Imagine a world where the strong help the weak, and everyone works together to lift each other up. In Romans 15, Paul paints a vibrant picture of what it means to live in harmony and serve one another in love.
The Reading: Romans 15
World English Bible1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
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2 Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up.
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3 For even Christ didn’t please himself. But, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”
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4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
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5 Now the God of perseverance and of encouragement grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus,
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6 that with one accord you may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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7 Therefore accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God.
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8 Now I say that Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises given to the fathers,
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9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore will I give praise to you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.”
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10 Again he says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”
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11 Again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Let all the peoples praise him.”
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12 Again, Isaiah says, “There will be the root of Jesse, he who arises to rule over the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles will hope.”
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13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
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14 I myself am also persuaded about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish others.
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15 But I write the more boldly to you in part, as reminding you, because of the grace that was given to me by God,
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16 that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest of the Good News of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
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17 I have therefore my boasting in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God.
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18 For I will not dare to speak of any things except those which Christ worked through me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed,
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19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ;
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20 yes, making it my aim to preach the Good News, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build on another’s foundation.
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21 But, as it is written, “They will see, to whom no news of him came. They who haven’t heard will understand.”
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22 Therefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you,
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23 but now, no longer having any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come to you,
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24 whenever I travel to Spain, I will 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.
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25 But now, I say, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints.
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26 For it has been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are at Jerusalem.
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27 Yes, it has been their good pleasure, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to serve them in fleshly things.
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28 When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by way of you to Spain.
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29 I know that, when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of the Good News of Christ.
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30 Now I beg you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
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31 that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints;
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32 that I may come to you in joy through the will of God, and together with you, find rest.
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33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
In Romans 15, the Apostle Paul dives deep into the idea of community and mutual support among believers. He starts by urging those who are strong in faith to bear with the weaknesses of those who struggle. Instead of seeking personal pleasure, Paul encourages everyone to build up their neighbors.
Christ as Our Example
Paul reminds us that even Christ didn't seek to please Himself. Quoting scripture, he shows that Christ took on the burdens of others, setting a powerful example for us. The scriptures, he points out, were written to teach us perseverance and provide encouragement so that we may have hope.
Unity in Diversity
Paul emphasizes unity, inviting believers to accept one another just as Christ accepted them. He elaborates on how Christ came to serve both Jews and Gentiles, confirming the promises made to the Jewish ancestors while also bringing hope to the Gentiles. Through various quotes from the Old Testament, he shows that this message is for everyone, regardless of background.
The Mission Ahead
As he shares his own mission, Paul expresses his desire to preach the Good News, particularly to those who haven't heard it before. He plans to travel to Spain and hopes to visit the Roman believers along the way, asking for their prayers and support. Paul has been gathering contributions for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem, highlighting a sense of duty among believers to care for one another.
Closing Thoughts
Paul concludes the chapter by calling upon God to fill the believers with joy and peace, encouraging them to strive together in prayer for his mission. He wraps up with a blessing, wishing peace for everyone.
Why It Matters
Building Each Other Up
Romans 15 teaches us the importance of community. We are called to support those who may be struggling in their faith, just as Paul encourages the strong to bear the weaknesses of the weak. This principle of serving others is timeless and resonates deeply in our lives today.
Unity in Diversity
In a world often divided by differences, Paul's message is a reminder that unity can thrive amidst diversity. It's not about erasing our differences but embracing them, accepting each other as Christ accepted us. This is crucial for creating a loving and inclusive community, whether in our churches or everyday lives.
Pursuing Hope
Paul's emphasis on hope is a powerful takeaway. He shows us that through faith and the scriptures, we can find encouragement and perseverance. In challenging times, leaning into our faith can help us navigate through difficulties with a sense of purpose and joy.
If you're looking to connect with a community of believers, consider using Sancta to find a church near you where you can grow in faith and find support.
The Call to Prayer
Paul's request for prayers is also significant. It shows that we are not isolated in our journeys; we need each other. Let's commit to praying for each other, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys, and lifting each other up in times of need.
Coming Up Next: Romans 16
In the next part of our journey through the New Testament, Romans 16, Paul takes a moment to greet various individuals in the Roman church, highlighting the beauty of community. Get ready to meet some remarkable characters!