Romans 15:26
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
εὐδόκησαν
it hath pleased them
G2106
εὐδόκησαν
it hath pleased them
Strong's:
G2106
Word #:
1 of 16
to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κοινωνίαν
contribution
G2842
κοινωνίαν
contribution
Strong's:
G2842
Word #:
6 of 16
partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction
ποιήσασθαι
to make
G4160
ποιήσασθαι
to make
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 16
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πτωχοὺς
the poor
G4434
πτωχοὺς
the poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
11 of 16
akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίων
saints
G40
ἁγίων
saints
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
13 of 16
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Historical Context
James, Peter, and John had urged Paul to 'remember the poor' (Gal 2:10), which Paul 'eagerly' did. The Jerusalem church's poverty may have resulted from the community of goods experiment (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37), persecution under Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12), or Jewish-Christian marginalization from both Jewish and pagan economic networks. The collection demonstrated Gentile believers weren't severing ties with Jewish Christianity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the description of giving as 'koinōnia' (fellowship/partnership) elevate Christian generosity beyond mere charity?
- What does the Jerusalem church's poverty despite faithfulness teach about prosperity theology and God's promised blessings?
- In what ways can your church or you personally practice 'koinōnia' with impoverished believers in other parts of the world?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem (εὐδόκησαν γὰρ Μακεδονία καὶ Ἀχαΐα κοινωνίαν τινὰ ποιήσασθαι εἰς τοὺς πτωχοὺς τῶν ἁγίων τῶν ἐν Ἰερουσαλήμ, eudokēsan gar Makedonia kai Achaia koinōnian tina poiēsasthai eis tous ptōchous tōn hagiōn tōn en Ierousalēm)—Eudokēsan (they were pleased, they were willing) indicates voluntary, joyful giving, not coerced obligation (cf. 2 Cor 9:7). Macedonia and Achaia represent Paul's Greek churches (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Corinth). Koinōnian (fellowship, partnership, contribution) is rich term: more than financial transaction, it expresses communion—shared life in Christ manifested in material sharing.
Tous ptōchous (the poor) indicates Jerusalem church's economic distress, perhaps from persecution, economic boycott by non-Christian Jews, or generalized poverty. Calling them hagiōn (saints) despite poverty dignifies them: poverty doesn't diminish spiritual status. This challenges both prosperity gospel (equating faithfulness with wealth) and poverty's stigma.