Romans 15

King James Version

Full text for Romans Chapter 15

1¶ We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

2Let every one of us please [his] neighbour for [his] good to edification.

3For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

5¶ Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

6That ye may with one mind [and] one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7¶ Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

8Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises [made] unto the fathers:

9And that the Gentiles might glorify God for [his] mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

10And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

11And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

12And 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.

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.

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.

15Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

16That 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.

17¶ I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

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,

19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

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

21But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

22¶ For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

23But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

24Whensoever 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].

25But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

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

27It 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.

28When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

29And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

30¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in [your] prayers to God for me;

31That 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;

32That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

33Now the God of peace [be] with you all. Amen.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Paul exhorts believers, both strong and weak, to receive one another and live in unity, following Christ's example of selflessness. He explains his ministry to the Gentiles, confirming that Christ came to fulfill promises to the Jews and extend mercy to all nations. Paul then shares his travel plans to Jerusalem and Spain, requesting prayers for his journey and ministry.

Medium Summary

The chapter begins with an admonition for those who are strong in faith to bear the infirmities of the weak, prioritizing the edification of others over personal preference, just as Christ did not please himself. Paul emphasizes that the scriptures provide patience, comfort, and hope, and he prays for unity among believers to glorify God. He clarifies that Christ ministered to the Jews to confirm God's promises, and simultaneously, the Gentiles are to glorify God for His mercy, as prophesied in the Old Testament. Paul then asserts his divine commission as a minister to the Gentiles, empowered by signs and wonders, to preach the gospel where Christ had not been named. He expresses his desire to visit Rome on his way to Spain, but first, he must deliver a contribution from Macedonian and Achaian churches to the poor saints in Jerusalem. Finally, Paul earnestly requests the Roman believers' prayers for his safety from unbelievers in Judaea, the acceptance of his service, and a joyful arrival in Rome by God's will.

Long Summary

Romans 15 opens with a foundational principle: those who are strong in faith ought to bear the weaknesses of the infirm, seeking to please their neighbour for their good and edification rather than themselves. This principle is grounded in the example of Christ, who did not please himself but endured reproaches. Paul reminds readers that all scripture is written for their learning, providing patience, comfort, and hope. He then offers a prayer that the God of patience and consolation would grant them to be likeminded according to Christ Jesus, so they might glorify God with one mind and mouth, urging them to receive one another as Christ received them. Paul further expounds on Christ's ministry, stating that Jesus Christ was a minister to the circumcision (Jews) to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs. Concurrently, he highlights that the Gentiles are also to glorify God for His mercy, citing several Old Testament prophecies that foretell their inclusion and praise. Following this theological grounding, Paul expresses his confidence in the Roman believers' goodness and knowledge, yet he writes boldly due to the grace given to him by God. He identifies himself as a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel so that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Paul declares his glory is in what Christ has accomplished through him, specifically in making the Gentiles obedient by word, deed, mighty signs, and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God, having preached the gospel extensively from Jerusalem to Illyricum. He explains his missionary strategy of preaching where Christ was not named, avoiding building on another's foundation, thereby fulfilling prophecy. Paul then details his travel plans, explaining that previous hindrances prevented his visit to Rome, but now, having completed his work in those regions, he intends to journey to Spain and visit them along the way. Before that, he is going to Jerusalem to deliver a contribution from Macedonia and Achaia for the poor saints, emphasizing the Gentiles' duty to minister carnal things to those from whom they received spiritual blessings. He anticipates coming to Rome in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ and concludes by earnestly requesting their prayers for his deliverance from unbelievers in Judaea, the acceptance of his service in Jerusalem, and a joyful, refreshing arrival in Rome by God's will, ending with a benediction of peace.

Core Concepts

  • Bearing InfirmitiesThe strong in faith are called to support and accommodate the weak, prioritizing the spiritual well-being and edification of others over personal comfort or preferences, following Christ's example.
  • Unity in ChristBelievers are encouraged to be likeminded and receive one another, transcending differences, so that they may collectively glorify God with one mind and mouth, reflecting Christ's inclusive reception of all.
  • Inclusion of GentilesThe chapter emphasizes that Christ's ministry, while confirming promises to the Jews, also extends God's mercy to the Gentiles, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and bringing them into the fold to glorify God.
  • Paul's Gentile MinistryPaul asserts his specific divine commission as a minister of Christ to the Gentiles, empowered by the Holy Spirit through signs and wonders, to preach the gospel and bring them to obedience, building where Christ was not yet known.
  • Mutual Obligation/SupportThe principle that Gentiles, having partaken of the spiritual blessings originating from Jerusalem, have a duty to minister carnal (material) things to the poor saints in Jerusalem, fostering inter-church support.
  • Power of Scripture and HopeThe scriptures are presented as a source of learning, patience, and comfort, enabling believers to have hope. This hope is further empowered by the Holy Ghost, filling believers with joy and peace.
  • Prayer for MinistryPaul earnestly requests the Roman believers' fervent prayers for the success and safety of his ongoing ministry, specifically for deliverance from opposition in Judaea, acceptance of his offering, and a joyful, God-willed journey to Rome.