로마서 Chapter 15

Translation: ESV

1

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Key Message

The spiritually strong are to use that strength not for their own pleasure but in service to weaker brothers — this is to imitate Christ.

▸Continuing from chapter 14, the responsibility of the strong is stated more explicitly.

Continuing from chapter 14, the responsibility of the strong is stated more explicitly. 'We have an obligation (ὀφείλομεν)' to bear with them — this is not an option but a duty. 'Not to please ourselves' is a command to relinquish self-centeredness. The purpose of strength is to serve the weak.

Related Verses

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3

For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, 'The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.'

Key Message

Christ's self-sacrifice is the ultimate basis and motivation for why we should bear the burdens of others and give up our own comfort.

▸The ultimate basis for the strong not pleasing themselves is the example of Christ.

7

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Key Message

Just as Christ has welcomed us, we are to welcome one another, and this mutual acceptance glorifies God.

▸This is the core command of chapter 15.

13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Key Message

God is the source of hope, and by the power of the Holy Spirit he fills his people with joy and peace and causes hope to overflow in them.

▸This is the concluding benediction prayer of the section 15:1–13.

16

to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Key Message

Gospel ministry is a holy act of worship presented to God, and the people who come to God through the gospel themselves become offerings presented to him.

▸Paul describes his gospel ministry using the remarkable expression 'priestly service (ἱερουργοῦντα).

20

and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation,

Key Message

The pioneering spirit of the gospel is the holy ambition to preach the gospel in new lands where it has not yet been established.

▸Paul's missionary principle is revealed — his goal was to preach the gospel in new places where it had not yet been proclaimed, rather than in places already reached.

33

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

Key Message

God is the source of peace, and he is the one who grants peace to a community experiencing division and conflict.

▸A concise benediction concludes chapter 15.