Romans 15

Unity in the Body

1 We who are strong need to bear with the weaknesses of those who are not strong and not just look out for ourselves.

2 Each of us should look to please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

3 Even Christ did not please Himself. Just like it is written: “The insults of those who insult you fell on me.”

4 Everything written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement from the Scriptures, we might have hope.

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same mindset toward each other that Christ Jesus had,

6 So that with one mind and one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 So, accept each other just like Christ accepted you, bringing glory to God.

8 I am saying that Christ became a servant of the Jews to confirm God’s promises to the OGs (the patriarchs),

9 And so that the non-Jews (the Gentiles) might glorify God for His mercy. Like it is written: “I will praise you among the nations; I will sing about your name.”

10 Again, it says, “Rejoice, you nations, with His people.”

11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you nations; let all the peoples praise Him.”

12 And Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, the One who will rule over the nations; in Him the nations will put their hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s Ministry

14 You all, I am convinced you are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and able to instruct each other.

15 But I have written you quite boldly on some things to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me

16 To be a minister of Christ Jesus to the non-Jews. I serve the gospel of God so that the non-Jews might become an offering to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

17 So, I boast in Christ Jesus about the work I do for God.

18 I will not dare speak about anything except what Christ has done through me to lead the non-Jews to obey God, by what I have said and done.

19 By the power of signs and miracles, 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.

20 It has always been my goal to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.

21 As it is written: “Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”

22 That is why I have been held up from coming to you all.

23 But now there is no place left for me to work in these regions, and I have been wanting to visit you all for a long time.

24 I plan to visit you on my way to Spain. I hope to see you, and you all can help me on my journey once I have enjoyed your company for a minute.

25 Right now, I am headed to Jerusalem to serve the saints there.

26 The churches in Macedonia and Achaia were happy to contribute to the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.

27 They were glad to do it, and they owe it to them. Because if the non-Jews have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to them to share material blessings.

28 So, after I have done that and made sure they got the money, I will head to Spain and stop by to see you all on the way.

29 I know when I come to you, I am bringing a full blessing from Christ.

30 I am begging you all, brothers and sisters, 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 Pray that I will be kept safe from the non-believers in Judea and that the service I am bringing to Jerusalem will be accepted by the saints there,

32 So I can come to you with joy by God’s will and get refreshed when I am with you.

33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.