For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
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Ambrosiaster
AD 400
Here Paul explains what he has already mentioned at the beginning of the epistle and excuses himself by saying that although he wanted to come to them, he was obliged to shut out the wicked teachings of the false apostles….These false apostles would have found the journey to Rome difficult, so Paul thought that it would do no harm if he postponed his visit for a while. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
1178. After excusing himself for the presumption which could have been ascribed to him for instructing and correcting the Romans [n. 1163], the Apostle now explains why he has postponed visiting them. In regard to this he does three things: first, he mentions a past hindrance; secondly, his intention to visit [v. 23; n. 1180]; thirdly, he promises some fruit from his visit [v. 29; n. 1187]. 1179. First, therefore, he says: It has been stated that I have preached the Gospel in many places in which the name of Christ had not been known. This is the reason why up to now I have so often been hindered by such an occupation from coming to you. 586 This hindrance has continued until now; hence he adds: and am prevented up to the present moment. This can refer to the vast number of occupations he had had in other places or even to divine providence, through which the Apostle was prevented from visiting them and also directed toward the salvation of others: "They went through the region of Phry...
