Bear with and receive one another
Romans 15:1–13FocusChrist's example and shared hope
Connection to the wholeThe strong are called to bear with the weak, and Scripture's promises join Jews and Gentiles in praise and hope.
interpretation Romans 15:16
KJVThat I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
Read it in context
Paul's Apostolic Ministry and Travel Plans
Start reading at Romans 15:1 (Romans 15:1 to Romans 15:33).
This passage begins with exhortations for unity among believers, transitions to Paul's explanation of his apostolic ministry to the Gentiles, and concludes with his travel plans and prayer requests, all within the scope of chapter 15.
- 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
- 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
- 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
- 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
- 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
- 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
- 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
- 15:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
- 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
- 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
- 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
- 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
- 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
- 15:15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
- 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
- 15:17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
- 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
- 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
- 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
- 15:21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
- 15:22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
- 15:23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
- 15:24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
- 15:25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
- 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
- 15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
- 15:28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
- 15:29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
- 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
- 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
- 15:32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
- 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 14:1–15:33): Paul addresses believers who differ over foods and days, urging mutual reception, and explains his ministry and travel plans. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is Paul's divinely appointed ministry as a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, specifically ministering the gospel of God so that the Gentiles might become an acceptable offering, sanctified by the Holy Ghost. This is part of a broader discussion of unity between Jewish and Gentile believers and Paul's apostolic calling.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His plan for the inclusion of the Gentiles into His covenant people through the gospel, making them an acceptable offering to Him, sanctified by the Holy Ghost, and carried out through the ministry of His chosen apostle, Paul.
- What is the literary style? The literary style of Romans is an epistle, which is a formal letter. book background
When
- When was it written? The book of Romans was written around A.D. 57. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described, particularly Paul's ministry to the Gentiles, took place during Paul's third missionary journey. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? Paul's ministry, as described, extended from Jerusalem and round about unto Illyricum. He expresses a desire to travel to Spain, passing through Rome.
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Corinth when he wrote this epistle. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Apostolic Ministry and Travel Plans (Romans 15:1 to Romans 15:33). Start reading at Romans 15:1. This passage begins with exhortations for unity among believers, transitions to Paul's explanation of his apostolic ministry to the Gentiles, and concludes with his travel plans and prayer requests, all within the scope of chapter 15.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse explains Paul's apostolic commission and the reason for his bold writing to the Roman believers (Romans 15:15). It follows his exhortation for unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, emphasizing that Christ ministered to both (Romans 15:8-12). Paul's ministry to the Gentiles is the foundation for his travel plans and desire to visit Rome on his way to Spain, after delivering aid to the saints in Jerusalem (Romans 15:23-29). stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Paul identifies himself as 'the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles,' indicating that his entire ministry and calling are centered on and empowered by Christ. The 'gospel of God' that he ministers is the good news of salvation through Christ. The Gentiles become an 'acceptable offering' to God because of Christ's redemptive work, and they are 'sanctified by the Holy Ghost,' whom Christ sent. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to participate in the ministry of the gospel, sharing the good news of God with all people, just as Paul ministered to the Gentiles. We are to present ourselves as living sacrifices, an acceptable offering to God (Romans 12:1-2), and to live lives sanctified by the Holy Ghost, allowing Him to work in and through us for God's glory. interpretation
Cited: Romans 15:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse, and Tertius names himself as the scribe.
Romans 1:1Romans 16:22
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- I should Rom 15:18 Rom 11:13 Acts 9:15 Acts 13:2 Acts 22:21 Acts 26:17-18 1 Cor 3:5 1 Cor 4:1
- ministering Rom 15:29 Rom 1:1 Acts 20:24 Gal 3:5 1 Thess 2:2,9 1 Tim 1:11 1 Pet 1:12
- offering up Rom 12:1-2 Isa 66:19-20 2 Cor 8:5 Phil 2:17 Phil 4:18 Heb 13:16 1 Pet 2:5
- being Rom 5:5 Rom 8:26-27 Acts 20:32 1 Cor 6:19 Eph 2:18,22 1 Thess 5:23
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 15
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions. The first section completes the discussion of receiving one another begun in Romans 14.
Romans 1:1 Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4 Romans 8:9
FocusThe gospel among the Gentiles
Connection to the wholePaul describes his commission and the scope of his labour, explaining both his boldness in writing and his missionary purpose.
interpretation Travel plans and a request for prayer
Romans 15:22–33FocusFellowship across churches
Connection to the wholeThe collection for Jerusalem and the intended journey toward Rome and Spain connect practical service, mission, and the readers' prayers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4
Opening and theme
Romans 1:1–17FocusThe gospel and faith
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
interpretation The need for righteousness
Romans 1:18–3:20FocusSin and accountability
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
interpretation God’s provision in Christ
Romans 3:21–5:21FocusFaith, grace, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
interpretation Newness of life
Romans 6:1–8:39FocusBaptism, service, and life in the Spirit
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
interpretation Israel and the Gentiles
Romans 9:1–11:36FocusPromise, faith, and mercy
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
interpretation Living out God’s mercies
Romans 12:1–15:13FocusService, love, and mutual care
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
interpretation FocusPlans, greetings, and final exhortation
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.