Romans
Chapter 15
Overview
Paul is writing to followers of Jesus in Rome, a community made up of Jews and non-Jews with different customs and convictions. He urges the confident to support those with tender consciences, using the Messiah’s self-giving example to call everyone toward unity. From there, Paul explains his own work among non-Jews and his desire to bring the good news where it has not yet been heard. The chapter then becomes a travel letter: Jerusalem first, Rome next, and perhaps Spain beyond—though every road, as Paul knows, depends on God and the prayers of friends.
1Those of us whose faith is strong ought to carry the burdens caused by the weaknesses of those who are not strong. We must not simply please ourselves.
2Each of us should seek to please our neighbor for that person’s good, in order to strengthen them.
3Even the Messiah did not please himself. Instead, as Scripture says, “The insults of those who insulted you fell on me.”
4Everything written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement given by Scripture, we might have hope.
5May God, who gives endurance and encouragement, help you live in harmony with one another, following the example of the Messiah Jesus.
6Then, united in heart and voice, you can praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus the Messiah.
7Therefore, welcome one another just as the Messiah welcomed you, so that God will be honored.
8What I mean is that the Messiah became a servant to the Jewish people, who practice circumcision, to show that God is faithful and to confirm the promises made to their ancestors.
9He also did this so that the non-Jewish nations would praise God for his mercy. As Scripture says, “Because of this, I will praise you among the nations, and I will sing to honor your name.”
10Scripture also says, “Celebrate, you nations, together with God’s people.”
11And again, “Praise the Lord, all you nations, and let all peoples praise him.”
12Isaiah also says, “The root of Jesse’s family will appear—one who rises to rule the nations. The nations will place their hope in him.”
13May God, the source of hope, fill you with complete joy and peace as you trust him. Then your hope will overflow through the power of the Holy Spirit.
14My brothers and sisters, I myself am convinced that you are full of goodness, filled with all the knowledge you need, and able to instruct one another.
15Still, I have written rather boldly about some matters to remind you of them. I did this because of the gracious responsibility God gave me:
16to serve the Messiah Jesus among the non-Jewish nations. I perform a priest-like service by announcing God’s good news, so that these nations may become an offering acceptable to God, set apart for him by the Holy Spirit.
17Therefore, because I belong to the Messiah Jesus, I can take pride in the work I do for God.
18I would not dare speak of anything except what the Messiah has accomplished through me to lead non-Jews to obey God—through what I have said and done,
19through the power of signs and wonders, and through the power of the Spirit. In this way, I have fully announced the good news about the Messiah from Jerusalem and the surrounding regions all the way to Illyricum.
20My ambition has always been to announce the good news where the Messiah was not yet known, so that I would not build on a foundation someone else had laid.
21Instead, I followed what Scripture says: “Those who were never told about him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”
22This work is also why I have so often been prevented from coming to see you.
23But now there is no further place for this work in these regions, and for several years I have longed to visit you.
24So when I travel to Spain, I hope to see you as I pass through. After I have enjoyed your company for a while, I hope you will help send me on my way there.
25For now, however, I am going to Jerusalem to serve God’s people there.
26The believers in Macedonia and Achaia were glad to make a contribution for the poor among God’s people in Jerusalem.
27They were glad to do it, and they also owe them this help. Since the non-Jews have shared in the Jewish believers’ spiritual blessings, they ought to serve them in return by meeting their material needs.
28After I have completed this task and safely delivered to them the results of this collection, I will leave for Spain and visit you on the way.
29I know that when I come to you, I will come with the full blessing of the Messiah.
30My brothers and sisters, I urge you, because of our Lord Jesus the Messiah and because of the love the Spirit gives, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
31Pray that I may be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to believe, and that God’s people in Jerusalem will welcome the help I am bringing them.
32Then, if God wills, I can come to you with joy and find rest together with you.
33May the God who gives peace be with all of you. May it be so.