Romans Chapter 15

BIBLE PASSAGE

ROMANS CHAPTER 15

The Example of Christ

1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,

and sing to your name.”

10 And again it is said,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,

and let all the peoples extol him.”

12 And again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse will come,

even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;

in him will the Gentiles hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, 21 but as it is written,

“Those who have never been told of him will see,

and those who have never heard will understand.”

Paul's Plan to Visit Rome

22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

SYNOPSIS

Romans 15 is a chapter that addresses several important themes within the early Christian community. The chapter begins with Paul's exhortation for the "strong" believers to support and please the "weak" for the sake of the gospel, emphasizing unity and mutual care within the church. Paul uses Christ's example to illustrate this point, encouraging believers to receive one another just as Christ has received them. The chapter also highlights the importance of Scripture, with Paul quoting from various parts of the Old Testament, including Psalms, Torah, and Prophets, to show how Christ fulfills Israel's role in bringing nations to glorify God. Additionally, Paul discusses his own ministry, mentioning his approach of preaching the gospel in places where it had not been previously proclaimed. The chapter concludes with Paul addressing his ministry to the saints in Jerusalem and his plans for future missionary work. Throughout the chapter, there is an emphasis on unity, mutual support, and the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles in God's plan of salvation.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. What specific rights or preferences might we need to lay down in order to serve others more effectively?

2. Romans 15:13 speaks of the joy and peace that come from trusting in God. How can you rely on God’s promises to fill you with hope in challenging situations?

3. Paul had a heart for spreading the gospel where Christ was not yet known (v. 20). In what ways can you be part of sharing the gospel with those who have not yet heard it?

4. In what ways can you emulate Christ’s selfless love among your peers?

PRAYER SUGGESTION

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for calling me to live in unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me to be a source of encouragement and strength to those around me, seeking to build others up rather than focusing on differences. Teach me to serve selflessly, just as Jesus did.

Lord, fill my heart with joy and peace as I trust in You. When I face challenges, remind me of Your promises and the hope I have in Christ. Let my life be a testimony of the confidence and security that come from walking in faith.

Give me a heart for sharing the gospel, just as Paul had a passion for reaching those who had not yet heard of Jesus. Show me ways to reflect Your love and truth in my daily life so that others may come to know You.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.