Romans 15
1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me." 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: "For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name." 10 And again he says: "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!" 11 And again: "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!" 12 And again, Isaiah says: "There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope." 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Map the Passage:
1 We then who are strong ought to
bear with the scruples of the weak,
and not to please ourselves.
2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
3 For even Christ did not please Himself;
but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me."
4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning,
that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,
6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God,
to confirm the promises made to the fathers,
9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy,
as it is written: "For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name."
10 And again he says: "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"
11 And again: "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!"
12 And again, Isaiah says: "There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope."
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Memory Verse:
Romans 15:2-3 - 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me."
Primary Theme:
Please one another
Observation:
What are all things the strong need to do?
1a We then who are strong ought to
1b bear with the scruples of the weak,
1c and not to please ourselves.
2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
Did Christ please Himself?
3 For even Christ did not please Himself;
but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me."
Why Paul wrote all these things in this letter to Roman Christians?
4a For whatever things were written before were written for our learning,
What is the main thing we learn from these teachings?
4c that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
What is Paul asking God to give to the believers?
5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,
Why he asked this?
6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What should be the believers response?
7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.
To whom Jesus Christ has become a servant?
8a Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God,
Why Jesus Christ has become a servant to them?
8b to confirm the promises made to the fathers,
9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy,
Are they made Jesus to be servant to them? or Is He become servant to them as per the plan of God?
as it is written: "For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name."
10 And again he says: "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"
11 And again: "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!"
12 And again, Isaiah says: "There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope."
What is Paul asking God again to give to the believers?
13a Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
13b that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Interpretation:
Who is Strong?
1a We then who are strong ought toHere strong refers to those who are strong in faith or matured in faith.
(WM) The strong is with full liberty regarding things there are morally indifferent.
For more details read What does "strong in faith" mean? in Romans 14:1
What are all things the strong or mature believer need to do?
1a We then who are strong ought to1b bear with the scruples of the weak,
What does scruple mean?
a moral standard that acts as a restraining force.
a moral standard that inhibits certain actions.
infirmity - of error arising from weakness of mind
KJV: 1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
NASB: 1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.
NIV: 1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
NLT: 1 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.
Matured/strong believers needs to bear with week/immature believer who lives in bondage instead of God given freedom. They are in bondage because of lack of understanding of God's word.
1c and not to please ourselves.
Not to be self focused on ourselves or be selfish.
(David Guzik) This goes against the whole tenor of our times, which counsels people to “look out for number 1” and despises those who live lives of real sacrifice for the sake of others.
Yet, undeniably Paul points the way to true happiness and fulfillment in life – get your eyes off of yourself, start building up others and you will find yourself built up.
2a Let each of us please his neighbor
Instead we need to please our neighbors by putting them first.
Why the strong or mature believer needs to please and bear with weak or immature believer?
2a Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.Do we need please our neighbor for our good or for their good?
The mature believers needs to please and bear with immature believer, for their good and to build them up
NIV: Romans 15:2 - Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.
How does bearing and pleasing immature believer edifies or build them up?
3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me."Paul explains this through the life of Jesus. So, let us learn from Jesus.
Did Jesus Christ please Himself?
3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me."No, Jesus Christ never pleased Himself.
We all know that Jesus pleased God always and that is why He came to the world:
John 6:38 - For I [Jesus] have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
Matt 26:42 - Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done."
When did Jesus please people?
Jesus pleased temple tax collector:
Matt 17:27 - 24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?" 25 He said, "Yes." And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?" 26 Peter said to Him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you."
Paul explains this by quoting the verse from
Ps 69:9 - Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.
What does this verse mean?
What is reproach?
Most translation used insult for the word reproach for this verse.
NLT: 3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”
NIV: 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”
The Greek word used here is "oneidismos" (G3680). It can be noun or verb.
to defame, i.e. rail at, chide, taunt:—cast in teeth,
(suffer) reproach, revile, upbraid.
The meaning from English dictionary:
verb (used with object)
to find fault with (a person, group, etc.); blame; censure.
to upbraid.
to be a cause of blame or discredit to.
noun
blame or censure conveyed in disapproval:
a term of reproach.an expression of upbraiding, censure, or reproof.
disgrace, discredit, or blame incurred:
to bring reproach on one's family.a cause or occasion of disgrace or discredit.
an object of scorn or contempt
(scorn or contempt means the feeling with which a person regards anything considered mean, or worthless; the state of being despised; dishonor; disgrace.)
Reproach in this place can also be translated as blame as did in
The Message: Psalm 69:9 - I love you more than I can say. Because I'm madly in love with you, They blame me for everything they dislike about you.
They blamed Jesus for everything that they dislike about God the father.
(Newell) The Psalms, which give the inner heart-history of our Lord, reveal, how difficult was our Lord's path in a sinful, selfish, God-hating world. Yet it is written of Him: "He pleased not Himself.".
Psalm 69 is the great "Reproach" Psalm. Let us follow this word "reproach," in the 69th Psalm and others:
7 Because for Your sake I have borne reproach; Shame has covered my face. 8 I have become a stranger to my brothers, And an alien to my mother's children;
9 Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.
10 When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting, That became my reproach.
19 You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor; My adversaries are all before You.
20 Reproach has broken my heart, And I am full of heaviness; I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none; And for comforters, but I found none.
The reproaches that fell upon God-upon the Father, whose will and works Christ was doing, and whom man was learning the more to hate as "the beauty of Jehovah" was manifest more and more in Him.
Now, if it were so with Christ, whose goodness was spoken of? Let Christ dwell within us, as the Father dwelt in Christ, and let us cease from self-pleasing!
Even though they blamed Jesus for everything but Jesus bore all of their blames and our sins and died on the cross on our behalf:
Romans 5:8-9 - 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
(David Guzik) Jesus is the ultimate example of one who did not please Himself, but put others first. Paul’s classic development of this idea is in Philippians 2:5-11.
As Jesus took abuse and suffered wrong for God’s glory, He fulfilled what was written in God’s word. Jesus showed by example that for the most part we are entirely too quick to vindicate [justify] ourselves, instead of letting God vindicate us.
Jesus showed how the Father is well able to vindicate us.
If we love anyone whole heartedly then we will please them. That is why Jesus left everything in heaven and came down to the lowly place to meet us, please us and save us:
Phil 2:3-11 - 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Warren Wiersbe) Of course, the great example in this is our Lord Jesus Christ. He paid a tremendous price in order to minister to us. Paul quoted Psalm 69:9 to prove his point.
Does a strong Christian think he is making a great sacrifice by giving up some food or drink?
Then let him measure his sacrifice by the sacrifice of Christ. No sacrifice we could ever make could match Calvary.
Jesus is patiently enduring all the pains caused by our sins to draw us closer to Him:
Romans 2:4 - Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
(David Guzik) The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me: The commandment Jesus fulfilled from Psalm 69:7 applies to us as well. It was written for our learning, that we might have hope, knowing we are doing what is right even when it is difficult.
When we respond rightly to the reproaches the world casts against us for Jesus’ sake, it bothers them even more. It makes them know there isn’t anything they can do against a child of God whose eyes are really on Jesus.
Jesus showered us with His grace and making us to grow in His grace:
Does grace allows believers to license to sin?
(David Guzik) The legalist's fear is that the reign of grace will provide wicked hearts with a license to sin, but Scripture doesn't share that fear.
Wherever grace rules, God's righteous standard will be respected.
Grace does not accommodate sin, it faces it squarely and goes above sin in order to conquer it.
Grace does not wink at unrighteousness, it confronts sin with the atonement at the cross and the victory won at the open tomb.
(Thomas Benton Brooks) Grace is no friend to sin; it is its sworn enemy. "As heat is opposed to cold, and light to darkness, so grace is opposed to sin. Fire and water may as well agree in the same vessel as grace and sin in the same heart."
Grace does not accommodate sin but it confronts sin.
Romans 5:21 - so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
How to please and bear with immature believers?
1b bear with the scruples of the weak,
(David Guzik) All too often, Christians find it easier to tear each other down instead of building each other up; this is a classic strategy of Satan against the church that must be resisted.
(David Guzik) The idea isn’t really bearing with, but bearing up the weaker brother – supporting him with your superior strength.
1c and not to please ourselves.
Do not to be self focused on ourselves or selfish instead please our neighbors or weak/immature believers by putting them first.
(David Guzik) This goes against the whole tenor of our times, which counsels people to “look out for number 1” and despises those who live lives of real sacrifice for the sake of others.
Yet, undeniably Paul points the way to true happiness and fulfillment in life – get your eyes off of yourself, start building up others and you will find yourself built up.
We cannot please others unless we lay down your life for them like Jesus did and commanded us:
1 John 3:15-16 - 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
John 15:12-15 - 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
2a Let each of us please his neighbor
(David Guzik) It is a simple yet challenging call to simply put our neighbor first. Paul later wrote much the same thing in Philippians 2:3-4: Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
(WM) Here the principle is this don't live to please self. Live to please your neighbor, to do him good, to build him up. This is the Christian approach.
(WM) Those who are strong (that is, with full liberty regarding things there are morally indifferent) are not to please themselves by selfishly asserting their rights. Rather, they should treat their weak brothers with kindness and consideration, making full allowance for their excessive scruples.
(Morris) This does not mean that the church is ruled by the whims of the weak. “A genuine concern for the weak will mean an attempt to make them strong by leading them out of their irrational scruples so that they, too, can be strong.”
(David Guzik) If you consider yourself strong in comparison to your brother, use your strength to serve your brothers in Christ – instead of using your “strength” just to please yourself.
(Warren Wiersbe) Paul classified himself with the strong saints as he dealt with the basic problem - selfishness. True Christian love is not selfish; rather, it seeks to share with others and make others happy. It is even willing to carry the younger Christians, to help them along in their spiritual development. We do not endure them. We encourage them!
Application:
Are you edifying immature believer by bearing with them and pleasing them?
Are you pleasing your neighbor as Jesus pleased us by giving His life for us?
Do we need to please always in all circumstance?
Did Jesus please everyone all the time?
No.
When and why did Jesus not please people?
Here are the few places Jesus didn't please people:Jesus didn't please those who are
stumbling block to others to enter into kingdom of God or for their spiritual growth:
Matt 23:13 But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
Matt 23:15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.
NIV: Luke 17:1-2 - 1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.
Jesus didn't please those who are
selfish, whose focus is in the present world but not on the kingdom of God:
Matt 21:12-14 - 11 So the multitudes said, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee." 12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.' " 14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.
John 2:14-16 - 13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers doing business. 15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned the tables. 16 And He said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!"
Jesus didn't please even His disciples when they are selfish and not mindful of things of God (i.e. when we speak/walk against the will of God):
Matt 16:23 - 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" 23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."
