Welcome to the next Bible Study of Romans, Chapter 15:

Let’s reason and take an inspiring verse by verse look at “Romans 15:1-33“, followed with a Summary and Prayer.

Verse 1: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

The apostle Paul emphasizes the responsibility of the strong (mature believers) to support the weak (immature or struggling believers). It sets the tone for Christian community, prioritizing the needs of others over our self-interests.

Verse 2: “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.”

The encouragement here is to consider the well-being of others. Actions should aim to build up our neighbors, promoting their growth and spiritual health rather than simply seeking personal gratification.

Verse 3: “For even CHRIST pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.”

Paul uses CHRIST as the supreme example of selflessness. He bore the burdens of mankind without seeking personal comfort—thus modeling the kind of behavior that believers should exhibit.

Verse 4: “For whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

This highlights the value of Scripture as a source of hope and encouragement. The Old Testament Scriptures are not merely historical records but are meant for instruction and inspiration for believers today.

Verse 5: “Now the GOD of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to CHRIST JESUS.”

Paul prays for unity among believers, invoking GOD’S character as one of patience and consolation. Unity is vital for a healthy church community and reflects the unity of CHRIST.

Verse 6: “That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify GOD, even the Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.”

The goal of this unity is to glorify GOD. When believers come together harmoniously, they reflect the nature of GOD’S family and generate a powerful witness to the world.

Verse 7: “Wherefore receive ye one another, as CHRIST also received us to the glory of GOD.”

Paul calls for acceptance among believers, mirroring CHRIST’S acceptance of both Jew and Gentile. This mutual acceptance is essential for fulfilling GOD’S glory.

Verse 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 asserts that CHRIST’S ministry was rooted in the Jewish covenant; He came to fulfill GOD’S promises to Israel, thus establishing a foundation for both Jews and Gentiles.

Verse 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.”

Gentiles are now included in GOD’S plan and are called to glorify Him for His mercy. This verse underscores the inclusivity of the gospel.

Verses 10-12: “And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the LORD, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Isaiah saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.”

Paul quotes several Old Testament prophecies to demonstrate that the inclusion of the Gentiles in GOD’S divine plan was always His intention. This reflects GOD’S mercy in CHRIST for all people.

Verse 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.”

A prayerful wish for the believers. Paul emphasizes joy, peace, and hope that come from faith in GOD, which are facilitated by the Holy Spirit.

Verses 14-16: “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. 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, 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 expresses confidence in the Roman believers, affirming their moral integrity and knowledge. He discusses his role as a minister to the Gentiles, highlighting his calling and the importance of offering them as a holy sacrifice to GOD.

Verses 17-19: “I have therefore whereof I may glory through JESUS CHRIST in those things which pertain to GOD. 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, 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.”

Paul reflects on his accomplishments with humility, recognizing that his achievements are through CHRIST’S power. He emphasizes the impact of signs and wonders in confirming the gospel message.

Verses 20-21: “Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where CHRIST was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.”

Paul outlines his missionary strategie proclaiming the gospel in areas where CHRIST was not known. He aims to expand the reach of the gospel to those who have never heard it.

Verses 22-24: “For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.”

Paul explains why he hasn’t visited Rome yet his ongoing mission, including bringing aid to the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, indicating unity and care among the churches.

Verses 25-27: “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.”

There is a sense of reciprocity the Gentile believers are blessed spiritually through the Jews, thus they have a responsibility to support the Jews materially.

Verses 28-29: “When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of CHRIST.”

Paul expresses his plans to visit Rome after completing his mission in Jerusalem, anticipating a fruitful visit as he desires to share the fullness of the gospel.

Verses 30-33: “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; 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; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of GOD, and may with you be refreshed. Now the GOD of peace be with you all. Amen.”

Paul asks for prayers for his safety and effectiveness in his ministry. He strongly emphasizes the importance of prayer and ends with a blessing of peace.

Let’s summarize Romans Chapter 15:

In “Romans 15:1-33“, Paul counsels mature believers to support weaker ones, reflecting CHRIST’S selflessness. He underscores the importance of unity, acceptance, and building one another up for GOD’S glory. He illustrates the gospel’s reach to both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Paul expresses his intentions to minister in Jerusalem before visiting Rome, highlighting the interconnectedness of believers and the necessity of prayer. The chapter closes with a blessing for peace.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, thank You for Your marvelous righteous Word and for the teachings in Romans Chapter 15. Help us to bear one another’s burdens, to strive for unity in our communities, and to be aware of the needs of those around us. May we be inspired by CHRIST’S infinite love and sacrificial nature as we live our lives. Empower us by Your Holly Spirit to effectively share Your gospel, and may we continually seek to uplift and edify one another in faith. Thank you dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER.
We pray this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our almighty dear LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!