Romans 15:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 15:13
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 Holy Ghost.
Chapter Context
Romans 15 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, hope, salvation. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 15:13
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 Holy Ghost.
Analysis
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing (Ὁ δὲ θεὸς τῆς ἐλπίδος πληρώσαι ὑμᾶς πάσης χαρᾶς καὶ εἰρήνης ἐν τῷ πιστεύειν, ho de theos tēs elpidos plērōsai hymas pasēs charas kai eirēnēs en tō pisteuein)—Paul concludes the theological section (vv. 1-13) with a benedictory prayer. God is characterized as theos tēs elpidos (the God of hope)—the source, sustainer, and object of Christian hope just mentioned (v. 12: Gentiles hope in him). Plērōsai (fill) indicates abundant, overflowing supply. Pasēs (all) modifies both joy and peace: complete, comprehensive blessing.
En tō pisteuein (in believing/in the act of faith)—joy and peace are experienced in the exercise of faith, not after it. Trust itself, while we await future consummation, brings present foretaste of eschatological blessing. That ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost (εἰς τὸ περισσεύειν ὑμᾶς ἐν τῇ ἐλπίδι ἐν δυνάμει πνεύματος ἁγίου, eis to perisseuein hymas en tē elpidi en dynamei pneumatos hagiou)—the purpose is overflowing hope, produced by the Spirit's power. Hope is the theme: God of hope (beginning) produces abounding hope (end) through Spirit-empowered faith.
Historical Context
This benediction transitions from the doctrinal-ethical body of Romans (1-15:13) to the personal-practical conclusion (15:14-16:27). Paul's identification of God as 'the God of hope' was particularly apt for a church facing persecution under Nero (writing c. AD 57, Nero's persecution began AD 64, but hostility was growing). Hope was not wishful thinking but confident expectation grounded in God's faithfulness.
Reflection
- How does experiencing God as 'the God of hope' differ from pursuing hope from other sources (circumstances, people, achievements)?
- What is the relationship in your experience between believing (faith) and receiving joy and peace?
- In what areas of life do you need the Holy Spirit's power to 'abound in hope' rather than languishing in despair or anxiety?
Word Studies
- Holy: ἅγιος (Hagios) G40 - Holy, sacred, set apart
Cross-References
- 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