Jesus didn't please those who are
pretend as if they are godly people even though they were not really godly and have no relationship with God.
Matt 23:14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.
Matt 23:23 - Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 24 [NIV: You] Blind guides, who strain out a gnat [small flies] and swallow a camel! [fuss about small unwanted matters while ignoring more serious matters.]
Matt 23:25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Matt 23:27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.
Did apostles please everyone all the time?
Apostles not always pleased everyone
Gal 1:10,11 - For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
Gal 2:11-14 - 11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?
Acts 13:9 - 6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, "O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time." And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
We need to try our level best to please always, but it may not be possible always in all circumstance. That is why Paul says in
Romans 12:18 - If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
When do believers not have to please others? What are those exceptions?
Believers need to please God first then please others
Jesus pleased God first and He didn't look for honor from people:
John 5:41,44 - 41 I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and[NIV: but] do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?
Paul did the same:
Gal 1:10 - For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
Believers don't have to please anyone who expect them to compromise their faith in God or to compromise the word of God
Gal 1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
As we learn from Jesus and Apostles believers not need to please
Believers don't have to please those who are
stumbling block (this include false teachers, false prophets, ...)
to spread the gospel to others,
to others who enter into the kingdom of God or
for the believer's spiritual growth.
Believers don't have to please those who are
pretending as if they are godly people even though they were not really godly and have no relationship with God.Believers don't have to please those who are
focused in the present world but not on the kingdom of God.
Examples:
Believers don't have to please any leader or king if they command them to deny their faith in Jesus
Believers don't have to please any weak/immature believers if they say not to share the gospel actively to non-believer because it may offend them and spoil their relationship. Always depend on God's leading.
Finally, sometime it is very difficult to determine whether to please or not in certain circumstance and situation. So, always yield to the Holy Spirit and God will lead you and guide you what to do in all circumstance and situations:
(John Courson) While we are to bear the infirmities of the weak, quoting from Psalm 69:9, Paul makes it clear that Jesus did not allow people to remain entrenched in their own legalism.
While Jesus was healing on the Sabbath Day, the Pharisees began to reproach Him.
Did He stop?
No. He corrected their misunderstanding and then continued healing (Luke 14:1–4).
On the other hand, there were times when Jesus laid aside His liberty. “Does your Master pay taxes in the temple?” the Pharisees asked Peter.
“Of course,” Peter responded. But when Peter asked this same question of Jesus, Jesus said, “Do kings charge their own kids taxes? Of course not. But, in order that we don’t offend, go fishing—and the first fish you catch will have a coin in his mouth to cover the taxes” (see Matthew 17:24–27).
“I’m confused,” you say. “Do I bear my neighbor’s infirmity—or do I correct him for edification?” Just do what the Lord tells you to do at any given moment.
Sometimes, He will tell you to bear with those who are weak.
Other times, He’ll tell you to love them enough to give them a word of correction—even if it means you will suffer reproach.
Christianity is not rules, principles, or regulations. It’s walking with the Lord moment by moment, saying constantly,
“Lord, how do I deal with this situation? Is it a time for backing away and bearing weakness—or is it a time for loving exhortation and confrontation? What do I do?” It’s as though the Lord gives us broad principles in the Word and then says, “See Me for further instructions. Talk to Me about specific application.” If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men generously (James 1:5).
Romans 7:6 - But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.
Gal 5:16-18 - 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Why did God give the scriptures to us?
4a For whatever things were written before were written for our learning,God gave the scriptures to us so that we can learn from that or He can teach us:
(WM) This quotation from the Psalms reminds us that the OT scriptures were written for our learning. While they were not written directly to us, they contains invaluable lessons for us.
What do we learn and receive by reading through the scriptures or the word of God?
4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.We might have hope through the patience and comfort of the scriptures.
(David Guzik) It was written for our learning, that we might have hope, knowing we are doing what is right even when it is difficult.
What more do we learn from the scriptures?
Through the scriptures or the word of God we
We learn about God
5a Now may the God of patience and comfort
Our God is God of what ...? God of patience and comfort.
God revealed Himself through out the scriptures.
John 5:39 - You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
We learn how to live like Jesus because Jesus is our model and example.
Matthew 16:24 - Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.
1 Peter 2:20-22 - For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH;
1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.
1 John 2:6 - the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.
1 John 3:15-16 - 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1 John 4:17 - Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
We learn from Bible characters:
(John Courson) The Scripture account is filled with men who laid aside their liberty and rights for the sake of their weaker brothers. Abraham (Genesis 13:8, 9), Jonathan (1 Samuel 19:4), David (1 Samuel 24:10), and Moses (Hebrews 11:24) are all examples of men who willingly let go of their rightful possessions or positions. They didn’t demand their own way—and they prospered as a result. “Learn from their example,” said Paul.
We apply or practices His teachings in our life and produce fruit by abiding in Him and with the help and power of the Holy Spirit.
God gave the scriptures to teach us what is truth, corrects us when we are wrong and prepare and equip his people to do every good work
NLT: 2 Tim 3:16,17 - 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Tim 3:16,17 - 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof [NIV: rebuking], for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
John 15:5 - I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
God's Holy Spirit help or empower us to obey or apply God's word in our life:
John 16:13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
Romans 8:13 - For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Hope in what? or What do we hope for?
What is hope?
Romans 8:24 - For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
Hope is always points to the future event.
What does the hope do for us?
Romans 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Faith Produces work: Genuine Faith produces or makes us to work
Love produces labor: Real true God's sacrificial or agape Love makes us to put more effort or labor to reach out others who are very difficult to love.
Same way Hope produces patience: Hope makes us to patiently wait until we obtain what we hoped for.
1 Thes 1:3 - 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,
Hope is believing something without doubt that will happen in future and waiting for that.
We are hoping to see Jesus either through rapture or through our death.
Romans 8:23,24a - 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24a For we were saved in this hope,
2 Cor 5:8 - 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
How to remain in this hope?
By reading and meditating the scriptures regularly and develop the intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
God also helps us to remain in this hope until we see Him.
Paul has already written this in this letter
What are the verses in this letter Paul addresses about having hope?
Paul written this as the part of benefits/blessings of our salvation/justification in
Romans 5:3-5 - 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Do we need to be patient with people or God?
We need to be patient with both people and God.
We need to be patient with people:
(WM) As we encounter problems, conflicts, tribulations and troubles, the Scriptures teach us to be steadfast, and they impart comfort. This instead of sinking under the waves we are sustained by the hope that the Lord will see us through.
We need to be patient with God:
(John Courson) Underline the word “patience.” Yes, the Scriptures comfort us—but we have to be patient. “I’ve claimed a promise for three weeks. Why hasn’t it happened?” we say, forgetting that it was after Abraham patiently endured that he obtained the promise (Hebrews 6:15).
(David Guzik) Our God is a God of patience. We are often in such a hurry and God often seems to work too slowly for us. Often the purposes of God seem to be delayed but they always are fulfilled. God’s delays are not His denials, and He has a loving purpose in every delay.
We love God’s patience with His people – we need Him to be patient with us! Yet we often resent God’s patience with His plan – we think He should hurry up. Nevertheless, God is patient both with His people and in His plan.
What one more reason we need to patient with God? or
(John Courson) Why should you be patient with God?Because He’s patient with you.
Do you realize how patient God has been with you?
Think about it. If you were God, how long would you put up with you?
What is Paul asking God to grant the believers?
5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,Paul is asking God to grant the believers to be like-minded toward one another.
Can't we not be united with one mind without God granting it?
Yes, we can. Many leaders unite people and make them to work with one mind to achieve the goal, politician does that, ...
For example:
Gandhi united people in India and brought freedom to India from Britishers.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was the first black South African President and fought to stop racism. He was imprisoned in 1962, convicted of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. He served 27 years in prison, released in 1990 and went on to become president of South Africa.
Why is Paul asking God to grant the believers to be like-minded toward one another?
6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.For the believers God is the leader. So, when He grant to be like-minded toward one another then we will glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(David Guzik) The goal is to glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We accomplish that goal by having one mind and one mouth – by unity in our thinking and speech.
Warning: What is the main difference if a persuasive leader unites people or believers with his eloquence oppose to God grants unity among believers?
The outcome/result is different.
When a leader unite people or believers and make them to work with one mind to achieve the goal set by the leader. Here leader will glorified
Adolf Hitler united Germans to hate Jews saying that Jews were responsible for the loss of world war I and that all Jews had an evil soul. He killed six million Jews (Holocaust) and he is one of the reason for the world war II.
Terrorist unite people to fight for their goals.
Nimrod led people to build the Tower of Babel with one mind and brought destruction to the world:
NIV: Genesis 11:4 - Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
Antichrist will unite entire world to accomplish His goal i.e. to make people to fight against God when He comes back to earth 2nd time.
Rev 16:12-16 - 12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.
Does this include Christian leader? Or Can a Christian leader unite people to accomplish their goal?
Yes, Christian leaders can gather and unite people to accomplish his/her goals.
Matt 7:21-23 - 21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
Do believers follow them?
Yes, believers follow them.
2 Tim 4:3,4 - 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
Either they are not believers but have the form of godliness (2 Tim 3:5), new believers or immature believers.
2 Tim 3:5 - 1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away [NLT: Stay away from people like that!]
Most believers are continue following leaders/pastors instead instead of following Jesus Christ:
But when God grants the like-mindedness then God will be glorified not the leaders. God is the head of the church, or any Christian organization/fellowships.
Eph 5:23 - For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.
(David Guzik) The fact that Paul puts these words into the form of a prayer demonstrates that he recognizes that this is a work that the Holy Spirit must do inside us.
How many time the word mouth mentioned in this letter to Romans? What it does?
(WM) There are four mentions of the mouth in Romans, forming a biographical outline of a "well-saved soul."
At the beginning, his mouth was full of cursing and bitterness (3:14).
Then his mouth was stopped, and he was brought in guilty before the Judge (3:19).
Next he confesses with his mouth Jesus as Lord (10:9).
And finally his mouth is actively praising and worshiping the Lord (15:6).
What do the believers need to do?
7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.Did Christ receive/accept us because we were perfect?
No, (Spurgeon) “Christ did not receive us because we were perfect, because he could see no fault in us, or because he hoped to gain somewhat at our hands.
How did Christ received/accepted?
(Spurgeon) “Christ did not receive us because we were perfect, because he could see no fault in us, or because he hoped to gain somewhat at our hands. Ah, no! But, in loving condescension [voluntarily, leaving everything]
covering our faults, and
seeking our good,
he welcomed us to his heart;
so, in the same way, and with the same purpose, let us receive one another.”
