Romans 15

Romans 15 continues Paul's exhortation on Christian unity and mutual support, particularly between the strong and the weak in faith. Paul emphasizes that Christians should bear with one another, following the example of Christ, and work together for the glory of God. He also discusses his ministry to the Gentiles and his plans to visit the believers in Rome.

Romans 15:1-2 (NKJV)
1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.

Paul encourages believers who are strong in faith to be patient with those who may struggle with certain convictions. Rather than seeking to please themselves, they should focus on encouraging and building up their neighbors. This selfless love and support promote unity and spiritual growth, strengthening the community as a whole.

Romans 15:3 (NKJV)
3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”

Paul’s message for believers to look to Jesus as their example in how they interact with others, emphasizing that true leadership and discipleship involve humility, sacrifice, and a focus on the greater good. This verse challenges Christians to reconsider their own priorities and to align their actions with the selfless example set by Christ, seeking to serve rather than be served.

Romans 15:4 (NKJV)
4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

The Scriptures were written for our instruction, providing us with patience, comfort, and hope as we navigate our lives.

Romans 15:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,
6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul prays that God, the source of patience and comfort, will grant believers unity of mind and purpose. This unity, modeled after Christ, leads to harmonious worship, where the entire church joins together in glorifying God. The goal is to build a community that reflects the love and unity of Christ in both worship and everyday life.

Romans 15:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,
9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.”

Paul encourages believers to accept each other as Christ accepted them, creating a welcoming and unified community that glorifies God. Christ served the Jews to fulfill God’s promises, but He also opened the way for Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy. This inclusion of Gentiles fulfills Old Testament prophecies and highlights God’s expansive grace.

Romans 15:10-12 (NKJV)
10 And again he says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!”
11 And again: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!”
12 And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.”

Paul emphasizes God’s plan for the inclusion of the Gentiles in His salvation, quoting Old Testament passages to support this truth. These verses reveal that Gentiles, alongside Israel, are invited to rejoice in and praise God, highlighting the unity between Jews and Gentiles under God's grace. The prophecies Paul cites show that Christ’s coming fulfills God’s intention to extend hope and salvation to all nations, with Jesus, the "root of Jesse," reigning as the source of hope for both Jews and Gentiles. This inclusion reflects God’s mercy and faithfulness, uniting all believers in worship.

Romans 15:13 (NKJV)
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul prays that the God of hope would fill believers with joy and peace as they trust in Him, so that they may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:14-16 (NKJV)
14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God,
16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Paul expresses confidence in the Roman believers, recognizing their goodness and spiritual maturity. While he has written boldly on certain topics, it is out of his calling to minister to the Gentiles. His hope is that his ministry will lead to a community of Gentile believers who are fully dedicated to God, purified by the Holy Spirit, and accepted in their faith.

Romans 15:17-19 (NKJV)
17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.
18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient—
19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

Paul rejoices in the work Christ has accomplished through him, especially in bringing Gentiles to faith. His ministry has been marked by signs and wonders, demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul has fully proclaimed the gospel across a broad region, fulfilling his calling and emphasizing the impact of God’s power at work in his mission.

Romans 15:20-21 (NKJV)
20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation,
21 but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand.”

Paul’s mission focus has been to preach in places where the gospel has not yet been heard, fulfilling prophecy that those who have not known Christ would come to see and understand. His approach shows his dedication to spreading the gospel broadly, not merely building upon others’ work, but bringing the message to those unreached.

Romans 15:22-24 (NKJV)
22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you.
23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you,
24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.

Paul explains that his mission work has delayed his visit to Rome, but he now plans to visit them on his way to Spain. He looks forward to fellowship and support from the Roman believers. His mention of Spain highlights his vision for continued mission work, as he desires to reach new regions with the gospel.

Romans 15:25-27 (NKJV)
25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.
26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.

Paul shares his immediate plan to deliver a financial gift to the poor believers in Jerusalem. This contribution from Gentile believers reflects their gratitude and duty, acknowledging the spiritual blessings they have received through the Jewish believers. This generosity serves as an expression of unity between the Jewish and Gentile Christians.

Romans 15:28-29 (NKJV)
28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.
29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

Paul plans to visit Rome after delivering the contribution to Jerusalem. He is confident that his visit to the Romans will be blessed and fruitful, filled with the fullness of the gospel of Christ. His optimism reflects his faith in God’s continued work through his ministry.

Romans 15:30-33 (NKJV)
30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,
31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Paul asks for prayer from the Roman believers for his safety and for a positive reception of the gift he is bringing to Jerusalem. He hopes to visit them with joy and to be mutually encouraged. Paul concludes with a blessing of peace, reflecting his desire for harmony among believers and reliance on God’s protection and guidance.