Pleasing Others, Not Ourselves Romans 15:1–6 1 Romans 15:1. We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.2 Romans 15:2. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.3 Romans 15:3. For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.”4 Romans 15:4. For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.5 Romans 15:5. Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus,6 Romans 15:6. so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Glorifying God Together Romans 15:7–13 7 Romans 15:7. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God.8 Romans 15:8. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,9 Romans 15:9. so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name.”10 Romans 15:10. Again, it says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.”11 Romans 15:11. And again: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and extol Him, all you peoples.”12 Romans 15:12. And once more, Isaiah says: “The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope.”13 Romans 15:13. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
From Jerusalem to Illyricum Romans 15:14–21 14 Romans 15:14. I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, brimming with knowledge, and able to instruct one another.15 Romans 15:15. However, I have written you a bold reminder on some points, because of the grace God has given me16 Romans 15:16. to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.17 Romans 15:17. Therefore I exult in Christ Jesus in my service to God.18 Romans 15:18. I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed,19 Romans 15:19. by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.20 Romans 15:20. In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.21 Romans 15:21. Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”
Paul’s Travel Plans Romans 15:22 22 Romans 15:22. That is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.23 Romans 15:23. But now that there are no further opportunities for me in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to visit you,24 Romans 15:24. I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And after I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me for my journey.25 Romans 15:25. Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints there.26 Romans 15:26. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.27 Romans 15:27. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings.28 Romans 15:28. So after I have completed this service and have safely delivered this bounty to them, I will set off to Spain by way of you.29 Romans 15:29. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.30 Romans 15:30. Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.31 Romans 15:31. Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there,32 Romans 15:32. so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.33 Romans 15:33. The God of peace be with all of you. Amen.
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Pray with this chapter A short prayer for the reader. This is not Scripture and is kept distinct from the Berean text.
Father, as we read Romans 15 (Pleasing Others, Not Ourselves), give us a quiet heart, a willing mind, and the grace to live what you show us. Amen.
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