Romans 15

Bear with the Weak

1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Parallel theme: Romans 4:20, 14:1, 1 Corinthians 9:22, Ephesians 6:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 2 Timothy 2:1, 1 John 2:14 +2

2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. Parallel theme: Romans 14:19, 1 Corinthians 10:24, 13:5

3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. References Christ: 2 Corinthians 8:9. Parallel theme: Psalms 69:9, 69:20, Matthew 10:25, 26:42, John 4:34, 5:30, 6:38, 8:29, Philippians 2:8 +5

4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hopeHope: ἐλπίς (Elpis). The Greek elpis (ἐλπίς) denotes hope—confident expectation of good. This hope is 'an anchor of the soul' (Hebrews 6:19), grounded in Christ's resurrection and the believer's future inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4).. Hope: Romans 12:12, 1 Peter 1:13. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 10:11

5 Now the GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: References Christ: Ephesians 5:2, Philippians 1:27. References Jesus: 1 Corinthians 1:10. References God: Romans 15:13, Exodus 34:6, 2 Corinthians 13:11. Parallel theme: Romans 12:16, Psalms 86:5, 1 Peter 3:8, 2 Peter 3:15 +5

6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. Jesus Christ. References Jesus: John 20:17, 2 Corinthians 1:3, 11:31, Ephesians 1:3, 1 Peter 1:3. References God: Acts 4:24, Revelation 1:6. Parallel theme: Acts 4:32 +3

Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the gloryGlory: δόξα (Doxa). The Greek doxa (δόξα) means glory, splendor, or magnificence—the radiant manifestation of God's perfection. Christ revealed the Father's glory: 'we beheld his glory' (John 1:14). of God. References God: Romans 15:9. Glory: Romans 5:2, Ephesians 1:12, 1:18. Parallel theme: Matthew 10:40, Mark 9:37, Luke 9:48, 15:2, John 6:37, 13:34 +5

8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truthTruth: ἀλήθεια (Aletheia). The Greek aletheia (ἀλήθεια) denotes truth or reality—that which corresponds to actuality. Jesus declared, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6), embodying ultimate reality. of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: Covenant: Romans 4:16, 2 Corinthians 1:20. References Jesus: Romans 15:16. References God: Romans 3:3, 11:22, 11:30, Acts 13:46. Parallel theme: Matthew 15:24, John 1:11, 10:16 +5

9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercyMercy: ἔλεος (Eleos). The Greek eleos (ἔλεος) denotes compassionate mercy—pity for those in distress. God is 'rich in mercy' (Ephesians 2:4), withholding deserved punishment and granting undeserved kindness.; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. References God: Romans 3:29, Matthew 9:8. Sin: 2 Samuel 22:50, Psalms 18:49

10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalms 68:32

11 And again, Praise the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint., all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. Resurrection: Psalms 117:1

12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Faith: Matthew 12:21. Kingdom: Daniel 7:14. Parallel theme: Genesis 49:10, Isaiah 11:1, 11:10, 1 Corinthians 15:19, Revelation 5:5, 22:16 +3

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 HolyHoly: ἅγιος (Hagios). The Greek hagios (ἅγιος) denotes holiness—moral purity and separation unto God. Believers are called 'saints' (hagioi), those set apart for God through Christ's sanctifying work. Ghost. References God: Romans 15:5, 2 Corinthians 9:8. Faith: John 14:1, Galatians 5:22, 1 Peter 1:8. Hope: Romans 12:12, Hebrews 6:11. Holy: Romans 14:17. Peace: Isaiah 55:12, John 14:27 +5

Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles

14 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. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 8:1, 8:7, 8:10, Colossians 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 2 Peter 1:12, 1 John 2:21 +2

15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the graceGrace: χάρις (Charis). The Greek charis (χάρις) denotes unmerited divine favor—God's kindness toward the undeserving. Salvation is 'by grace through faith' (Ephesians 2:8), not human merit. that is given to me of God, Grace: Romans 1:5, 12:3, 1 Corinthians 15:10. References God: 1 John 5:13. Parallel theme: 2 Peter 3:15

16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. References Jesus: Romans 1:1, Acts 20:24. References Christ: Romans 15:18, 2 Corinthians 5:20. References God: 1 Timothy 1:11. Sacrifice: Philippians 2:17, Hebrews 13:16. Parallel theme: Romans 11:13, Acts 9:15, 2 Timothy 1:11 +5

17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. References Jesus: Philippians 3:3. References God: Hebrews 2:17, 5:1. Glory: 2 Corinthians 7:4, 12:1

18 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 wordWord: λόγος (Logos). The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1). and deed, Word: Romans 16:26, 2 Thessalonians 2:17. Parallel theme: Romans 1:5, Proverbs 25:14, Acts 15:12, 21:19, Galatians 2:8 +2

19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the SpiritSpirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma). The Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα) means spirit, wind, or breath—the immaterial aspect of persons. The Holy Spirit (Pneuma Hagion) is the third person of the Trinity, dwelling in believers. of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Spirit: Galatians 3:5, Hebrews 2:4. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 12:12, 2 Timothy 4:17

20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. Parallel theme: Isaiah 52:15, 65:1

Paul's Plan to Visit Rome

22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. Parallel theme: Romans 1:13

23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Parallel theme: Romans 15:29, 15:32, Acts 19:21, 1 Thessalonians 3:10, 2 Timothy 1:4

24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. Faith: Romans 1:12. Parallel theme: Romans 15:28, Acts 15:3

25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. References Jerusalem: Acts 19:21, 20:16, 20:22. Parallel theme: Acts 24:17

26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

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. Spirit: 1 Corinthians 9:11. Parallel theme: Galatians 6:6

28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. Parallel theme: Romans 15:24, Philippians 4:17

29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospelGospel: εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion). The Greek euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) means good news or gospel—the message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection. It's 'the power of God unto salvation' (Romans 1:16). of Christ. References Christ: Ephesians 4:13. Parallel theme: Psalms 16:11

30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; References Jesus: 2 Corinthians 4:11. Prayer: 2 Corinthians 1:11, Colossians 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:25, 2 Thessalonians 3:1. Love: Philippians 2:1. Parallel theme: Colossians 2:1 +2

31 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; Faith: 2 Thessalonians 3:2. Holy: Romans 15:25, 2 Corinthians 8:4, 9:1

32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., and may with you be refreshed. References God: Acts 18:21. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 16:18, 2 Corinthians 7:13, 2 Timothy 1:16, Philemon 1:7, 1:20

33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. References God: 2 Corinthians 13:14. Peace: Romans 16:20, 1 Corinthians 14:33, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Hebrews 13:20 +3