Just as Christ also received/accepted us all, to the glory of God so we need to receive/accept one another even if we have any indifferences in minor theological matters:
(WM) In spite of any differences that might exist concerning secondary matters, we should receive one another, just as Christ also received us. Here is the true basis of reception in the local assembly. We do not receive on the basis of denominational affiliation, spiritual maturity, or social status. We should receive those whom Christ has received, in order to promote the glory of God.
(David Guzik) Instead of letting these issues about disputable things divide Christians (especially making a division between Jew and Gentile), we should receive one another just as Christ received us – in the terms of pure grace, knowing yet bearing with our faults.
How do you know that you are spiritually matured?
(Warren Wiersbe) A person's spiritual maturity is revealed by his discernment. He is willing to give up his rights that others might be helped. He does this, not as burden, but as a blessing. Just as loving parents make sacrifices for their children, so the mature believer sacrifices to help younger Christians grow in the faith.
Does this mean that spiritually matured will always perfect in showing patient with immature believers?
No, (Warren Wiersbe) We must confess that we sometimes get impatient with younger Christians, just as parents become impatient with their children. But the Word of God can give us the "patience and encouragement" that we need. Paul closed this section praying for his readers, that they might experience from God that spiritual unity that He alone can give.
What Paul is advising us to stay in this spiritual maturity?
What do you see in Romans 15:4-6?
4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Warren Wiersbe) Paul shared the two source of spiritual power from which we must draw if we are to live to please others:
the Word of God (Romans 15:4) and
prayer (Romans 15:5-6).
What are the ways we can grow in the word of God and in prayers?
(Warren Wiersbe) This suggests to us that the local church must major in the Word of God and prayer.
The first real danger to the unity of the church came because the Apostles were too busy to minister God's Word and pray (Acts 6:1-7). When they found others to share their burdens, they returned to their proper ministry, and the church experienced harmony and growth.
Bible Study in small groups or in home fellowship helps believers to grow in the Lord in word and in prayer:
(John Courson) Something happens when we hear the Scriptures and study the Word together.
There’s a oneness of mind that takes place—even if we differ on certain interpretations or certain applications.
That’s why you will notice that when a person stops coming to Bible study and worship, slowly but surely, they no longer have one mind and one heart. It’s not that they don’t love the Lord. It’s not that they’re not saved. But, as they become isolated, they become vulnerable. “Don’t divide. Don’t pull away,” said Paul. “Be of one mind.”
Family Bible Study and prayer helps believers to grow in the Lord in word and in prayer.
Personal Bible Study such as daily devotion and personal prayer helps believers to grow in the Lord in word and in prayer.
What is the ultimate goal of Paul's message here?
6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.All believers put aside every indifferences and glorify God.
(Warren Wiersbe) The result of this is, of course, glory to God (Romans 15:7). Disunity and disagreement do not glorify God; they rob Him of glory. Abraham's words to Lot are applicable to today: "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee ... for we be brethren" (Gen 13:8). The neighbours were watching! Abraham wanted them to see that he and Lot were different from them because they worshiped the true God.
In His prayer in John 17, Jesus prayed for the unity of the church to the glory of God (John 17:20-26).
Receive one another; edify one another; and please one another - all to the glory of God.
(WM) This consideration leads Paul to express the wish that the God who gives steadfastness and comfort will enable the strong and the weak, Gentiles and Jewish Christians, to live harmoniously according to the teaching and example of Christ Jesus.
The result will be that the saints will be united in the worship of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. What a picture! Saved Jews and saved Gentiles worshiping the Lord with one mouth!
(John Courson) Two guys in the woods found themselves eye to eye with a grizzly. Stunned, they sat stock still—until one of them began to slowly put on his tennis shoes. “What are you doing?” said the other guy. “Don’t you know you can’t outrun a grizzly bear?” “Yes,” said his friend. “But all I’ve got to do is outrun you!”
That’s the way we sometimes think. “I’m free to run in liberty. If you get eaten up, pulled down, or done in that’s your problem.” Now, while that kind of thinking might work in the woods—it won’t in the body, for when one part is injured, the whole body suffers. If the folks in my fellowship family are not doing well, it will have a direct influence on how I do. Therefore, I must slow down in my liberty and take into consideration those who are not as strong or as free, those who might stumble over this idea or that practice.
To whom Jesus Christ has become a servant?
8a Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God,Jesus has become a servant to the Jews/Israelites (circumcision)
Did Jesus voluntarily become a servant to the Jews?
8a Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God,Yes, Jesus voluntarily became a servant to the Jews as per the plan of God
Matt 20:28 - [FYI: After mother of Zebedee's sons (James and John) asking Jesus to make them to sit next to him in His kingodm] 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Why did Jesus Christ become a servant to the Jews?
To share the truth of God with Jews/Israelites:
8a Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God,(John Courson) Jesus came as a Minister of the circumcision. He came to the Jew and lived as a Jew in order to share truth with the Jews.
John 18:37 - Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
To fulfill the promise given to fore fathers of Jews
8b to confirm the promises made to the fathers,God promised the Seed i.e Jesus Christ to Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Salomon.
Is 61:1,2a -
To bless Gentiles with His mercy. So, that they will glorify God:
9a and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy,(WM) But Christ brings blessings to the Gentiles also God purposed that the nations should hear the gospel, and that those people who believe should glorify God for His great mercy. This should not come as a surprise to Jewish believers, because it is frequently foretold in their Scriptures.
(John Courson) Jesus came to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. The Jews saw God’s truth in Jesus. The Gentiles saw His mercy.
What do these Old Testament references mean?
Here are the meaning for the OT references:
9b as it is written: "For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name."
(Warren Wiersbe) The Jews glorify God among the Gentiles (Rom 15:9, quoting Ps 18:49)
(WM) In Psalm 18:49, for example, David anticipate the day when the Messiah will sing praise to God in the midst of a host of Gentile believers.
(John Courson) Jesus is among the Gentiles—you and me. So when we sing, “Father, I adore You,” guess who’s joining in. Guess who’s in the midst of our praise. Jesus is not only the object of our praise—but He’s in the midst of our praise, participating with us.
10 And again he says: "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!"
(Warren Wiersbe) The Gentiles rejoice with the Jews (Rom 15:10, quoting Deut. 32:43)
(WM) In Deuteronomy 32:43 the Gentiles are pictured as rejoicing in the blessings of salvation with His people Israel.
11 And again: "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud [NASB: Praise] Him, all you peoples!"
(Warren Wiersbe) All the Jews and Gentiles together praise God (Rom 15:11, quoting Ps 117:1)
(WM) In Psalm 117:1 we hear Israel calling on the Gentiles to praise that LORD
12 And again, Isaiah says: "There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope."
(Warren Wiersbe) Christ shall reign over Jews and Gentiles (Rom 15:12, quoting Isa 11:10)
(WM) Finally Isaiah adds his testimony to the inclusion of the Gentiles in the Dominion of the Messiah (Is 11:1,10). The particular point here is that the Gentiles would share in the privileges of the Messiah and His gospel.
The Lord Jesus is a root of Jesse in the sense that He is Jesse's Creator, not that He sprang from Jesse (though that also is true). In Revelation 22:16 Jesus speaks of Himself as the Root and offspring of David. As to His deity, He is David's Creator; as to is humanity, He is David's descendant.
What is the overall message you get from these references?
Did Jesus become a servant to the Jews or the Gentiles?
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,Jesus become a servant to the Jews.
How did the Gentiles know the mercies of God even though Jesus didn't become a servant to them?
9a and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy,In the beginning of this letter to Romans Paul said that the gospel came to Jews first and then to the Greek/Gentiles:
Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
(Warren Wiersbe) The supreme example of ministry must always be Jesus Christ. "But I am among you as he that serveth" (Luke 22:27). He came first of all to minister to the Jews, that through Israel He might be able to minister to the Gentiles. "To the Jew first" is a principle that was followed in the earthly ministry of Christ and in the early ministry of the church.
For example, John the Baptist came to minster to the nation of Israel to prepare them for their Messiah. When Jesus began His ministry, it was only to the people of Israel. when He sent out the Apostles on their first evangelistic mission, He ordered them, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles. and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not; but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt 10:5-6). This does not mean that He ignored individual Gentiles, because He did minster to a few (Matt 8:5-13; 15:21-28); but His major emphasis was on Israel.
After resurrection, He commanded the Apostles to remain in Jerusalem and begin their ministry there (Luke 24:44-49). The period covered by Acts 1-7 is characterized by a ministry only to Jews or Jewish proselytes. It was not until Acts 8 that the Gospel went to the Samaritans; in Acts 10 it went to the Gentiles. Then through the ministry of Paul, it went throughout the Romans Empire (Acts 13:1-3).
When He came and died, Jesus Christ confirmed the promises that God made to Abraham and the other "fathers" of the Jewish nation (see Luke 1:30-33, 46-55, and 67-80). Some of these promises have already been fulfilled, but many await fulfillment when He returns to earth to establish His kingdom.
(Warren Wiersbe) Was it selfish of God to emphasize the Jews?
No, because through the Jews, He would send the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. The first Christians were Jewish believers! "Salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22).
In the Old Testament period, God chose Israel to be a minister to the Gentiles; but instead, Israel copied the idolatrous ways of the Gentiles and had to be chastened.
In the New Testament period, God chose Jewish believers to carry the Good News to the Gentiles, and they obeyed Him.
The word "trust" at the end of Romans 15:12 is actually the word "hope." At one time the Gentiles were "without hope" (Eph. 2:12, NIV), but now in Chris they have hope.
Because the Jewish Christians were faithful to take the Gospel to the Gentiles, the nations of the world today have the opportunity to trust Christ as Savior.
By the Jews obedience and faithful service the gentiles experienced the mercy of God:
(John Courson) After spending the first half of chapter 15 talking about unity in the body, we’ll see Paul put in the clutch and shift gears to discuss ministry in the world. Why? Because the two are very closely related.
When does unity in the church happen?
When people are ministering in the world.
Check out a Billy Graham Crusade. It’s amazing who’s on the platform. Ministers and denominations that normally wouldn’t speak to one another are brought together for one purpose: to let folks know that heaven is around the bend and that there’s hope in Jesus Christ.
A tourist approached a farmer in Iowa and said, “Don’t you think all these fences ruin the beauty of the fields out here?” “Yep,” said the farmer—“until the corn starts growing. When the corn starts growing you don’t even see the fences.”
When are fences seen in the church? When there’s no fruit. That’s when the divisions become real and pronounced. But when there’s growth and fruit, evangelism and ministry, the fences of factionalism disappear. That is why the more evangelistic a church is, the less divided it becomes.
That is the reason Paul is emphasizing the servant hood of Jesus Christ here and shows how important ministry is to us:
(Warren Wiersbe) One of the key words in the closing chapters of Romans is "ministry." In fact, Paul used three different Greek words to discuss the theme.
