Romans 15: Bearing with One Another and Fulfilling God's Purpose
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
And 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.
And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
And 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.
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.
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.
Nevertheless, 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,
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.
I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
For 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,
Through 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.
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:
But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
Whensoever 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.
But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
It 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.
When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
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;
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Romans 15 continues Paul's practical exhortation, building on the themes of unity and mutual acceptance introduced in Romans 14. Paul emphasizes the responsibility of those who are strong in faith to bear with the weaknesses of those who are not, modeling the selfless love of Christ. This chapter also reveals Paul's apostolic calling to the Gentiles and his desire to visit Rome, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Christian community and the global reach of the gospel. Romans 15 provides a powerful reminder of God's plan to include both Jews and Gentiles in His family, and a call to live in harmony, glorifying God with one voice.
Pleasing Our Neighbors, Following Christ's Example (Romans 15:1-7)
Paul begins by urging those "who are strong" to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to merely please themselves (Romans 15:1). This echoes the call to humility and self-sacrifice found throughout Paul's writings. The "strong" are likely those who understand their freedom in Christ regarding matters of conscience, such as dietary restrictions or observance of special days, as discussed in Romans 14. However, this freedom should not be exercised in a way that causes stumbling or offense to others.
Instead, Paul encourages each person to please their neighbor for their good, to build them up (Romans 15:2). This is not about compromising truth or condoning sin, but about prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others. Paul points to the ultimate example of Christ, who "did not please himself" (Romans 15:3), but willingly endured suffering and rejection for the sake of humanity's salvation. He bore the very insults aimed at God. (Romans 15:3).
Paul then draws on the Old Testament, reminding his readers that "whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4). The Scriptures provide both examples of perseverance and promises of God's faithfulness, sustaining believers through trials and inspiring them to love and serve one another.
God's desire is for believers to live in harmony with one another. He wants us to be united around our common Savior and toward a common kingdom agenda. Unity means oneness of purpose. Just as in an orchestra each instrument makes a unique sound but plays the same song, so also each believer possesses unique traits, but moves in a common direction. Unity embraces uniqueness—as long as the goal of the uniqueness is one purpose.
Paul prays that the "God of endurance and encouragement" would grant them to "live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 15:5-6). This prayer highlights the importance of unity in glorifying God. Unity is not a matter of sameness, but of oneness. Like a quilt with various colors and patterns blended into a beautiful whole, the body of Christ blends different people together into a beautiful array of redeemed lives. Unity doesn’t wash out our differences; it combines them to form something greater.
Therefore, Paul concludes, "Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God" (Romans 15:7). As wide as we imagine the gap to be between ourselves and our most disliked enemies, Paul reminds us that there was never a gap wider than the one between us and God. If Christ . . . accepted you when you were weak and ungodly, certainly you can accept others when they differ from you in much less significant ways.
Christ, the Fulfillment of Promise to Jews and Gentiles (Romans 15:8-12)
Paul emphasizes that Christ's ministry was directed both to the Jews and the Gentiles. He states that "Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy" (Romans 15:8-9). Christ's ministry to the Jews fulfilled God's promises to them, while His inclusion of the Gentiles demonstrated God's boundless mercy and faithfulness to His plan of salvation for all nations.
To support this, Paul quotes several passages from the Old Testament that foretell the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name" (Romans 15:9, quoting Psalms 18:49); "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people" (Romans 15:10, quoting Deuteronomy 32:43); "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him" (Romans 15:11, quoting Psalms 117:1); and "The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope" (Romans 15:12, quoting Isaiah 11:10). These quotations demonstrate that God's intention to include the Gentiles in His covenant community was not an afterthought, but a central part of His plan from the beginning.
The God of Hope and Paul's Apostolic Ministry (Romans 15:13-21)
Paul transitions into a prayer for the Roman believers, asking that "the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13). This prayer emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers with hope, joy, and peace. In the midst of dark times, when it seems that the church will never achieve the unity God desires, or when the world seems immune to our message, we desperately need hope. This only comes by the power of the Holy Spirit of God, because he is the God of hope. Without him, we can make resolutions, try to fix our relationships, and seek all the best advice. But great advice without the power of the Spirit is like a ladder resting on a shaky foundation: we can only climb so high before we come crashing down.
