17. In union with Christ Jesus, then, I can be proud of my service for God.
18. I will be bold and speak only about what Christ has done through me to lead the Gentiles to obey God. He has done this by means of words and deeds,
19. by the power of miracles and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. And so, in travelling all the way from Jerusalem to Illyricum, I have proclaimed fully the Good News about Christ.
20. My ambition has always been to proclaim the Good News in places where Christ has not been heard of, so as not to build on a foundation laid by someone else.
21. As the scripture says:“Those who were not told about him will see,and those who have not heard will understand.”
22. And so I have been prevented many times from coming to you.
23. But now that I have finished my work in these regions and since I have been wanting for so many years to come to see you,
24. I hope to do so now. I would like to see you on my way to Spain, and be helped by you to go there, after I have enjoyed visiting you for a while.
25. Just now, however, I am going to Jerusalem in the service of God's people there.
26. For the churches in Macedonia and Achaia have freely decided to give an offering to help the poor among God's people in Jerusalem.