Bible Study Romans 15: 1-33

 

Commentary of the Book of the Romans

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study Romans 15: 1-33

Text:

Bearing the Weaknesses of Others

15 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor [a]for his good, to his building up. 3 For even 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 earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through the perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 Now may the God of perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one [b]voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ, the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted [c]us to the glory of God. 8 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, 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written,

“Therefore I will [d]give praise to You among the Gentiles,
And I will sing to Your name.”

10 And again he says,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the [e]Lord all you Gentiles,
And let all the peoples praise Him.”

12 And 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.”

13 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.

Paul’s Ministry Plans

14 But I myself am also convinced about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, having been filled with all knowledge and being able also to admonish one another. 15 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 [f]by God 16 for me 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, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. 18 For I will not be bold to speak of anything [g]except what Christ has brought about through me, [h]leading to the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 19 in the power of [i]signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and all around as far as Illyricum I have [j]fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And in this way I make it my ambition to proclaim the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation; 21 but as it is written,

“They who had no declaration of Him shall see,
And they who have not heard shall understand.”

22 For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you; 23 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 24 whenever I go to Spain—for I hope, passing through, to see you, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company [k]for a while. 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to serve the [l]saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to [m]share with the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 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. 28 Therefore, when I have completed this and have [n]put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain. 29 And I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

30 Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the [o]saints; 32 so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find rest in your company. 33 Now may the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.”

Paul, identifying with the stronger believers, stressed the need for them to be considerate of the feelings and religious scruples of those who were weaker in faith. He emphasized this point in his letters, writing to the Corinthians, "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend" (1 Cor 8:13). This meant that although Paul personally felt free to eat any food (such as pork), he would abstain if it caused a fellow believer to stumble. Furthermore, Paul advised, "Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth" (1 Cor 10:24), urging them to focus on the interests of others. This selfless concern fulfills the "law of Christ," as he also instructed, "Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Gal 6:2).

Verse 2: “Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his building up.”

The core message is that we should focus on strengthening and building one another up, rather than causing destruction. This restates Paul's previous call, but now emphasizes the vital component of self-sacrifice.

Verse 3: “ For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”

The Christians in Rome should look to the Messiah's self-denial and willingness to suffer for others as an example. This is underscored by Paul's quotation of Psalm 69:9, a psalm frequently cited in the New Testament.

Verse 4: “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through the perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

A foundational teaching of the New Testament is that the Old Testament Scriptures were divinely inspired and written for the instruction and  edification of Christians.

Verse 5: “ Now may the God of perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,”

Paul encourages both the strong and the weak to seek loving, spiritual harmony regarding issues where the Bible is silent, setting aside their differing opinions on these nonessential matters.

Verse 6: “so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

For God to be glorified, unity within the church is essential. Paul has shown that humanity, having fallen short of God’s glory, is restored to it through Christ’s work of reconciliation.

Verse 7: “ Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.”

Since the Perfect, sinless Son of God chose to welcome sinners into God’s family, believers who have been forgiven should be even more eager to warmly accept and embrace one another, even when they disagree on matters of conscience.

Verse 8: “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,”

When the Lord Jesus Christ first came to earth almost two thousand years ago, His ministry was specifically focused on the nation of Israel. As He stated, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt. 15:24). This is why He is called "a servant to the circumcision"—a term used only this once in scripture. Likewise, He instructed His disciples, "But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt. 10:6). Christ undertook this specific mission to fulfill and confirm the promises God had made to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These promises foretold that from Abraham's descendants would come one who would bring a blessing to the entire world, ultimately extending the blessing to both Jew and Gentile.

Verse 9: “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.”

Salvation was extended to Israel through Christ, thereby confirming and fulfilling the truth of the Old Testament promises. Similarly, this salvation was also brought to the Gentiles. Since the Gentiles had no ancestral promises, their access to salvation was based solely on the mercy of God. This is supported by scripture, specifically "As it is written," which introduces four Old Testament quotes—including the first from Psalm 18:49 that demonstrates that the Gentiles will praise God as well as the Jews. 

Verse 10: “And again he says,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.”

