Romans 15:25
But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
Original Language Analysis
πορεύομαι
I go
G4198
πορεύομαι
I go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
3 of 8
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 8
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
5 of 8
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
διακονῶν
to minister
G1247
διακονῶν
to minister
Strong's:
G1247
Word #:
6 of 8
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
Cross References
Acts 24:17Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.Acts 19:21After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.Acts 20:22And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:Acts 20:16For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
Historical Context
Paul had been organizing this collection for years (1 Cor 16:1-4, 2 Cor 8-9, Acts 24:17). It was more than charity: a theological statement that Gentile and Jewish believers are one body. The trip was dangerous—Paul knew he risked arrest (v. 31, Acts 20:22-23)—but he deemed it essential. His arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-36) would lead to imprisonment, appeals, and eventual martyrdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's commitment to delivering financial aid to Jerusalem despite known danger demonstrate his values and priorities?
- What does the Jerusalem collection teach about economic sharing and mutual support across geographic and ethnic divides in the global church?
- In what ways might tangible acts of service and generosity (like Paul's collection) promote unity across Christian divisions today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints (νυνὶ δὲ πορεύομαι εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ διακονῶν τοῖς ἁγίοις, nyni de poreuomai eis Ierousalēm diakonōn tois hagiois)—Paul shifts from future plans (Spain, v. 24) to immediate plans: Jerusalem. Diakonōn (ministering, serving) describes his mission: delivering the collection for Jerusalem's poor (v. 26). Tois hagiois (unto the saints) uses standard Christian designation for believers—the Jerusalem church, despite poverty and Jewish ethnic particularity, are 'saints' (holy ones), equal members of Christ's body with Gentile believers.
This Jerusalem trip was critical for Paul personally and theologically. Personally, it demonstrated his loyalty to the mother church and Jewish roots despite being apostle to Gentiles. Theologically, the collection symbolized Gentile-Jewish unity in Christ: Gentile churches honoring their spiritual debt (v. 27) to Jewish believers. This visible expression of unity mattered profoundly in a church divided over Jew-Gentile relations.