In Romans 15:8,25,31; and 16:1, it is the simple word for a servant or service. Our English word "deacon" comes from this word.
In Romans 15:16 and 27 (the word "minister"), he used the ordinary word for service in public office or in the temple.
In Romans 15:16 he used a word that is found nowhere else in the Greek New Testament; and it means "to perform sacred rites, to minister in a priestly service."
In this section, Paul explained four different ministries:
The Ministry of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles - Romans 15:8-13
Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles - Romans 15:14-24
The Gentiles' Ministry to the Jews - Romans 15:25-33
The Believers' Ministry to Paul - Romans 16:1-27
We can see the same progression in these references that Paul gave and so Jesus served both the Jews and the gentiles. Even now He is serving us by interceding for us to God the Father:
(Warren Wiersbe) There is a beautiful progression in the promises that Paul quoted in Romans 15:9-12.
The Jews glorify God among the Gentiles (Rom 15:9, quoting Ps 18:49)
The Gentiles rejoice with the Jews (Rom 15:10, quoting Deut. 32:43)
All the Jews and Gentiles together praise God (Rom 15:11, quoting Ps 117:1)
Christ shall reign over Jews and Gentiles (Rom 15:12, quoting Isa 11:10)
Romans 15:8 covers the period of the Gospels and Acts 1-7.
Romans 15:9 describes the ministry of Paul as he witnessed among the Gentiles.
Romans 15:10 could be applied to the church council in Acts 15 when the Gentiles were given equal status "with His people."
Today, Jews and Gentiles in the church are praising God together.
(John Courson) Paul quoted from the Psalms in verse 9, from Deuteronomy in verse 10, and from Isaiah in verse 12. Thus, the three categories of the Jewish Bible—the Psalms, the law, and the prophets—are all represented in this brief section as Paul continues to drive home the fact that Jesus came for the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
(WM) In the next six verses the apostle reminds his readers that the ministry of Jesus Christ includes Jews and Gentles, and the implication is that our hearts should also be big enough to include both. Certainly Christ come to serve the circumcision - that is, the Jewish people. God has repeatedly promised.
Application:
What do serving others or being a servant to other do to them?
Jesus served the Jews even washed their feet.
John 13:12-15 - 12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
They in turn served the Jews and gentiles.
They in turn serve others and us.
What we need to do?
Same way we need to server others especially those whom God has given to us and our family
And these whom you served will server others whom God has given to them.
What is Paul asking again to God for the believers?
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.What does the God of hope fill those who believe in Jesus?
13a Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,(WM) So Paul closes this section with a gracious benediction, praying that the God who gives good hope through grace will fill the saints with all joy and peace as they believe on Him. Perhaps he is thinking especially of Gentiles believers here, but the prayer is suitable for all.
How the believers in Christ will abound in hope?
(Warren Wiersbe) Not only do believers have hope, but they also have joy and peace and power (Rom. 15:13). The Holy Spirit of God shares these blessings with them as they yield to Him.
Romans 5:3-5 - 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
(WM) And it is true that those who abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit have no time to quarrel over nonessentials. Our common hope is a powerful unifying force in the Christian life.
This is what Jesus prayed for us while he lived in the earth:
John 17:20-23 - 20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
This is how Jesus expect us to be a humble and be a servant and serve others and make known to the world that God loves them and be merciful to save all who believe in Jesus Christ.
The Ministry of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles - Romans 15:8-13
Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles - Romans 15:14-24
The Gentiles' Ministry to the Jews - Romans 15:25-33
The Believers' Ministry to Paul - Romans 16:1-27
14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient-- 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation, 21 but as it is written: "To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand." 22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.
25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Map the Passage:
14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God,
16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God,
that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.
18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient--
19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation, 21 but as it is written: "To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand."
22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you.
23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you.
For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.
25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.
26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors.
For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.
28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.
29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit,
that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,
31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Observation:
In whom Paul was confident? or Who was Paul confident of?
14a Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren,Paul is confident on Roman brothers and sisters in Christ.
In what Paul was confident? or What was Paul confident in? or
Why was Paul confident on the Roman believers?
14b that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.They are
full of goodness,
filled with all knowledge,
able also to admonish one another.
Why did Paul write this letter to Romans?
15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.Paul wrote this letter to Romans
reminding you
ministering the gospel of God,
that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
How did Paul write this letter to Romans and to us?
15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God,God gave boldness and grace to write and remind some important points.
Not only that, God leads (, put His burden or assigned a task to) Paul to write a letter to believers in Rome.
Because of Paul's obedience this letter becomes a mini Bible to all of us.
Why did Paul glory/boast in Jesus Christ?
17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.What will Paul not speak/boast?
18a For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me,Paul will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through him,
What will Paul speak/boast?
18b in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient-- 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.Paul will dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has accomplished through him,
in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient--
19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God,
so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
What was Paul's aim?
20a And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named,Why did Paul aim to preach the gospel, where Christ was not named?
20b lest I should build on another man's foundation, 21 but as it is written: "To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand."Why did Paul hinder to go to Rome?
22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you.What was Paul's future plan?
23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.What was Paul's plan when he was writing this letter to Romans?
25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.To whom gentile believers are debtors? or Who are the gentiles debtors to?
26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.When was Paul planning to meet Romans?
28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
What was Paul asking/begging Romans to do?
30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,What was Paul asking Romans to pay?
31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Interpretation:
In whom Paul was confident? or Who was Paul confident of?
14a Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren,Paul is confident on Roman brothers and sisters in Christ.
Why was Paul confident in the Roman believers? or In what Paul was confident? or What was Paul confident in?
14b that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.They are
full of goodness,
Why did God save us?
Eph 2:10 - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Matt 28:18-20 - 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
filled with all knowledge,
able also to admonish one another.
(WM) In addition, he is assured of their knowledge of Christian doctrine, which qualifies them to admonish others.
Romans 12:8 - he who exhorts [admonish/encourage], in exhortation;
Romans 15:2 - 1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
What will knowledge do to the believers?
Knowledge either makes the believers to be prideful
1 Cor 8:1 - Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
or knowledge will set them free and use them as God intended:
John 8:32 - 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
John 8:36 - Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
Gal 5:13 - For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
What knowledge do we need to look for or gain when you read the Bible?
(What do you look for when you read the Bible?)
God revealed Himself through Jesus in the scriptures.
John 5:39 - You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
John 17:3 - 1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
So, we need to look for the triune God, God the Father, Son of God Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Why do we need to look for, gain and grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ instead of just morality or blessing?
In Jesus all things exist:
Col 1:15-18 - 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
Jesus is head of the church and we all joined and knit together to form a body:
Col 1:18 - And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Eph 4:13,15 - 11 And He [Jesus] Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Apart from Jesus Christ we are nothing or we do nothing:
John 15:5 - I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
If we gain only morality or legal rules to approach or please God then we will not know or experience
the love of God, the forgiveness of God, the mercy of God, the leading/guidance of God, the provision of God, ...
That is why Peter says in
2 Peter 1:2-4 - 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Read more in What more do we learn from the scriptures?
Why did Paul write this letter to the believers in Rome?
15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.Paul wrote this letter to the believers in Rome to
remind them some important points or truth,
ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Why then Paul is reminding the same known truth again to the believer s in Rome even though he knew that they are doing as per the leading of God, growing in knowledge and encouraging each other?
Is reminding the truth is important?
Yes.
(John Courson) Peter said the same thing when he wrote, “I would not be negligent to put you in remembrance of these things though ye know them, and are established in the present truth” (2 Peter 1:12).
2 Peter 1:12 - For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth.
(John Courson) As Paul told his young prote—ge—, Timothy, “Put the brethren in remembrance of these things. In so doing, you will be accounted as being a faithful minister” (see 1 Timothy 4:6).
1 Timothy 4:6 - If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.
Why is reminding the truth, important to us?
Reminding the truth will renew our mind as Paul asked them to renew their mind and be transformed:
Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
We need to allow God to write His law in our hearts:
Heb 10:16 - "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,"
Read more in How do believers renew their mind?
If the believers are really renewed their mind and walk as per the leading of the Holy Spirit then we will demonstrate as Jesus says in
Luke 6:43-45 - 43 "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Paul was encouraging them to continue produce the spiritual fruit by renewing the mind:
(David Guzik) Paul didn’t write because he felt the Roman Christians couldn’t discern what was right before God or admonish each other to do right. Rather, he wrote to remind them, encouraging them to do what they knew was right.
Application:
Who are reminding you, the important truths from the Bible?
Sermon in the Church, Group Bible Study, frequently listen to the God's word, hear the audio Bible, ...
Are you reminding others, the important truths in the Bible?
Yes.
How do you remind yourself, the important truths in the Bible?
Personal Bible Study.
How do you remind others, the important truths in the Bible?
(WM) In spite of his confidence in their spiritual progress, and in spite of the fact that he was a stranger to them, Paul didn't hesitate to remind them of some of their privileges and responsibilities.
What does ministering the gospel of God mean?
15b because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.It means
Preaching the gospel of God to non believers and
Matt 28:19 - Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Teach and build them by being as the servant to the new believers.
Matt 28:20 - teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Romans 15:2 - Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
Romans 15:8 - Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,
Romans 15:16a - that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles,
The Greek word used for minister in "minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles" is leitourgos (G3011).
It means minister or servant.
Is preaching the gospel is important? Why?
It is very important because Jesus commissioned every believer to preach the gospel and make disciples:
Matt 28:19-20 - 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
(John Courson) D. L. Moody, a shoe salesman captured by Christ, who became one of the most effective soul-winners of all time, purposed in his heart as a young man that he would never let a day go by wherein he didn’t talk to at least one person about Jesus Christ.
One night it was approaching midnight and, because of the events of the day, he had not shared the gospel with an unbeliever that particular day. So he went out onto the streets of Chicago, found a man, and said, “Sir, are you ready for heaven?”
“Mind your own business,” said the startled man.
“This is my business,” Moody answered.
And it is our business as well. Walking the hills of Jacksonville, Oregon, one day, I found myself in the old Jacksonville cemetery. The tombstones of the early settlers provided an ironic backdrop for the women who were picnicking and the children who were playing hide-and-seek. Observing the scene, I was reminded of the simple calling God has given you and me—to minister the gospel of God. For while the world plays games among the tombstones, eternity is only a heartbeat away.
What does "the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit." mean?
15b because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.The Greek word used for minister in "ministering the Gospel" is lhierourgeō (G2418).
It means priestly service
(Warren Wiersbe) As mentioned before, Paul used two different words for minister in this verse, but the emphasis is on priestly service.
(Murray) “When he defines his ministry as ministering the gospel of God the apostle uses a word occurring nowhere else in the New Testament which may properly be rendered ‘acting as a priest.’ So the ministry of the gospel is conceived of after the pattern of priestly offering.”
