time together in worship, for it is but a taste of heaven.