Paul then expresses his confidence in the Roman believers, acknowledging their goodness and knowledge (Romans 15:14). The Greek word Paul uses when he tells us to instruct one another means “to admonish” or “to counsel.” Every mature believer has a responsibility to be a counselor to his brother and sister. To do this, we need two things. First, we must be full of goodness. If you aren’t seeking to please the Lord, don’t try leading other folks to please him. You can only lead someone where you’re traveling yourself. Second, we must be filled with all knowledge. This refers to the knowledge of God, the knowledge of the Scriptures. Biblical counseling comes from the overflow of the Word of God in you—not from your own thoughts and opinions. He explains that he has written boldly to them on some points, "to remind you, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:15-16). Paul talks about something here that a lot of Christians have never experienced: a personal passion and call. Paul had found what made his bones burn within him. And even though he endured incredible hardships, that passion in his heart kept him moving. Passion is the motivation that compels you to take action.
Paul then describes his apostolic ministry, emphasizing that it is Christ who has worked through him (Romans 15:17-19). One reason many Christians lack passion to fulfill God’s call is that they are seeking that calling from the perspective of time rather than the perspective of eternity. It’s no wonder when they quickly run out of steam because their goal in life is not what pertains to God (15:17). If we boast in anything other than Jesus Christ, then there is a large neon sign over our lives that flashes this message: “Temporary.” But if we boast in Christ Jesus (15:17), not only will our calling last; we will find that Jesus himself does the work through us. As Paul says, I would not dare say anything except what Christ has accomplished through me by word and deed (15:18). Paul had done miraculous signs and wonders, not because he knew special techniques, but because he relied deeply on God’s Spirit and trusted him to guide him (15:19). He was able to do miraculous things precisely because he was aware that he couldn’t do miraculous things on his own. His ministry has been characterized by "word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God," leading to the obedience of the Gentiles (Romans 15:18-19).
Paul's ambition has been to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, "so that I might not build on someone else's foundation" (Romans 15:20). At a moment’s notice, Paul was able to offer up his mission statement in a single line. Paul’s aim was to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named (15:20). I wonder how many of us have the same confidence about God’s call on our lives. It may be that we have not, as James would say, because we ask not (see Jas 4:2). Have you asked God to show you your role in his mission? Have you prayed, “God, it’s all yours. I won’t tell you ‘never.’ I’m here to do whatever you ask”? Ask God to ignite his fire in you and to direct you to his mission. I promise you: it’s worth it. He quotes Isaiah 52:15 to support this, stating that "Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand" (Romans 15:21).
Paul's Plans to Visit Rome and Jerusalem (Romans 15:22-33)
Paul explains that his ministry has kept him from visiting Rome (Romans 15:22-24). Paul does not just preach about the importance of Christian community. He lives it out. As he discusses his travel plans with the Roman believers, he candidly admits that he has strongly desired for many years to come to them (15:23), and that he hopes to be assisted by them for his journey to Spain (15:24). Paul may have been the greatest missionary of his—or any—generation, but he knew he needed help. Even the strongest saints need each other, to enjoy the company of other believers for a while (15:24). He now hopes to visit them on his way to Spain, enjoying their fellowship and receiving their assistance for his onward journey.
However, before he can visit Rome, he must first go to Jerusalem to deliver a contribution to the saints there (Romans 15:25-29). One of the many tasks Paul undertook during his travels was collecting money for the poor. On his way to Jerusalem, he had with him a contribution for the poor among the saints there. It had been generously given by the churches in Macedonia and Achaia (15:25-26). Churches always have been, and always should be, the primary organization for alleviating poverty in communities. When we assume that someone else should take care of the poor, not only do we harm those in poverty, but we also send out a terrible false message about our Lord, who “though he was rich, for [our] sake he became poor (2 Corinthians 8:9). He sees this as a ministry of reconciliation, as the Gentile churches are sharing their material blessings with the Jewish Christians.
Finally, Paul requests the prayers of the Roman believers for his upcoming trip to Jerusalem (Romans 15:30-32). Paul had a keen sense of God’s unique call on his life; he had a vision of the united church; he had a passion burning in his bones to be a minister of the gospel. But even Paul knew that the power for ministry comes through prayer. He thus appeals to his Roman brothers and sisters . . . to strive together with [him] in fervent prayers to God on [his] behalf (15:30). This is not false modesty. Paul knows that he will fail if not sustained by prayer. We have the same need Paul did. Do we have the same conviction? He asks them to pray that he may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, that his service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, and that he may come to them with joy and be refreshed in their company.
Paul concludes with a benediction, "May the God of peace be with you all. Amen" (Romans 15:33). This chapter is a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, mutual acceptance, and selfless service in the Christian life. It also highlights the global reach of the gospel and the interconnectedness of the Christian community, as believers from different backgrounds and cultures are united in Christ.