That is why it is interpreted as priestly duty in
NIV: Romans 15:16 - to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Paul was
Preaching the gospel, (ministering the gospel of God)
Serving them to build them up by gently teaching them (minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles)
Reminding them and putting all his effort to to approach God by their faith and (the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable)
Paul puts all his efforts to make them approach God by simple faith and grow in the grace of God:
2 Cor 11:2-3 - 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
NLT: 2 Cor 11:28 - Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches.
As per 1 Peter 2:5 when anyone goes to God by faith through Jesus then it means offering up themselves as a spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God:
1 Peter 2:5 - 4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Read more in What does "present your bodies a living sacrifice" mean? and How perfect does a believer's sacrifice need to be?
Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
(Warren Wiersbe) Paul looked on himself as a priest at the altar, offering up to God the Gentiles he had won to Christ.
They were a "spiritual sacrifice" to the glory of God (see 1 Peter 2:5). Even his preaching of the Gospel was a "priestly duty" (NIV).
(David Guzik) In fulfilling this call, he didn’t just preach the gospel of salvation but also instructed believers how to live before God.
When the Gentiles live glorifying God, then their offering to God is acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit – the necessity of such a sacrifice makes Paul’s writing necessary.
Romans 15:16 is filled with the language of priesthood. Paul says he serves as a “ministering priest” of Jesus Christ presenting the gospel as a “priestly service” so Gentile converts would be an acceptable sacrifice to God.
Encouraging them to obey as per the leading of the Holy Spirit. (sanctified by the Holy Spirit)
(WM) He was appointed by God to be a sort of serving-priest of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. He looked upon his work of ministering the gospel of God as a priestly function in which he presented saved Gentiles as an acceptable offering to God because they had been set apart by the Holy Spirit to God through the new birth.
Is this priestly duty only applied to Paul or to us also?
God gave the great commission to all the believers so all believers are part of this priestly duty/service, serving God which God prepared to each one of His followers before the foundation of this world.
That is what Peter calls all the believers as holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 2:5 - 4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
(Warren Wiersbe) This insight into ministry certainly adds dignity and responsibility to our service. It was important that the priests offer to God only that which was the best (see Mal. 1:6-14).
(G. Campbell Morgan exults) What a radiant light this sheds on all our evangelistic and pastoral effort! Every soul won by the preaching of the gospel is not only brought into a place of safety and of blessing; he is an offering to God, a gift which gives Him satisfaction, the very offering He is seeking. Every soul carefully and patiently instructed in the things of Christ, and so made conformable to His likeness, is a soul in whom the Father takes pleasure. Thus we labor, not only for the saving of men, but for the satisfying of the heart of God. This is the most powerful motive.
How did Paul write this letter to Romans?
15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God,God leads, put His burden or assigned a task to Paul to write this letter to believers in Rome
Not only that, God gave boldness and grace to write this letter to believers in Rome
Because of Paul's obedience this letter becomes a mini Bible to all of us.
Do you see the involvement of Trinity in Romans 15:16, 17-19?
(David Guzik) Paul effortlessly weaves references to each member of the Trinity in Romans 15:16-19. Paul can’t talk about God without recognizing His three Persons.
16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
(Warren Wiersbe) Note the involvement of the Trinity in the ministry of the Word. Paul was the minister of Jesus Christ; he preached "the Gospel of God"; and he served in the power of the Holy Spirit of God who sanctified his ministry. What a privilege, and yet what a responsibility, to be the servant of the Triune God, winning the lost to Jesus Christ! We must remember that soul-winning is a priestly ministry, a sacred obligation. And we must serve the Lord with dedication and devotion just as the priest in the temple.
17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient-- 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
What was the reason Paul glory in Jesus Christ? or Why did Paul glory in Jesus Christ?
17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.Paul was glory in Jesus Christ in the things that God did through him to win the sole and made them to offer to God as an acceptable offering.
NIV: 17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.
NLT: 17 So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God.Romans 15:16 - that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
(John Courson) “I’m only going to tell you what I have seen, of what the Lord has done through me by His grace.”
(David Guzik) As he considers his call to be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, Paul can glory in God that he received such a call –
speaking only of the things God did through him to bring salvation to the Gentiles.
(Morris) “Paul will glory only in what Christ has done through him. He is sure that Christ has done great things through him, and he is glad that he can draw attention to those things. But he is not trying to attract adulation [like how slave flatters the master]. It is what Christ has done that is his theme.”
What will Paul not speak?
18a For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me,Paul will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through him,
What will Paul speak/boast?
18a For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me,Paul will speak/boast only those things which Christ has accomplished through him.
What did Jesus Christ accomplish through Paul?
18b in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient-- 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.Through Paul Jesus accomplished
18c to make the Gentiles obedient--
19c so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
How did Jesus Christ help Paul to accomplish His tasks?
18b in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient-- 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.Jesus Christ helped Paul to accomplish His tasks
19b by the power of the Spirit of God,
18b in word and deed,
19a in mighty signs and wonders,
It is better translated in
NASB: Romans 15:18,19 - 18 For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me,
resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles
by word and deed,
19 in the power of signs and wonders,
in the power of the Spirit;
so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
NIV: Romans 15:18,19 - 18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me
in leading the Gentiles to obey God
by what I have said and done—
19 by the power of signs and wonders,
through the power of the Spirit of God.
So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
Was Paul boasting himself saying that by his efforts or by his words and deeds he lead the Gentiles to obey God?
No
Why then Paul is saying that by words and deeds (NIV: by what I have said and done) he make the Gentiles obedient?
NIV renders as "by what I have said and done" but the correct rendering is in KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV renders as "in/by word and deed"
Because in verse 18 beginning part he says
18a For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me,
He never boast about himself
Why was Paul whole heartedly acknowledge Jesus Christ without giving any credit to his suffering and labor to make the Gentile obedient to Christ?
Even though Paul has gone through many difficult time or intense suffering but he determined not to boast about his strengths but he will boast on his weakness as he says in
NLT: 2 Cor 11:24-30 - 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. 28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger? 30 If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.
Why was Paul boasting on his weakness?
Paul will boasting on his weakness because he totally depends on Jesus in that area. So that, he will experience the power of Christ. By this way he will accomplish all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens him:
2 Cor 12:9-10 - 6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Phil 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Paul is really understand the power of Christ working in him so that he is whole heartedly acknowledge Jesus Christ and totally surrender his life to Jesus as he says in
Gal 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Total surrender to Lord Jesus Christ is the key to experience the power of Christ in us.
How by word and deed that God through Paul made the Gentiles obedient?
Paul serve the Gentiles by the power of the Holy Spirit:
(Warren Wiersbe) The Spirit of God empowered Paul to share the Word, and the purpose was to "make the Gentiles obedient" (Rom. 15:18). It was "by word and deed" that the apostle shared the Good News.
1 Cor 2:4 - 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
2 Cor 10:3-5 - 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
(WM) Paul does not presume to speak of what Christ had done through the ministry of others. He confines himself to the way the Lord had used him to win the Gentiles to obedience, both by what he said and by what he did-- that is, by the message he preached and by the miracles he performed.
In Acts 18:4-11 it is clearly demonstrated:
How did God lead Paul to preach the Gospel?
God led Paul through Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel. Till this point Paul reasoned and persuaded Jews and Greeks but he did not shared that Jesus is Christ.
Acts 18:4-5 - 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
Paul has waited for Holy Spirit's leading to share the Gospel.
Notice here even after God led to share the gospel Paul faced opposition from majority.
Acts 18:6-7 - 6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." 7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.
Paul made decision to leave that place based on the circumstance and his feelings.
Did God reached out anyone in this crowd?
Yes, when Paul encounter that opposition he would have never thought/imagined that Crispus the ruler of the synagogue and many others will accept the Lord and baptize. Similar to this Paul might have sown the seed to many other Jews...
Acts 18:8 - Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
Did Paul obey God as per His leading?
Yes, Paul changed his plan made based on his feelings and stayed and served in Corinth for one and half years as per God's request/leading.
Acts 18:9-11 - 9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city." 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
God also used Paul's exemplary life in Jesus Christ.
Paul produced fruit of the Holy Spirit by abiding in Jesus Christ and his changed life in Spirit made him to love others and he demonstrated Jesus Christ in his life. That is why he says in
1 Cor 11:1 - Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
(Warren Wiersbe) "by word and deed" we can share the love of God with the lost around us. Changes in conduct and character are just as much miracles as the healing of the sick.
(John Courson)
How are we to share the gospel with a world that’s playing hide-and-seek in the cemetery? By word—by sharing the Scriptures. You may not understand all of the implications doctrinally. You may have trouble defending the Scriptures intellectually.
But, like C. H. Spurgeon said when asked how to defend the Bible, “You defend the Bible as you would a roaring lion. You just open the cage and let it out.” The Word is alive and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Just start sharing the Scriptures and watch and see what the Lion of the Tribe of Judah does with the Word He’s given to you.
Spiritual authority and power come when we share the things we ourselves are living out. That’s why I share so much about grace. I need it, I’ve embraced it, and I’m so thankful to God for it. Grace is not a theological concept to me—it’s what I need desperately. You see, those truths of which you are personally in need, for which you are personally thankful, in which you are personally growing are the truths that will come alive in a very powerful and profound way as you share them with others.
How by signs and wonder that God through Paul made the Gentiles obedient?
18b in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient-- 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.Why did God show signs and wonders to us? or Why did God give the gift of miracle to the believers?
God performs signs and wonders to demonstrates the existence of supernatural God.
Miracles were given to authenticate the messenger and the message (Heb. 2:1-4).
NLT: Heb 2:1-4 - 1 So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. 2 For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. 3 So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? 4 And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.
Heb. 2:1-4 - 1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?
God gave gift of Miracles to edify the believers:
1 Cor 12:7 - 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
How does miracle help the preacher who preach the gospel?
(Warren Wiersbe) The Holy Spirit empowered Paul to minister, and enabled him to perform mighty signs and wonders. The miracles God gave Paul to do were "signs" in that they came from God and revealed Him to others. And they were "wonders" in that they aroused the wonder of the people. But their purpose was always to open the way for the preaching of the Gospel.
(John Courson) Concerning signs and wonders, Jesus said signs shall follow them that believe (Mark 16:17). He said this in the context of evangelism. In other words, “Get going. And as you’re going, I’ll be flowing through you. I’ll be doing signs and wonders before you.”
Gang, the Holy Spirit is like steam in a locomotive. He’s there to move the engine down the track—not to toot the whistle. Too many people look at the power of the Holy Spirit as a whistle-tooter, as an end in itself—but the Lord says, “You shall receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon you to be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8).
Does miracle by themselves save the lost?
