Romans 1:13 [AV]
Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

ANNOTATED NOTES:

would not have you ignorant: the “not” is emphatic - absolutely not; Paul is expressing his strong desire, via a double negative in the Greek, that the believers NOT be unaware or ignorant of the fact he is about to state (see Rom 11:25; 1 Cor 10:1-10; 12:1; 2 Cor 1:8; 1 Thes 4:13)

I purposed = protithemai: this verb is in the middle voice, meaning “I set within myself” or “I proposed to myself” or “I planned"

let: an obsolete English word; accurately “hindered” or “prevented"; There were times when Paul was hindered by the work of Satan (I Thes 2:17-18); at other times prevented by the work of the Lord (Rom 15:20-22; Acts 16:6-10)

hitherto: "until this time", or "up until now". He had really wanted to go see the brethren at Rome for quite some time, setting that plan or purpose in his heart, but had been hindered or prevented from doing so up until now. So he writes, by revelation, how very much he has wanted and planned to see them (see Rom 15:20-24, 30, 32).

that I might have some fruit: figurative reference to the results he is expecting from his visit; part of the desired results were already stated in v11, i.e. “that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established”; other results could certainly include new converts to Christ from public preaching, as was his manner (see Acts 17:2,10,17; 18:4,19; 19:8). In agriculture, fruit comes after seed has been planted, watered, and cultivated (see Luke 8:11, 4-15; 1 Cor 3:6-8).

Gentiles: referring to those who were not of Israel; Paul reached out to both Jews and Gentiles during his travels, but his mention here of “other Gentiles” reflects specific directions (see Acts 22:21; Gal 2:7)

ALTERNATIVE TRANSLATION:

Romans 1:13 [NASB]
I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.

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