Romans 15:31

that I may be delivered, &c. This prayer was granted, though not in the way expected. See Acts 21:31-32; Acts 23:12-24; Acts 25:2-4; Acts 25:12. The words here (cp. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2,) are among the many proofs of St Paul's naturally anxious and sensitive character, and that his faith and zeal had always this secret obstacle to struggle with. His life-long victory is the more admirable, and the more illustrates Divine grace.

accepted of the saints This seems to indicate his consciousness that some of the Christians of Jerusalem bore a prejudice against his person. (Cp. Acts 21:20-21.) Otherwise, this would scarcely be named as a matter for "striving" prayer.