No
(Warren Wiersbe) Miracles by themselves can never save the lost.
When Paul healed the crippled man at Lystra (Acts 14), the immediate response was pagan: the people called Paul and Barnabas gods and tried to worship them! When Paul shared the Gospel with them, they did not respond so enthusiastically. Finally, the people stoned Paul and left him for dead outside the city walls.
Do we need to wait for sings and wonders always to preach the gospel?
No, we need to look for God's divine opportunity to preach the Gospel.
God reached millions of people through Billy Graham without any visible signs and wonders but just by preaching the word through the power of the Holy Spirit.
(John Courson) Thus, when people ask why we don’t see more signs and wonders today, I say, “Go to Honduras. Go to Mexico. Go to Russia. Start evangelizing and watch and see what the Lord will do in you and the miracles that will flow through you.”
But even if you never see an external sign, wonder, or miracle, you’re in good company. Jesus said of all of the men who had lived, John the Baptist was the greatest of them all. No man was greater—not Elijah who called down fire from heaven, not Elisha who raised the dead, not Moses who parted the Red Sea. Jesus said, “Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). And yet John did no miracle (John 10:41). So if you’ve never performed a miracle or even seen a miracle, take heart. You’re in good company.
John did no miracle but “all things John spoke of this Man were true” (see John 10:41). What Man? Jesus Christ. Talking about Jesus is something I can do—and so can you. Yes, I would love to have the powerful, miraculous ministry of Paul. But in the meantime, I’ll try to walk in the footsteps of John the Baptist, pointing others to the Lamb of God.
How big of an area God reached out through Paul? or How big the area Paul fully preached the gospel of Christ?
19c so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.(David Guzik) Illyricum is modern Yugoslavia and Albania. This means that Paul’s ministry spread from Illyricum in the west to Jerusalem in the east.
(John Courson) In his fourteen-hundred-mile parish, Paul preached the gospel. Truly, the simplicity of the gospel is powerful.
Don’t be embarrassed about it.
Don’t back away from it.
Don’t feel like you need to be deeper than Paul was.
Paul said, “I travel everywhere, simply preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ.”
(WM) The Lord confirmed the apostle's message by miracles that taught spiritual lessons and that inspired amazement, and by various manifestations of the Sprit's power. There result was that he had fully preached the gospel, beginning at Jerusalem and extending in a circle to Illyricum (north of Macedonia, on the Adriatic Sea). From Jerusalem ... to Illyricum describes the geographical extent of his ministry and not the chronological order.
(David Guzik) God used mighty signs and wonders and the broader power of the Spirit of God to help Paul fully preach the gospel of Christ everywhere he went – from Jerusalem to Illyricum.
We sense that Paul would consider “bare” preaching, without the active and sometimes miraculous work of the Holy Spirit evident, to be less than fully preaching the gospel.
What was Paul's aim?
20a And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named,Paul's aim was to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named.
(Warren Wiersbe) God has a special plan for Paul to follow: he was not to preach where any other apostle had ministered
(this is one evidence that Peter had not founded the churches at Rome, or had been to Rome; for this would have prevented Paul from going there.)
"From Jerusalem and round about unto Illyricum" (Rom. 15:19) covers about 1,400 miles! When you consider the slowness of travel and the dangers involved (2 Cor. 11:26-27), you can appreciate the tremendous achievement of Paul's missionary ministry.
(John Courson) “I’m not going to build upon another man’s foundation,” said Paul. “I’m not going to dip into aquariums—I’m going to be a fisher of men.” To do this, Paul walked fourteen hundred miles. So, too, we must find areas where no one is meeting a specific need, no one is touching certain folks, no one is reaching a particular group, and ask the Lord if, by His grace, you can reach this group, touch those folks, or meet that need.
Why did Paul aim to preach the gospel, where Christ was not named?
20b lest I should build on another man's foundation,Paul did aim to preach the gospel, where Christ was not named because he may build on another man's foundation or labor.
NLT: 20 My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.
Why did Paul make it an aim not to build on another man's foundation?
21 but as it is written: "To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand."God called Paul to be a pioneer (a person who is first to explore a new area/country) to spread the Gospel in new territory where no one preached the Gospel.
(WM) In following this route, Paul's aim was to preach the gospel in virgin territory. His audience were composed primarily of Gentiles who had never heard of Christ before. Thus he was not building on anyone else's foundation.
1 Cor 3:9-11 - 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
It is also the fulfillment of Isaiah 52:15 prophesy:
Is 52:15 - So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider.
(Warren Wiersbe) While it is not wrong to enter into another man's labors (John 4:28), it is also good to have pioneer ministry and take the Gospel to new territory. Paul cited Isaiah 52:15 as the divine approval for this kind of ministry.
John 4:28-29 - 28 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29 "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him. 31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." 32 But He said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know." 33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, "Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?" 34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
(David Guzik) Paul did not want to build on another man’s foundation. Rather he wanted to do pioneer work for the Lord – not because it was wrong or bad to continue the work begun through another man, but because there was so much to do on the frontiers.
Paul saw his pioneering heart as obedience to the Scriptures, fulfilling the passage he quotes from the Old Testament.
(John Courson) Paul quotes Isaiah 52:15 as his confirmation of Scripture for going to those who have not seen and who have not heard in order that they might see and hear and understand.
(WM) This foundational work among the Gentiles was a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy (52:15) that the Gentiles who had never previously been evangelized would see, and that those who had never previously heard the good news would understand and respond in true faith.
Does God called only Paul to lay the foundation or be a pioneer to spread the gospel?
No, God has called all the apostles to be a pioneers to take and spread the gospel to the brand new places. This is one of the responsibilities of the apostle i.e. preach the gospel and start a church from scratch.
Andrew – missionary to modern day Georgia/Bulgaria (area adjacent to the Black Sea near Turkey); was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Greece. After being whipped severely by seven soldiers, they tied his body to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: “I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it.” He continued to preach to his tormentors for two days until he died.
Bartholomew – also known as Nathanael, missionary to India. He witnessed in present-day Turkey and was martyred for his preaching in Armenia (modern day southern Georgia), being flayed to death by a whip.
James, Son of Alphaeus – local missionary in Jerusalem; martyred/stoned in Jerusalem
James, brother of John and Son of Zebedee – local missionary in Judea; martyred/beheaded in Judea (Acts 12:1-2)
John, brother of James and son of Zebedee – faced martyrdom when he was boiled in a huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos. He wrote his prophetic book of Revelation on Patmos. The apostle John was later freed and returned to what is now modern-day Turkey. He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.
Matthew/Levi – missionary to Parthia (Iran); suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, killed by a sword wound.
Philip – missionary to Phrygia (Turkey); martyred/crucified upside down in Hierapolis (Turkey)
Simon/Peter – missionary to Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Betania, Italy, Asia; martyred/crucified upside down in Rome
Simon the Zealot – bishop of Jerusalem after James; died of old age
Thaddaeus/Judas son of James – missionary to Edessa and to the surrounding Mesopotamian region (Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Iran); died of old age
Thomas – missionary to Parthians/Medes/Hyrcanians (Iran), Bactrians (Afghanistan), Margians and finally in India; martyred – speared in 4 different places and buried in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Matthias – local missionary in Jerusalem; chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded.
Paul – missionary to Illyricum (Croatia), Macedonia, Italy, Rome; was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero in Rome in A.D. 67.
James, the brother of Jesus (not belong to the first 12 Apostles), was the leader of the church in Jerusalem. He was thrown from the southeast pinnacle of the temple (over a hundred feet down) when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a club. This is thought to be the same pinnacle where Satan had taken Jesus during the temptation.
All the believers in Christ are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.
Eph 2:20 - 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Does God called only early apostles to lay the foundation or be a pioneer to spread the gospel?
No, today's apostles are called missionaries. They are the pioneers to take/spread the gospel to the new territory.
For more details about apostle read from Apostle article.
What does apostle means?
... What is the modern name for apostle?
(Warren Wiersbe) Missionary is the Latin form of "apostle—one who is sent."
In India FMPB, ICGM and many other missionary organizations are sending missionaries as pioneers to spread the gospel in new places where unreached people groups exist in India.
Malto (Santhali), Santal (Santhali), Gond (Gondi), ...
Following taken from Joshua Project website: https://joshuaproject.net/countries/IN
Number of People Groups 2,533 - People Groups Unreached 2,276 (89.9%)
Total Population 1,335,627,000 (1.3 billion) - Population in Unreached 1,272,711,000 (1.2 billion i.e. 95.3%)
Is it wrong to build on or above another man's foundation?
20b lest I should build on another man's foundation,No,
Not all are called to be apostles or missionaries so just serve God as per the calling of God.
(WM) Paul's example in pioneering in new areas does not necessarily bind other servants of the Lord to this exact activity. Some are called to more in and teach, for example, after new churches have been planted.
Paul himself told that to Corinthians that I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
1 Cor 3:5-15 - 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Why did Paul hinder to go to Rome?
22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you.Paul hindered to go to Rome because he was pioneering new territory from Jerusalem to Illyricum to spread the gospel.
(David Guzik) It was his great desire to do pioneer work that hindered him from coming to the Romans, though he did desire to see them.
(WM) In his desire to plow untilled territory, Paul had been too occupied to get to Rome in the Past. But now the foundation had been laid in the region described in 15:19. Others could build on the foundation. Paul was therefore free to fulfill his long-standing desire to visit Rome.
When did Paul write this letter to Romans? Where?
The epistle is to be dated AD 56-57 at the end of Paul's third missionary journey. For more details read When it was written?
Paul might have written this epistle from the place called Corinth. For more details read From where it is written?
(John Courson) Keep in mind when Paul wrote this, he was in Corinth, wanting desperately to go to Rome.
In fact God didn't permit him to go because He is using Paul to reach out many from Jerusalem to Illyricum.
For detail study read What was God's response to his prayer request to go to see Romans? and Why then God didn't allow Paul to go to Rome immediately?
What was Paul's future plan?
23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.Paul plans to go to
Rome to see Romans
Spain to see Spaniards
Because he has great desire for many years to visit Roman believers
What was Paul's current plan when he was writing this letter to Roman believers?
25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.Paul plans to go to Jerusalem before he meets with Roman believers.
What was the order in which Paul plans to go to these three places?
Paul plans to go to the following places in this order:
Jerusalem to minister to the saints.
Rome to see Roman believers
Spain to reach out people in Spain (Spaniards)
Did Paul finish his current task in reaching out people from Jerusalem to to Illyricum?
23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you,Paul says that he preached the Gospel in all the places from Jerusalem to Illyricum.
Did Paul really finish his current task? or
Is Paul wrapping up current task quickly in this area for the sake of going to his long waited desired place Rome? Defend your answer with scriptures.
22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you.