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
And 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.
And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
And 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.
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.
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.
Nevertheless, 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,
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.
I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
For 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,
Through 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.
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:
But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
Whensoever 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.
But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
It 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.
When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
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;
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Romans 15 continues Paul's practical exhortation, building on the themes of unity and mutual acceptance introduced in Romans 14. Paul emphasizes the responsibility of those who are strong in faith to bear with the weaknesses of those who are not, modeling the selfless love of Christ. This chapter also reveals Paul's apostolic calling to the Gentiles and his desire to visit Rome, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Christian community and the global reach of the gospel. Romans 15 provides a powerful reminder of God's plan to include both Jews and Gentiles in His family, and a call to live in harmony, glorifying God with one voice.
Pleasing Our Neighbors, Following Christ's Example (Romans 15:1-7)
Paul begins by urging those "who are strong" to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to merely please themselves (Romans 15:1). This echoes the call to humility and self-sacrifice found throughout Paul's writings. The "strong" are likely those who understand their freedom in Christ regarding matters of conscience, such as dietary restrictions or observance of special days, as discussed in Romans 14. However, this freedom should not be exercised in a way that causes stumbling or offense to others.
Instead, Paul encourages each person to please their neighbor for their good, to build them up (Romans 15:2). This is not about compromising truth or condoning sin, but about prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others. Paul points to the ultimate example of Christ, who "did not please himself" (Romans 15:3), but willingly endured suffering and rejection for the sake of humanity's salvation. He bore the very insults aimed at God. (Romans 15:3).
Paul then draws on the Old Testament, reminding his readers that "whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4). The Scriptures provide both examples of perseverance and promises of God's faithfulness, sustaining believers through trials and inspiring them to love and serve one another.
God's desire is for believers to live in harmony with one another. He wants us to be united around our common Savior and toward a common kingdom agenda. Unity means oneness of purpose. Just as in an orchestra each instrument makes a unique sound but plays the same song, so also each believer possesses unique traits, but moves in a common direction. Unity embraces uniqueness—as long as the goal of the uniqueness is one purpose.
Paul prays that the "God of endurance and encouragement" would grant them to "live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 15:5-6). This prayer highlights the importance of unity in glorifying God. Unity is not a matter of sameness, but of oneness. Like a quilt with various colors and patterns blended into a beautiful whole, the body of Christ blends different people together into a beautiful array of redeemed lives. Unity doesn’t wash out our differences; it combines them to form something greater.
Therefore, Paul concludes, "Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God" (Romans 15:7). As wide as we imagine the gap to be between ourselves and our most disliked enemies, Paul reminds us that there was never a gap wider than the one between us and God. If Christ . . . accepted you when you were weak and ungodly, certainly you can accept others when they differ from you in much less significant ways.
Christ, the Fulfillment of Promise to Jews and Gentiles (Romans 15:8-12)
Paul emphasizes that Christ's ministry was directed both to the Jews and the Gentiles. He states that "Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy" (Romans 15:8-9). Christ's ministry to the Jews fulfilled God's promises to them, while His inclusion of the Gentiles demonstrated God's boundless mercy and faithfulness to His plan of salvation for all nations.
To support this, Paul quotes several passages from the Old Testament that foretell the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name" (Romans 15:9, quoting Psalms 18:49); "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people" (Romans 15:10, quoting Deuteronomy 32:43); "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him" (Romans 15:11, quoting Psalms 117:1); and "The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope" (Romans 15:12, quoting Isaiah 11:10). These quotations demonstrate that God's intention to include the Gentiles in His covenant community was not an afterthought, but a central part of His plan from the beginning.
The God of Hope and Paul's Apostolic Ministry (Romans 15:13-21)
Paul transitions into a prayer for the Roman believers, asking that "the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13). This prayer emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers with hope, joy, and peace. In the midst of dark times, when it seems that the church will never achieve the unity God desires, or when the world seems immune to our message, we desperately need hope. This only comes by the power of the Holy Spirit of God, because he is the God of hope. Without him, we can make resolutions, try to fix our relationships, and seek all the best advice. But great advice without the power of the Spirit is like a ladder resting on a shaky foundation: we can only climb so high before we come crashing down.
