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
"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves."

Those who are strong in faith have a responsibility to support and care for those who are weaker in faith, prioritizing their needs over their own desires.

Romans 15:2
"Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification."

Each believer should seek to please their neighbor, aiming to build them up and contribute to their spiritual growth.

Romans 15:3
"For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee 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
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through 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
"Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:"

Paul prays that God, who is patient and comforting, would help believers to live in harmony with one another, following the example of Christ.

Romans 15:6
"That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The purpose of this unity is that believers might glorify God together with one heart and one voice, acknowledging Him as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:7
"Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."

Believers should accept one another just as Christ has accepted them, all for the glory of God.

Romans 15:8
"Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:"

Paul explains that Jesus served the Jewish people to demonstrate God's truthfulness and to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs.

Romans 15:9
"And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name."

Christ’s ministry also extended to the Gentiles, so they might glorify God for His mercy, fulfilling what was written in the Scriptures.

Romans 15:10
"And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people."

The Scriptures further encourage the Gentiles to rejoice together with God's people, emphasizing their inclusion in God’s plan.

Romans 15:11
"And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people."

Another Old Testament reference calls the Gentiles to praise the Lord, showing that God’s plan always included them.

Romans 15:12
"And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust."

Isaiah prophesied about the root of Jesse (Jesus), who would rise to reign over the Gentiles, and in whom the Gentiles would place their trust.

Romans 15:13
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."

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
"And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another."

Paul expresses his confidence in the Roman believers, acknowledging that they are full of goodness, knowledgeable, and capable of instructing each other.

Romans 15:15
"Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,"

Paul explains that even though they are capable, he has written boldly to remind them of certain things because of the grace God has given him to be an apostle.

Romans 15:16
"That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost."

Paul describes his role as a minister of Christ to the Gentiles, with the goal that the Gentiles' offering to God would be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:17
"I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God."

Paul takes pride in what Christ has accomplished through him in matters related to God.

Romans 15:18
"For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,"

Paul humbly notes that he only speaks of what Christ has done through him to bring the Gentiles to obedience through both word and action.

Romans 15:19
"Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ."

By the power of the Spirit of God, Paul has performed signs and wonders and has fully preached the gospel from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum.

Romans 15:20
"Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:"

Paul emphasizes his commitment to preaching the gospel in places where Christ had not yet been named, so that he would not build on someone else's work.

Romans 15:21
"But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand."

Paul cites Scripture to support his mission, indicating that those who had not heard of Christ would come to see and understand Him.

Romans 15:22
"For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you."

Because of his extensive missionary work, Paul has often been prevented from visiting the believers in Rome.

Romans 15:23
"But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;"

Now that Paul has completed his work in the regions he was ministering to, and having desired for many years to visit them, he plans to come to Rome.

Romans 15:24
"Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company."

Paul plans to visit the believers in Rome on his way to Spain and hopes to enjoy their company before continuing his journey.

Romans 15:25
"But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints."

Before heading to Rome, Paul needs to go to Jerusalem to serve the believers there.

Romans 15:26
"For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem."

The believers in Macedonia and Achaia have gladly contributed to help the poor believers in Jerusalem.

Romans 15:27
"It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things."

Paul notes that the Gentile believers have gladly contributed because they feel indebted to the Jewish believers, having shared in their spiritual blessings, and therefore, they are eager to help them materially.

Romans 15:28
"When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain."

Once Paul has delivered the contributions and fulfilled his task, he plans to visit the believers in Rome on his way to Spain.

Romans 15:29
"And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ."

Paul is confident that when he finally visits Rome, he will bring the full blessing of the gospel of Christ with him.

Romans 15:30
"Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;"

Paul urges the Roman believers to join him in prayer, for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of the Spirit, asking for God's help.

Romans 15:31
"That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;"

He asks them to pray for his deliverance from unbelievers in Judea and that his service to the believers in Jerusalem would be well received.

Romans 15:32
"That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed."

Paul hopes that, by God's will, he can come to them with joy and be refreshed together with them.

Romans 15:33
"Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen."

Paul concludes this chapter with a blessing, praying that the God of peace would be with all the believers. Amen.