The text quotes Deuteronomy 32: 43, the conclusion of the Song of Moses. This song is a prophetic account of the history of the nation of Israel, leading up to the advent of the millennial kingdom. Notably, this passage extends an invitation to the Gentiles to join Israel in offering praise to God.

Verse 11: “ And again,

“Praise the Lord all you Gentiles,
And let all the peoples praise Him.”

This brief quotation, drawn from the shortest psalm (Psalm 117:1), is an invitation for the Gentiles to unite with Israel in offering praise to God. It is noteworthy that the word "all" appears twice in this concise passage.

Verse 12: “And 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.”

The biblical quote comes from Isaiah 11:10. It clearly demonstrates God's intention that the Messiah, though descended from David, would also rule over the Gentiles. Paul, writing to the church in Rome—which was primarily Gentile, much like our churches today—recognized that the Gentiles who had already accepted Christ were the initial evidence, or "firstfruits," of a far greater inclusion to come.

Verse 13: “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.”

The description of God as "The God of hope" is a profound and exciting new title. For the believer, this name reveals the enduring strength of the Rock of Ages, a secure refuge in difficult times. The aspiration is that "The God of hope" will "fill you with all joy and peace in believing." This outcome—increased joy, peace, and strengthened faith—is the very purpose a study of Romans is intended to achieve.

Verse 14: “But I myself am also convinced about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, having been filled with all knowledge and being able also to admonish one another.”

Paul reassures the Romans that his detailed explanation of the gospel is not meant to imply a lack of spiritual understanding on their part. Their comprehension of the gospel and ability to practically use it for mutual encouragement ("able also to admonish one another") remains evident.

Verse 15: “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 by God”

Paul justifies his boldness in writing the Epistle to the Romans by pointing to his God-given office as the apostle to the Gentiles. This grace-appointed role gives him the authority to minister to the Romans through his writing. This explanation further underscores the divine inspiration of Paul's letters.

Verse 16: “for me 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, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

Paul viewed himself as a minister preaching the gospel, using the language of Levitical temple worship to describe his role. Through Christ and Paul's preaching, Gentiles are made "acceptable" to God, independent of the Mosaic Law or any prior religious practice. The Gentiles were "sanctified" by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which began with Cornelius. This sanctification, occurring at the moment of regeneration, marks the point when the Spirit of God takes up residence in all believers, whether Jew or Gentile. While Paul delivered the gospel, God granted the Holy Spirit upon belief. Paul held a distinct role as the apostle to the Gentiles; he symbolically acted as a high priest, offering them up as a sacrifice to God.

Verse 17: “Therefore in Christ Jesus I have reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.”

Paul consistently focused his praise not on his own achievements as an apostle, but solely on what Christ had achieved through his ministry.

Verse 18: “ For I will not be bold to speak of anything except what Christ has brought about through me, leading to the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed,”

In this passage, Paul conveys a message of considerable import. To comprehend Paul's intentions, particularly regarding the authorship of the church in Rome by either himself or Peter, one must meticulously analyze his statements. Paul asserts, "I will not claim credit for the work of God accomplished by others—especially among the Gentiles." Naturally, he could not claim responsibility for the achievements on the Day of Pentecost, which marked the genesis of the ministry that disseminated the gospel to the Gentiles. Furthermore, he could not claim responsibility for the initial transmission of the gospel to the Gentiles, as it was Simon Peter who brought the gospel to the household of Cornelius. Paul will only recount those deeds which Christ performed through him. His distinct mission was as the apostle to the Gentiles.

Verse 19: “in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and all around as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.”

The credentials of the early church's apostles and ministers—"In the power of signs and wonders"—were essential for establishing the church on the correct foundation before any part of the New Testament was written. Paul explains to the Ephesian believers that they "are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Eph. 2:20). This statement does not imply that the apostles themselves are the foundation, as "other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3:11). Rather, Paul is asserting that the apostles were the ones responsible for laying down the foundation of Jesus Christ.