23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you,We normally wrap-up current task/job quickly but not sincerely if we get a better job in the best company compare to what we are doing right now in small company.
We may not transfer knowledge sincerely to an existing employee.
We may not document sincerely the knowledge that we have gained.
We may not give proper notice to the existing small company.
We may start exploring about the new job than spending time in completion of current existing job.
If you notice closely Paul here was not selfishly wrapping the existing task or ministry for the sake of going to his long waited desired place Rome.
He has great desire for many years but he says whenever he goes to Spain he shall visit Romans
Romans 15:24 - 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.
If he is selfish in going to Rome then Paul may not go to Jerusalem before going to Rome.
25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.
If he is selfishly plan then Paul would not waits for God's approval to go to Rome:
Romans 15:32 - that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
Romans 1:10, 13 - 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established-- 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.
Even though Paul has great desire for many years to go to Rome in fact Paul is waiting upon God to receive the next task.
God also assigning next task only after finishing the prior task what he has pioneered and shared the Gospel in unreached territories from Jerusalem to Illyricum:
(Warren Wiersbe) The vast area opportunity in other parts of the empire kept Paul from visiting Rome sooner. He was not hindered from going to Rome by satanic opposition or physical obstacles, but by the challenge of completing his work right where he was. He was so faithful in his evangelistic outreach that he was able to say that he had no more place to minster in those parts. This did not mean that Paul personally witnessed to every person in that area, but that he took the Gospel and left behind witnessing churches and Christians who would carry to the work. Paul finished one job before he started another one, a good example for our evangelistic ministry today.
(David Guzik) Therefore, Paul supposes that he will visit the Romans on a future trip to Spain, where Paul will preach the gospel on the frontiers. Stopping off in Rome on the way, Paul anticipates that he can enjoy the support and fellowship of the Romans before he goes to preach the gospel in the regions beyond.
Paul probably wanted Rome to be his base of operations for the western part of the empire, even as Antioch was his base for the eastern part.
Is it not Jesus asked believers to deny our self to follow Him?
Yes, Jesus asked all believers to deny their self to follow Him.
Luke 9:23 - Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
How to plan if we deny our self and take up the cross and follow Jesus?
Even though we know the truth about denying our self but still we plan selfishly and move forward towards our plans because nothing good dwells with in us.
Romans 7:18 - For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.
Of course we all plan for
vacation,
career - what to study, where to work, what business to do, ...
personal life - when to marry, what qualification our spouse has to have, what work our spouse has to do, how many kids to have, ...
retirement, ...
There is nothing wrong is planning but let us see what he Bible teaches about our plans:
Proverbs 16:9 - A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 19:21 - There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the LORD's counsel--that will stand.
Proverbs 21:2 - Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.
The Bible clearly teaches that we plan as per our desire i.e. based on our likes and dislikes at the same time it also teaches us to leave our plans to God in prayer. He will direct us as per His unique plan He has for us.
NIV: Jer 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
That is why James says ...
James 4:13-15 - 13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."
Jesus expressed His severe pain to God but still He prayed that He is ready to do God the Father's will/plan:
Luke 22:42 - saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."
Paul presented his plans to God through prayer and waits on God for direction/approval:
Romans 15:32 - 30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
You read more about this in Is Paul wrapping up current task quickly in this area for the sake of going to his long waited desired place Rome?
There is nothing wrong to plan as per our desire but we need to leave our plan to God in prayer and be ready to adjust our plans based on His leading. Also seek God for His plan for your life, family, ministry, .... :
(John Courson) Now, whether or not Paul’s plan unfolded the way he hoped, the fact remains that he had a plan. A lot of people go through seasons where they’re not doing anything.
“What’s your plan?” I ask.
“I don’t have one,” they answer.
“What’s your intention?”
“I don’t know.”
“What do you hope to accomplish in the remaining years of your life?”
“Beats me.”
Paul was a man with a plan. I would encourage all of us to seek the Lord and say, “Show me Your plan, Lord, as it relates to my kids, my wife, my employment, my ministry. Lord, I really want to hear from You.” Without vision, people perish (Proverbs 29:18).
Why is there such a lack of vision today?
I believe television is a big part of it. Next time you feel a lack of vision, turn off your television, go for a walk, and ask the Lord for His plan for your life.
KJV: Proverbs 29:18 - Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
So,
We need to believe God has unique plan for each believer in Christ:
NIV: Jer 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
That is one more reason He saved us. God saved us with His purpose which God prepared for us before the foundation of the world:
Eph 2:10 - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
2 Tim 1:9 - who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Acts 13:2 - 1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
We need to know God's plans are way greater than our plans and it is the best for our lives:
Isaiah 55:8-9 - 8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
NLT: Isaiah 55:8-9 - 8 "My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."
Always wait for God's guidance when you make any decision especially important decision:
Isaiah 30:21 - Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
What was the main purpose that Paul plans to see Romans?
Paul was planning to receive help from Romans to go to Spain:
24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.
NIV: 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.
NLT: 24 I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey.
(WM) His plan was to stop off at Rome en route to Spain. He would not be able to stay long enough to enjoy all the fellowship with them that he would like, but his desire to enjoy their company would be partially satisfied at least. Then he knew that they would give whatever help was needed to complete his trip to Spain.
Paul was planning to enjoy the company of Romans:
24b For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.
Paul was planning to bless Romans:
29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
Paul was planning to be refreshed together with Romans:
32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
Paul was planning to impart Romans with some spiritual gift, so that they may be established:
Romans 1:11 - For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established--
Paul was planning to be encouraged by being with Romans:
Romans 1:12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
What was the main purpose that Paul plans to visit Jerusalem?
Paul plans to visit Jerusalem to minister to the saints
25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.
31b and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
To hand of the donation received from Macedonia and Achaia for the poor Jewish believers in Christ i.e. saints in Jerusalem.
26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
Paul plans to visit Jerusalem to minister to non believers
31a that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe,
To whom Macedonia and Achaia sending their contribution?
26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.They are sending contribution to the saints in Jerusalem.
Why Macedonia and Achaia sending their contribution to saints in Jerusalem?
26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.Because at that time saints in Jerusalem are poor.
Why they are poor?
We are not sure why they were poor.
(John Courson) Perhaps due to persecution or drought, the saints in Jerusalem were undergoing a season of poverty.
To whom the gentile believers are debtors?
26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.The Gentile believers are debtors to Jewish believers in Christ.
Did they give this offering happily or grudgingly?
26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.They gave this offering happily as it says that it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.
(WM) The believers in Macedonia and Achaia had gladly contributed to a fund to relive the distress among the poor Christians.
How long do they collected this offering? and Did they face any challenge?
This is the collection that we read about in 1 Cor 16:1 and 2 Cor 8, 9
After Macedonians volunteered to give offering to saints in Jerusalem Paul was initiating offering collection in Galatia and Corinth churches.
1 Cor 16:1-4 - 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. 4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me. 5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). 6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
Did Christians in Corinth complete this offering collection task to send out to believers in Jerusalem?
No
A year later Paul reminding Corinthians to complete the collection that they have started for saints in Jerusalem:
2 Cor 9:1-8 - 1 Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; 2 for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. 3 Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; 4 lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
What Paul did to make them to complete this giving task?
Paul was encouraging Corinthians to give by explaining
Explaining how Macedonian's are cheerfully giving:
2 Cor 8:1-7 - 1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also. [NIV: you also excel in this grace of giving]Explaining how Christ is Our Pattern:
2 Cor 8:8-15 - 8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 10 And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; 11 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. 12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; 14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. 15 As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”
For Corinth believers it took a year to complete this task.
They did give cheerfully. Even though they faced challenge of not diligent enough to give offering continuously but they overcome the challenge through the encouraging words of Paul and by the help of God.
What more purposes does this offering achieve in addition to help their poverty?
(Warren Wiersbe) Paul and his associates had received a special offering from the Gentile churches in Greece for the suffering Jewish saints in Jerusalem. Details about this collection are recorded in 2 Corinthians 8-9. There were several purposes behind this special offering.
To begin with, it was an expression of love on the part of the Gentiles toward their Jewish brethren.
Second, it meant practical relief at a time when the poor Jewish believers needed it the most.
Third, it helped to unite [Christian] Jews and Gentiles in the church. It was a bond that brought them closer together.
Why this offering help to bond the Gentiles and saints in Jerusalem?
(Warren Wiersbe) Unfortunately, there were still Jews who opposed the message of grace to the Gentiles and who wanted the Gentiles to become Jews and accept the Jewish Law.
(Bible students call these people "Judaizers." They followed Paul wherever he went and tried to steal his churches from him. The Epistle to the Galatians was written to combat their evil works.)
We can see that in 2 Corinthians 11 & 12:
2 Corinthians 11:5-15 - 5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things. 7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows! 12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
Is there false apostle or teacher still exist now within our churches to snatch people away from God and keep them under their fold?
Yes, that is why Jesus warn those false leaders/teachers/apostles in the Book of Revelation.
Rev 3:9 - Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
Rev 2:15 - 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
Rev 2:20 - 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.
Why the Gentile believers are debtors to Jewish believers in Christ?
27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.Because the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.
(Warren Wiersbe) Paul looked on this offering as the paying of a debt. The Gentiles had received spiritual wealth from the Jews. They now returned material wealth, paying their debt. Paul considered himself a "debtor" to the whole world (Rom 1:14). He also considered the Gentile Christians debtors to the Jews, for it was the Jews who gave to the Gentiles the Word of God and the Son of God. We Christians ought to feel an obligation to Israel, and to pay that debt by praying for Israel, sharing the Gospel, and helping in a material way. Anti-Semitism has no place in the life of a dedicated Christian.
Not only was this offering a payment of a debt, but it was also "fruit" (Rom. 15:28). It was not "loot" that Paul stole from the churches! It was fruit-the natural result of their walk with the Lord (see John 15:1-8).
When the life of the Spirit flows through a church, giving is no problem. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, described the miracle of grace that occurred in the churches of Macedonia.
Paul was anxious that this offering be received by the Jewish believers and be acceptable to them. He wanted to bring about, under God, a closer bond between the mother church at Jerusalem and the daughter churches in other parts of the empire.
(WM) This collection was completely voluntary on the part of the donors, and also quite appropriate for them to give. After all, they had benefited spiritually by the coming of the gospel to them through Jewish believers. So it was not too much to expect that they would share with their Jewish brethren in material things.
(David Guzik) Paul’s observation is appropriate: the Gentile Christians of the broader Roman empire had received so much spiritually from the community of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, it was only right that they help the Jerusalem Christians in their need.
(John Courson) Perhaps due to persecution or drought, the saints in Jerusalem were undergoing a season of poverty. Gentile believers, realizing their indebtedness to the Jerusalem church for evangelizing their region, collected an offering for the church in Jerusalem. After delivering their gift, Paul planned to go to Spain (verse 24).
