This task (New American Bible “my task”; Moffatt, New English Bible “this business”; An American Translation* “this matter”) is literally “this” (Revised Standard Version, Jerusalem Bible).

And have turned over to them the full amount of money that has been raised for them is literally “and sealed to them this fruit” (see RSV footnote and King James Version). The phrase “this fruit” can easily be understood in the sense of the money that has been raised for them (Jerusalem Bible “what has been raised”; Moffatt “the proceeds of the collection”; An American Translation* “this contribution”). The use of the verb “to seal” in this context is admittedly difficult. Perhaps it is best understood from the practice of sealing sacks of grain. If a sack of grain were sealed, the recipient was assured that the grain he received was the full amount that had been placed in the sack. For that reason the Good News Translation renders this verb as have turned over to them the full amount.

And have turned over to them the full amount of money that has been raised for them, may be interpreted as an explanation of this task—for example, “When I have finished this task, namely, turning over to them the full amount of money which has been raised for them.” Full amount of money may be “all the money.”

I shall leave for Spain and visit you on my way there is literally “I shall go through you to Spain.” The Jerusalem Bible renders this as “I shall set out for Spain and visit you on the way.” This clause may also be rendered as “I will begin my journey to Spain but stop to see you on the way” or “… stop to stay with you for a time on the way.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1973. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .