15:20a

In this way: These words introduce why Paul preached in many places between Jerusalem and Illyricum. Here is another way to translate this word:

and thus (English Standard Version)
-or-
thus

I have aspired: Here the word aspired refers to a continuing desire to do something. At that time Paul always wanted to preach the gospel where people did not know about Jesus. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

I make it my ambition (English Standard Version)
-or-
I desire (NET Bible)

The Greek tense indicates an ambition at the present time (the time he wrote this letter). It does not say anything about how long in the past he has had this ambition. Translate as an ambition at the present time.

preach the gospel: The Greek word here means “announce good news” or “proclaim the gospel.” Preaching is often done before a group of people. Here it refers to telling others the good news of Jesus as Messiah/Christ. Here are other ways to translate this Greek word:

declare the gospel (Revised English Bible)
-or-
preach the Good News (Good News Translation)

See how you translated this phrase in 1:15.

15:20b

where Christ was not known: This clause refers to places where someone has not told the people there about Jesus being the Christ, the one to save people from their sins. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

not where Christ has already been named (English Standard Version)
-or-
where Christ has not been heard of (Good News Translation)
-or-
where the name of Christ has not already been heard (New Jerusalem Bible)

15:20c

so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation: The phrase so that…not means “in order that…not.” It introduces a purpose for avoiding something. For example:

lest I build on someone else’s foundation (English Standard Version)

I would not be building on someone else’s foundation: This is a figure of speech that refers to Paul being the second apostle to do what a previous apostle did in that town/place: preach the gospel, help people believe in Jesus, encourage believers and help them grow in their faith. This “builds” the group of believers. The first person “builds” the foundation and the second person “builds” on top of the foundation.

In some languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Add the word “like.” For example:

I ⌊would be like a person⌋ building on someone else’s foundation

• Explain the metaphor in your translation. For example:

I ⌊strengthen a group of believers like someone⌋ building on someone else’s foundation

• Translate literally and explain in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

This refers to being the second person to help people believe and encourage them in their faith

• Translate the meaning without the figure of speech. For example:

I am the second person to preach and teach in a town

This is not talking about a physical building that believers meet in.

foundation: This word refers to the first layer of a house or building. The floors and walls are build on top of the foundation. Some languages do not have a general word like foundation but must name the material of which the foundation is made. For example:

⌊base⌋ stones
-or-
bricks
-or-
posts

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