In what all believers in Christ are debtors to each other?
All believers are debtors to love one another.
Romans 13:8 - Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
What was Paul planning to do when he meets Romans?
28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain.What does "fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ" mean?
29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.NLT: 29 And I am sure that when I come, Christ will richly bless our time together.
NIV: 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.
(WM) He had every confidence that his visit to Rome would be accompanied by the fullness of the blessing of the gospel which Christ always pours out when God's word is preached in the power of the Holy Spirit.
What was Paul asking/begging Romans to do now?
30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,(Warren Wiersbe) The words "strive together" in Romans 15:30 suggest an athlete giving his best in the contest. Perhaps the words "wrestling together" better express the idea. This same terms is used of the praying of Epaphras in Colossians 4:12. This verse does not mean that we must fight with God to get what we need. Rather, it means our praying must not be casual experience that has no heart or earnestness. We should put as much fervor into our praying as a wrestler does into his wrestling!
(John Courson) The word translated “strive” is sunagonizomai, from which we get our word “agonize.” In other words,
Paul was asking for passionate, fervent prayer because he knew danger awaited him in Jerusalem.
How did he know this?
Because people in every city on his journey warned him, “You’re headed for real problems in Jerusalem” (see Acts 20:23; 21:4, 11).
Paul’s parish was the Gentile world (verse 18).
His power came from the Spirit of God (verse 19).
His priority was the gospel (verse 19).
His policy was to build on no man’s foundation (verse 20).
His plan was to go to Rome (verses 22, 23).
One thing was left. He needed prayer.
What was Paul asking Romans to pray?
31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.Paul was asking Romans to pray for
31a that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe,
(WM) Paul asks for prayer that he will be delivered from zealots in Judea who were fanatically opposed to the gospel, just as he himself had once been.
(John Courson) The first is seen here—that he might be protected from the unbelievers in Jerusalem who were out to do him in.
31b and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
(WM) He wants the Romans to pray that the Jewish saints will accept the relief funds in good grace. Strong religious prejudices remained against Gentile believers and against those who preached to the Gentiles. Then there is always the possibility of people being offended at the idea of receiving "charity." It often takes more grace to be on the receiving end than on the giving end!
(John Courson) Second, Paul requested prayer that the believers in Jerusalem might accept him.
32a that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and
(John Courson) Third, Paul requested prayer that he might come with joy to Rome. “Agonize with me in prayer,” he said, “that I might be protected from the unbelievers who are out to get me, that I might be accepted by the believers who are there waiting for me, and that I might come to you with joy and be refreshed mutually.”
32b may be refreshed together with you.
How Paul wraps his prayer?
33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.(WM) And now Paul closes the chapter with the prayer that the God who is the source of peace might be their portion. In chapter 15 the Lord has been named the God of patience and consolation (v.5), the God of hope (v.13), and now the God of peace. He is the source of everything good and of everything a poor sinner needs now and eternally.
Did God answer all the above prayer request?
Yes.
Did God deliver Paul from those in Judea who did not believe in Jesus?
31a that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe,Yes.
Did saints in Jerusalem accept Paul?
31b and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,Yes.
Did Paul go to Rome?
32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.Yes.
Acts 19:21 - When these things were accomplished, 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 23:11 - But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."
Did Paul go to Spain?
(Warren Wiersbe) Paul's desire for many years had been to visit Rome and then move on to Spain, but there is no record that he ever did. tradition says that he did go to Spain, and possibly to Britain, after he was released, but church tradition is not always to be trusted.
(John Courson) We don’t know. Church tradition indicates he did, indeed, go to Spain and then on up into England. But this can’t be emphatically verified. I personally believe he did go to Spain. Why? Because right before his death, he wrote, “I have finished my course” (2 Timothy 4:7).
(David Guzik) After his release from the Roman imprisonment at the end of the Book of Acts, we have reason to believe that Paul did in fact make it to Spain and preached the gospel there.
Following taken from the https://www.GotQuestions.org/Paul-fourth-missionary-journey.html
There is a tradition that Paul went to Spain, but there is no record of this in the Bible. He did mention to the Romans that he wanted to take the gospel to Spain (Romans 15:24, 28). Clement of Rome’s AD 95 writings say Paul went to “the farthest limits of the West,” which could mean Spain or possibly the United Kingdom, and the Muratorian Canon (AD 180) says Paul went from Rome to Spain.
Did God answer prayers the way Paul expected?
How did Saints in Jerusalem accept Paul and His teachings?
Paul travels to Jerursalem:
Acts 20:23 - 22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
Acts 21:4 - 1 Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. 4 And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.
Acts 21:11 - 8 On the next day we who were Paul's companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' " 12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done."
Paul went to Jerusalem and enjoyed with elders sharing what God has done among the Gentiles:
Acts 21:15 And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. 16 Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge. 17 And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20s And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord.
Did Jewish saints really liked Paul's teaching about grace and faith?
No.
(John Courson) The believers themselves were the underlying reason for the stoning he received. Furthermore, they never thanked him for the offering he risked his life to deliver to them, nor does Scripture record any of them speaking with him or caring for him during the two years he was in protective custody.
Acts 21:20b And they said to him, "You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law; 21 but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come. 23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. 24 Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. 25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality." 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification, at which time an offering should be made for each one of them.
He was accepted by all believers in later times:
(John Courson) Was he accepted by the believers?
Oh, not initially—but eventually, for Peter himself instructed the believers to listen to what Paul had to say (2 Peter 3:15).
2 Peter 3:15,16 - 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation--as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
How did God deliver Paul from Jews who didn't believe in Jesus Christ?
(John Courson) Was Paul protected?
So severe was the stoning he received at the hands of unbelieving Jews that his life was spared only when he was taken into protective custody by Lycinius, a Roman centurion (Acts 21).
The Plot Against Paul:
Acts 23:11-22 - 11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” 12 And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. 13 Now there were more than forty who had formed this conspiracy. 14 They came to the chief priests and elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 Now you, therefore, together with the council, suggest to the commander that he be brought down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to make further inquiries concerning him; but we are ready to kill him before he comes near.” 16 So when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him and brought him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.” 19 Then the commander took him by the hand, went aside, and asked privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask that you bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire more fully about him. 21 But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you.” 22 So the commander let the young man depart, and commanded him, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.”Sent to Felix:
Acts 23:23-30 - 23 And he called for two centurions, saying, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; 24 and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” 25 He wrote a letter in the following manner: 26 Claudius Lysias, To the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. 28 And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their council. 29 I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains. 30 And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him.Farewell.
Acts 23:31-35 - 31 Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 The next day they left the horsemen to go on with him, and returned to the barracks. 33 When they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34 And when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.Felix Procrastinates
Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.Paul Appeals to Caesar
Acts 25:11,12 - 11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!”Paul Before Agrippa
Acts 25:25-26 - 26 I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning him. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the examination has taken place I may have something to write. 27 For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to specify the charges against him.”Paul Testifies to King Agrippa (Acts 26)
Acts 26:29-32 - 29 And Paul said, "I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains." 30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31 and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, "This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains." 32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, "This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."
Did Paul go to Rome as a missionary as he described in this letter?
No
How did Paul go to Rome?
Yes, Paul went to Rome after few years later.
(David Guzik) Paul would indeed head for Rome after his time in Jerusalem, but not in the way he planned!
(David Guzik) Paul had these plans; yet things did not work out according to his plans. He did go to Rome, yet not as a missionary on his way to Spain. He went to Rome as a prisoner awaiting trial before Caesar, where he would preach the gospel on a different kind of frontier.
God had unexpected frontiers for the gospel in Paul’s life, giving him unexpected access to preach to the emperor of Rome himself.
The Voyage to Rome Begins (Acts 27:1-8)
Paul’s Warning Ignored (Acts 27:9-12)
In the Tempest (Acts 27:13-38)
Shipwrecked on Malta (Acts 27:39-44)
Paul’s Ministry on Malta (Acts 28:1-10)
Arrival at Rome (Acts 28:11-16)
Acts 28:14 - where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns [NLT: came to meet us at the Forum on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns]. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.(John Courson) Did he make it to Rome?
While he didn’t travel in the way he intended, at least his trip was all-expenses paid!
For more interesting facts read Why then God didn't allow Paul to go to Rome immediately?
Did Paul ministered to Romans as he planned?
No , but has different plan.
(John Courson) Did he come to Rome with joy?
He traveled to Rome as a prisoner of the Roman Empire. And so we wonder. It looks like the prayers of the Romans weren’t answered—or were they? Was he protected? Yes. He didn’t die. Bloodied? You bet—but he didn’t die.
Paul’s Ministry at Rome (Acts 28:17-30)
Why God didn't answer the prayer as Paul requested?
Is 55:8-9 - 8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
(John Courson) Gang, like Paul, sometimes we say, “Pray for me. I’m going through this struggle, and here are three things I need to see happen.…” And although we pray with fervency, sometimes initially it seems like just the opposite of what we hoped for happens. But wait. I have discovered that usually when I think prayers are not being answered, it’s simply because I have not seen the unique and beautiful way God is working.
I once read an article in the paper about a woman in Alaska who tried to call her sister in Idaho, but she mistakenly dialed a house in Vermont because she dialed Vermont’s 802 area code rather than Idaho’s 208 area code. The woman in Vermont who answered the call was, at that moment, suffering a severe heart attack. As a result, the woman in Alaska heard only a gasping voice on the other end of the line, saying, “Help me. Help me. Please, God, help me.” The woman in Alaska was able to work with telephone operators and emergency personnel to save the Vermont woman’s life.
Sometimes, when I pray, I think all I get are busy signals or wrong numbers. But God is working in ways that, if I’ll just hang in there, I’ll see His hand—as evidenced in this familiar prayer by a Confederate soldier:
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for,
But everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself,
My unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men, most richly blessed.
That’s the way of the Lord. In the middle of our own civil wars, we may not see God’s hand. But on the other side, we’ll say, “Lord, I got nothing I asked for—but everything I really wanted.” The purpose and the power of prayer are not to get your way for your life, but to get the Lord’s blessing on your life. The prayers Paul requested were truly answered in the best possible way, for lives were touched, folks were saved, and we’re encouraged here today because people prayed.
Why do we need to pray then?
We need to pray that His will to be done in our life:
1 John 5:14-15 - 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
Eph 6:18 - 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Romans 8:26-27 - 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
We need to pray any evil blocks God's will:
Daniel 10:11-14 - 11 And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come."
We need to pray that we need to allow God to work within you:
Ps 37:4 - Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
NLT: Phil 2:13 - For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
Phil 2:13 -for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Phil 1:6 - being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;