Romans 15:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
should be
G1519
εἰς
should be
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
1 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λειτουργὸν
the minister
G3011
λειτουργὸν
the minister
Strong's:
G3011
Word #:
5 of 26
a public servant, i.e., a functionary in the temple or gospel, or (genitive case) a worshipper (of god) or benefactor (of man)
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 26
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
εἰς
should be
G1519
εἰς
should be
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
G1484
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
10 of 26
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἱερουργοῦντα
ministering
G2418
ἱερουργοῦντα
ministering
Strong's:
G2418
Word #:
11 of 26
to be a temple-worker, i.e., officiate as a priest (figuratively)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 26
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
γένηται
might be
G1096
γένηται
might be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
17 of 26
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσφορὰ
the offering up
G4376
προσφορὰ
the offering up
Strong's:
G4376
Word #:
19 of 26
presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
G1484
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
21 of 26
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἡγιασμένη
being sanctified
G37
ἡγιασμένη
being sanctified
Strong's:
G37
Word #:
23 of 26
to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate
Cross References
Romans 11:13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:Romans 1:1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,Philippians 2:17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:Hebrews 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.Romans 15:18For 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,1 Timothy 1:11According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.2 Timothy 1:11Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Historical Context
Paul's priestly self-conception here is unique in the NT but consistent with early Christian reinterpretation of temple categories. With the Jerusalem temple still standing (pre-AD 70), Paul boldly claims that true priestly service is gospel proclamation and that Gentile converts are acceptable offerings—a radical reimagining of Israel's cult in light of Christ and the Spirit.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing evangelism and discipleship as 'priestly service' elevate your understanding of these ministries?
- What does it mean that converted Gentiles (including perhaps you) are themselves the 'offering' Paul presents to God?
- How does the Holy Spirit's role in 'sanctifying' the offering of the Gentiles inform your understanding of the Spirit's work in conversion and sanctification?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (εἰς τὸ εἶναί με λειτουργὸν Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ εἰς τὰ ἔθνη, eis to einai me leitourgon Christou Iēsou eis ta ethnē)—Leitourgon (minister) is cultic/priestly language, used in the LXX for priests and Levites performing sacred service. Paul views his apostolic ministry as priestly work: mediating between God and people, but now extending to Gentiles. This isn't literal priesthood but metaphorical: apostolic ministry is sacred service to God on behalf of the nations.
Ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost (ἱερουργοῦντα τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ θεοῦ, ἵνα γένηται ἡ προσφορὰ τῶν ἐθνῶν εὐπρόσδεκτος, ἡγιασμένη ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ, hierourgοunta to euangelion tou theou, hina genētai hē prosphora tōn ethnōn euprosdektos, hēgiasmenē en pneumati hagiō)—Hierourgοunta (performing priestly service) intensifies the cultic imagery. Paul's priestly service is proclaiming the gospel. The prosphora (offering) he presents to God is the Gentiles themselves—converted Gentiles are the sacrifice Paul offers to God, made acceptable (euprosdektos) through the Holy Spirit's sanctifying work. This reverses OT categories: now people are the offering, the gospel is priestly service, and the Spirit replaces ceremonial cleansing.