Paul then expresses his confidence in the Roman believers, acknowledging their goodness and knowledge (Romans 15:14). The Greek word Paul uses when he tells us to instruct one another means “to admonish” or “to counsel.” Every mature believer has a responsibility to be a counselor to his brother and sister. To do this, we need two things. First, we must be full of goodness. If you aren’t seeking to please the Lord, don’t try leading other folks to please him. You can only lead someone where you’re traveling yourself. Second, we must be filled with all knowledge. This refers to the knowledge of God, the knowledge of the Scriptures. Biblical counseling comes from the overflow of the Word of God in you—not from your own thoughts and opinions. He explains that he has written boldly to them on some points, "to remind you, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:15-16). Paul talks about something here that a lot of Christians have never experienced: a personal passion and call. Paul had found what made his bones burn within him. And even though he endured incredible hardships, that passion in his heart kept him moving. Passion is the motivation that compels you to take action.
Paul then describes his apostolic ministry, emphasizing that it is Christ who has worked through him (Romans 15:17-19). One reason many Christians lack passion to fulfill God’s call is that they are seeking that calling from the perspective of time rather than the perspective of eternity. It’s no wonder when they quickly run out of steam because their goal in life is not what pertains to God (15:17). If we boast in anything other than Jesus Christ, then there is a large neon sign over our lives that flashes this message: “Temporary.” But if we boast in Christ Jesus (15:17), not only will our calling last; we will find that Jesus himself does the work through us. As Paul says, I would not dare say anything except what Christ has accomplished through me by word and deed (15:18). Paul had done miraculous signs and wonders, not because he knew special techniques, but because he relied deeply on God’s Spirit and trusted him to guide him (15:19). He was able to do miraculous things precisely because he was aware that he couldn’t do miraculous things on his own. His ministry has been characterized by "word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God," leading to the obedience of the Gentiles (Romans 15:18-19).
Paul's ambition has been to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, "so that I might not build on someone else's foundation" (Romans 15:20). At a moment’s notice, Paul was able to offer up his mission statement in a single line. Paul’s aim was to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named (15:20). I wonder how many of us have the same confidence about God’s call on our lives. It may be that we have not, as James would say, because we ask not (see Jas 4:2). Have you asked God to show you your role in his mission? Have you prayed, “God, it’s all yours. I won’t tell you ‘never.’ I’m here to do whatever you ask”? Ask God to ignite his fire in you and to direct you to his mission. I promise you: it’s worth it. He quotes Isaiah 52:15 to support this, stating that "Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand" (Romans 15:21).
Paul's Plans to Visit Rome and Jerusalem (Romans 15:22-33)
Paul explains that his ministry has kept him from visiting Rome (Romans 15:22-24). Paul does not just preach about the importance of Christian community. He lives it out. As he discusses his travel plans with the Roman believers, he candidly admits that he has strongly desired for many years to come to them (15:23), and that he hopes to be assisted by them for his journey to Spain (15:24). Paul may have been the greatest missionary of his—or any—generation, but he knew he needed help. Even the strongest saints need each other, to enjoy the company of other believers for a while (15:24). He now hopes to visit them on his way to Spain, enjoying their fellowship and receiving their assistance for his onward journey.
However, before he can visit Rome, he must first go to Jerusalem to deliver a contribution to the saints there (Romans 15:25-29). One of the many tasks Paul undertook during his travels was collecting money for the poor. On his way to Jerusalem, he had with him a contribution for the poor among the saints there. It had been generously given by the churches in Macedonia and Achaia (15:25-26). Churches always have been, and always should be, the primary organization for alleviating poverty in communities. When we assume that someone else should take care of the poor, not only do we harm those in poverty, but we also send out a terrible false message about our Lord, who “though he was rich, for [our] sake he became poor (2 Corinthians 8:9). He sees this as a ministry of reconciliation, as the Gentile churches are sharing their material blessings with the Jewish Christians.
Finally, Paul requests the prayers of the Roman believers for his upcoming trip to Jerusalem (Romans 15:30-32). Paul had a keen sense of God’s unique call on his life; he had a vision of the united church; he had a passion burning in his bones to be a minister of the gospel. But even Paul knew that the power for ministry comes through prayer. He thus appeals to his Roman brothers and sisters . . . to strive together with [him] in fervent prayers to God on [his] behalf (15:30). This is not false modesty. Paul knows that he will fail if not sustained by prayer. We have the same need Paul did. Do we have the same conviction? He asks them to pray that he may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, that his service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, and that he may come to them with joy and be refreshed in their company.
Paul concludes with a benediction, "May the God of peace be with you all. Amen" (Romans 15:33). This chapter is a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, mutual acceptance, and selfless service in the Christian life. It also highlights the global reach of the gospel and the interconnectedness of the Christian community, as believers from different backgrounds and cultures are united in Christ.