Romans Chapter 15 — Unity and Paul's Mission
Paul encourages those who are strong in faith to support the weak, emphasizes unity between Jews and Gentiles, and outlines his missionary journey.
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Notable Verses
Romans 15:4
“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
This verse explains the purpose of biblical history as a source of instruction and hope for all generations.
Romans 15:13
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
This is a well-known benediction focusing on the joy, peace, and hope provided through faith and the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:20
“yes, making it my aim to preach the Good News, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build on another’s foundation.”
It defines Paul's specific missionary strategy to pioneer gospel work in unreached areas.
Chapter Summary
In Romans 15, Paul continues his exhortation for the strong to support the weak, citing Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of one who did not live to please Himself. He explains that the scriptures were written to provide encouragement and hope to believers. Paul emphasizes the unity of the church, praying that both Jews and Gentiles might glorify God with one voice. He highlights his role as a minister to the Gentiles, noting that his work has spanned from Jerusalem to Illyricum, always aiming to preach where the name of Christ was not yet known. Paul shares his future travel plans, which include a stop in Rome on his way to Spain. However, he first intends to visit Jerusalem to deliver a financial gift from the churches in Macedonia and Achaia for the poor. The chapter concludes with a plea for prayer that his service would be accepted and that he might eventually visit Rome in joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul refers to the 'strong' as those with a mature understanding of their freedom in Christ, while the 'weak' are those with more sensitive consciences regarding specific customs. He urges the strong to prioritize the edification of others over their own preferences.
Paul mentions his intention to travel to Spain after his visit to Rome. He hoped to see the Roman believers during his journey and receive their help and support for the next stage of his mission.
Paul was traveling to Jerusalem to deliver a financial contribution collected from the churches in Macedonia and Achaia. This gift was intended to assist the poor among the saints living in Jerusalem as a gesture of spiritual and material solidarity.
Study Note
Paul’s mention of Illyricum, located in the modern-day Balkans, represents the northwesternmost boundary of his missionary activity recorded in the New Testament.
Related Chapters
Psalm 69:9
Paul quotes this Psalm to illustrate how Christ did not seek to please Himself but bore the reproaches of others.
Acts 20
This chapter provides historical context for Paul's travels through the regions of Macedonia and Greece mentioned in Romans 15.
1 Corinthians 16
This chapter also discusses the collection for the saints in Jerusalem that Paul describes in his letter to the Romans.
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