Regarding his ministry, Paul mentions that the gospel of Christ had been delivered through him "as far as Illyricum." Illyricum was a Roman province bordering Italy, stretching to the Adriatic Sea and the Danube River. This indicates that Paul's preaching extended from Jerusalem all the way to the province adjacent to Rome, though he had not yet reached Rome itself.

Verse 20: “And in this way I make it my ambition to proclaim the gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation;”

Paul considered it a matter of honor, not rivalry, to be a pioneer, taking the gospel where it had not been preached before. His ministry was unique; he avoided ministering where a church was already established or where others had preceded him. This aligns with the true meaning of the New Testament term "evangelist"—that of a genuine missionary.

Verse 21: “but as it is written,

“They who had no declaration of Him shall see,
And they who have not heard shall understand.”

Paul was thrilled to bring the gospel to those who were spiritually blind. This is a direct quote from the Septuagint translation of Isaiah 52:15.

Verse 22: “For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you;”

When Paul states that he had been "often been prevented," one can be certain of this: he encountered considerable obstruction. Numerous impediments had been placed in his path.

Verse 23: “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”

The current opportunity for Paul to visit Rome has arisen because the initial stage of his mission has now been completed.

Verse 24: “whenever I go to Spain—for I hope, passing through, to see you, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company [a]for a while.”

Paul is seeking the congregation's fellowship as the new phase of outreach, which involves Spain, is about to begin.

Verse 25: “But now I am going to Jerusalem to serve the saints.”

He desired to travel to Jerusalem to personally deliver a contribution to the impoverished saints there. The reason for this personal delivery was his prior involvement in the persecution of the believers in Jerusalem, an act that had devastated the church. Consequently, it was the intention of this esteemed apostle to make amends by bringing a gift to them.

Verse 26: “For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to share with the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.”

“To share with ” was the Greek word koinōnia, meaning “a fellowship.” This word was used for everything that believers could share: Christ, the Word, prayer, the Lord’s Supper, and material gifts. Christians have fellowship with God, with Christ, and with one another when they give. 

Verse 27: “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.”

The offering Paul collected was clearly a freewill offering. Paul emphasizes that not only was this offering given freely (as any other way would not be pleasing to God), but the givers also had a moral obligation and debt to pay. This is because the Gentiles had received the gospel from Israel.

Verse 28: “Therefore, when I have completed this and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain.”

The profound significance of this gift was evident in the heart of the great apostle Paul, as demonstrated by the zeal with which he undertook the journey to Jerusalem. This journey, however, resulted in his arrest at the hands of his adversaries. The phrase "Have put my seal on this fruit" is somewhat opaque to modern readers and may simply indicate his desire for a receipt for the offering. He ensured the security of the gift for them. It is perhaps more likely that this statement signifies his wish for the Jerusalem church to witness the tangible outcomes of their missionary endeavors.

Verse 29: “And I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.”

This passage affirms Paul's successful journey to Rome. He undertook this journey in accordance with the will of God and in the full scope of his apostolic authority. God granted him divine foresight regarding this trip. Paul was not acting outside of God's will in proceeding to Jerusalem, nor was he in his subsequent journey to Rome. While the journey may not have outwardly appeared prosperous, God utilized it in precisely that manner.

Verse 30: “ Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,”

Paul makes a very earnest request for prayer here, using the unique scriptural phrase "love of the Spirit." This phrase refers to the apostle's own love for the Holy Spirit, not the Holy Spirit's love for him.

Verse 31: “that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints;”

Paul's mission had two primary concerns: first, his personal safety from the persistent hostility of the Jews throughout his ministry; and second, the successful reception of the Gentile offering by Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, which would confirm his apostolic work.

Verse 32: “so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find rest in your company.”

Paul's prayer was ultimately answered: his life was preserved, the Jerusalem church accepted the offering, and he did arrive in Rome with joy, though his journey included two years imprisoned at Caesarea, a shipwreck, and his eventual arrival in chains. Despite these hardships, Paul came in the joy of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 33: “ Now may the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”

The designation "The God of peace" illustrates that Paul maintained a state of serenity despite imprisonment, bondage, storms, and shipwreck. I aspire that we, too, may attain such profound peace in our personal experiences.