Romans 15 - Unity and Hope in Christ
Building Each Other Up and Paul's Missionary Vision
Romans 15
Self-denial on Behalf of Others
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.
Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.
For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME."
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,
so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers,
and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, "THEREFORE * I WILL GIVE PRAISE TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES, AND I WILL SING TO YOUR NAME."
Again he says, "REJOICE, O GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE."
And again, "PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES, AND LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE HIM."
Again Isaiah says, "THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE, AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES HOPE."
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.
But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God,
to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.
For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed,
in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man's foundation;
but as it is written, "THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND."
For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you;
but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you
whenever * I go to Spain -for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while -
but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints.
For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things.
Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain.
I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints;
so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company.
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Three Questions
How does Romans 15 depict Paul's ministry to Gentiles and its impact?
What role does hope and mutual encouragement play in this Roman community?
How does the passage address unity and service within the Christian faith?
Questions 1 - How does Romans 15 depict Paul's ministry to Gentiles and its impact?
Romans 15 illustrates how Paul views his ministry to the Gentiles as part of God's plan to include them in his blessings and salvation. It also highlights the impact of this ministry, which leads to the Gentiles' obedience, their acceptance as an offering to God, and their glorification of God.
Paul's Ministry: A Divine Commission
Paul describes himself as a "minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles" with a specific purpose: "performing the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering up of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the holy Spirit."
This statement reveals that Paul understands his work as a sacred duty, entrusted to him by God. He sees his mission as facilitating the Gentiles' inclusion in God's covenant, making them an "acceptable offering" through the Gospel.
Impact of Paul's Ministry
Paul emphasizes that his ministry has effectively brought Gentiles "to obedience by word and deed" through "the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit."
His work has been geographically impactful, spanning "from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum." This suggests the widespread reach of Paul's ministry and the conversion of Gentiles across various regions.
Paul's ministry has led to the Gentiles "glorify[ing] God for his mercy." This echoes earlier verses, where Paul cites Old Testament scripture to underscore God's plan for the Gentiles' inclusion.
Paul's Ministry in the Context of God's Plan
Paul cites several Old Testament passages to demonstrate that his ministry to the Gentiles fulfills God's promises and prophecies.
These passages emphasize that God's plan always encompassed the Gentiles and that their inclusion was divinely ordained.
Paul's ministry is not an isolated event but part of God's larger plan to bring salvation to all people.
Gentiles' Role in God's Kingdom
Paul urges the Roman church to "welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God."
This highlights the importance of unity and mutual acceptance between Jewish and Gentile Christians within the church.
He further notes that the Gentiles, having received spiritual blessings, have a reciprocal duty to "serve [Jewish Christians] in material blessings," suggesting a shared responsibility within the Christian community.
Overall, Romans 15 presents Paul's ministry to the Gentiles as a crucial element of God's plan for salvation. His work has resulted in the Gentiles' obedience, acceptance, and glorification of God. The chapter emphasizes the Gentiles' rightful place within God's kingdom, calling for unity and mutual support within the Christian community.
Question 2 - What role does hope and mutual encouragement play in this Roman community?
The Importance of Hope and Encouragement in the Roman Community
In Romans 15, hope and mutual encouragement are presented as essential elements that strengthen the Roman Christian community and enable them to live out their faith.
The passage emphasizes the importance of endurance and encouragement, particularly through scripture, as sources of hope.
This hope is rooted in God, who grants endurance and encouragement, allowing the community to think in harmony with each other and with Christ.
The author specifically highlights the hope that the Gentiles have in Christ. This hope fills them with joy, peace, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
The community is encouraged to welcome one another as Christ welcomed them, demonstrating the love and acceptance that binds them together.
The passage stresses the importance of mutual encouragement and admonition within the community. The author expresses confidence in the Romans' ability to admonish one another, reflecting a belief in their collective wisdom and spiritual maturity.
The author views his own ministry as a source of encouragement for the Roman community. He describes his work of spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles as a priestly service, offering them up to God as an acceptable sacrifice. He shares his accomplishments and aspirations, aiming to inspire the Romans with the progress of the Gospel.
The author’s plans to visit Rome after his trip to Jerusalem are another source of encouragement. He hopes to enjoy their company and receive their support for his journey to Spain. This anticipation of fellowship and shared mission further strengthens the bonds of hope and encouragement within the community.
He also asks for their prayers, acknowledging his dependence on their support and demonstrating the reciprocal nature of encouragement within the community. The final blessing, wishing the "God of peace" to be with them, reinforces the connection between peace, hope, and the well-being of the community.
Overall, Romans 15 presents hope and mutual encouragement as vital components of the Roman Christian community. These elements are fostered through shared faith in Christ, engagement with scripture, and active participation in the community's life and mission. By supporting and encouraging one another, the Roman Christians strengthen their individual faith and contribute to the collective flourishing of their community.
Question 3 - How does the passage address unity and service within the Christian faith?
The passage, specifically Romans 15, emphasizes unity and service as integral aspects of the Christian faith.
Unity in Romans 15
The chapter begins by highlighting the importance of unity among believers, urging those who are strong in faith to support the weak and to prioritize the well-being of others. This concept is further emphasized in the call for believers to "think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus" and to "glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" with one voice.
This unity transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries, as evidenced by the emphasis on welcoming one another as Christ welcomed them, recognizing that Christ's ministry extended to both Jews and Gentiles. The passage further underscores this inclusiveness by citing Old Testament prophecies that foretell the Gentiles' inclusion in God's plan, ultimately rejoicing and praising the Lord together.
Paul reminds the Roman Christians that they are "full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another." This statement reinforces the idea of mutual support and encouragement within the Christian community, contributing to a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Service in Romans 15
Service is depicted as an essential expression of Christian faith, particularly in the context of Paul's ministry to the Gentiles. Paul describes himself as a "minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles" performing the "priestly service of the gospel of God." His mission is to lead the Gentiles to obedience through his actions and teachings, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Paul further emphasizes the importance of service by highlighting the financial contribution from the churches in Macedonia and Achaia for the poor among the holy ones in Jerusalem. This act of generosity demonstrates practical service and solidarity within the Christian community, acknowledging the shared spiritual blessings and the responsibility to support one another in material needs.
Paul's own journey to Jerusalem to "minister to the holy ones" is another example of service within the faith. He sees this mission as an integral part of his ministry, expressing his commitment to the well-being of the Christian community in Jerusalem.
Paul concludes the chapter by urging the Roman Christians to join him in prayer, specifically requesting their intercession for his safety and the success of his ministry. This request highlights the importance of mutual support and prayer as forms of service within the Christian community, recognizing the shared responsibility for the advancement of the gospel.
Today’s Action
One action you can take to apply the teachings of Romans 15 is to encourage and support others:
Offer Encouragement and Support: Identify someone in your community or circle who might be struggling or in need of encouragement. Reach out to them with words of support, offer to help in practical ways, or simply be present to listen and provide comfort.
This action aligns with Romans 15:1-2, which encourages believers to bear with the failings of the weak and to build up their neighbors for their good, and Romans 15:5-6, which speaks about having the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify God. By offering encouragement and support, you contribute to the unity and strength of your community.
Check out this podcast as the hosts dive deeply into this topic.