Romans 15

The Example of Christ

1 s We who are strong t have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 u Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For v Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, w "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me." 4 For x whatever was written in former days was written for our y instruction, that through endurance and through z the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you a to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify b the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

8 For I tell you that Christ c became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order d to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs,

9 and in order e that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
f "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and sing to your name."

10 And again it is said,
g "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people."

11 And again,
h "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples extol him."

12 And again Isaiah says,
i j "The root of Jesse will come,
even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
k in him will the Gentiles hope."

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

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

14 m I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, 1 that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with n all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, o because of the grace given me by God 16 to be p a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles q in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that r the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have s reason to be proud of t my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except u what Christ has accomplished through me v to bring the Gentiles to obedience - by word and deed, 19 w by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God - so that x from Jerusalem and all the way around y to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, z lest I build on someone else's foundation,

21 but as it is written,
a "Those who have never been told of him will see,
and those who have never heard will understand."

Paul's Plan to Visit Rome

22 This is the reason why b I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and c since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go d to Spain, and e to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, f I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For g Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed h they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, 2 I will leave i for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing 3 of Christ.

30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by j the love of the Spirit, k to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 l that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that m my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and n be refreshed in your company. 33 May o the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

  1. Cross References
    Galatians 6:1
    Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
  2. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 5:14
    And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
    Romans 14:1
    As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.
  3. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 10:33
    Just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
    1 Corinthians 9:19
    For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
    1 Corinthians 9:22
    To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
    1 Corinthians 10:24
    Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
    Philippians 2:4
    Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
  4. Cross References
    Philippians 2:5
    Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.
    Philippians 2:8
    And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
    John 5:30
    I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.
    John 6:38
    For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.
  5. Cross References
    Psalms 69:9
    For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
  6. Cross References
    Psalms 69:9
    For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.
  7. Cross References
    Romans 4:23
    But the words "it was counted to him" were not written for his sake alone.
  8. Cross References
    2 Timothy 3:16
    All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
  9. Cross References
    Psalms 119:50
    This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.
  10. Cross References
    Romans 12:16
    Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
  11. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 1:3
    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus...
    Ephesians 1:3
    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus...
    1 Peter 1:3
    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus...
    John 20:17
    Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to me, for I h...
    Ephesians 1:17
    That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Fath...
    Revelation 1:6
    And made us a kingdom, priests to his God and F...
  12. Cross References
    Matthew 15:24
    He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
    John 1:11
    He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
    Hebrews 3:1
    Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.
    Acts 3:26
    God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.
  13. Cross References
    Romans 4:16
    That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring - not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.
    2 Corinthians 1:20
    For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.
  14. Cross References
    Romans 3:29
    Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also.
  15. Cross References
    2 Samuel 22:50
    For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to your name.
    Psalms 18:49
    For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name.
  16. Cross References
    2 Samuel 22:50
    For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing praises to your name.
    Psalms 18:49
    For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name.
  17. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:43
    "Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people's land."
  18. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:43
    "Rejoice with him, O heavens; bow down to him, all gods, for he avenges the blood of his children and takes vengeance on his adversaries. He repays those who hate him and cleanses his people's land."
  19. Cross References
    Psalms 117:1
    Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!
  20. Cross References
    Psalms 117:1
    Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!
  21. Cross References
    Isaiah 11:10
    In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples - of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.
  22. Cross References
    Isaiah 11:1
    There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
    Revelation 5:5
    And one of the elders said to me, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.
    Revelation 22:16
    "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."
  23. Cross References
    Matthew 12:21
    And in his name the Gentiles will hope.
  24. Cross References
    Isaiah 11:10
    In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples - of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.
  25. Cross References
    Romans 5:1 - 2
    Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
    Romans 14:17
    For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
  26. Cross References
    2 Peter 1:12
    Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.
    2 Peter 3:1
    This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder.
    1 John 2:21
    I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
  27. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 1:5
    That in every way you were enriched in him in a...
    1 Corinthians 13:2
    And if I have prophetic powers, and understand ...
    1 Corinthians 8:1
    Now concerning food offered to idols: we know t...
    1 Corinthians 8:7
    However, not all possess this knowledge. But so...
    1 Corinthians 8:10
    For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eatin...
    1 Corinthians 12:8
    For to one is given through the Spirit the utte...
  28. Cross References
    Romans 1:5
    Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations.
  29. Cross References
    Romans 11:13
    Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry
  30. Cross References
    Malachi 1:11
    For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts.
  31. Cross References
    Isaiah 66:20
    And they shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the Lord, on horses and in chariots and in litters and on mules and on dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says the Lord, just as the Israelites bring their grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of the Lord.
    Philippians 2:17
    Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
  32. Cross References
    Philippians 3:3
    For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh -
  33. Cross References
    Hebrews 2:17
    Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
    Hebrews 5:1
    For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
  34. Cross References
    Acts 15:12
    And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
    Acts 21:19
    After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
    Galatians 2:8
    (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles).
  35. Cross References
    Romans 1:5
    Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations.
  36. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 12:12
    The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
    Acts 19:11
    And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul.
  37. Cross References
    Acts 22:17 - 21
    When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance
  38. Cross References
    Acts 20:1 - 2
    After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia.
  39. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 10:13
    But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.
    2 Corinthians 10:15 - 16
    We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged.
  40. Cross References
    Isaiah 52:15
    So shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.
  41. Cross References
    Isaiah 52:15
    So shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.
  42. Cross References
    Romans 1:13
    I want you to know, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.
    1 Thessalonians 2:18
    Because we wanted to come to you - I, Paul, again and again - but Satan hindered us.
  43. Cross References
    Romans 15:29
    I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
    Romans 15:32
    So that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
    Romans 1:10 - 11
    Always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.
    Acts 19:21
    Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
  44. Cross References
    Romans 15:28
    When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you.
  45. Cross References
    Acts 15:3
    So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers.
  46. Cross References
    Acts 19:21
    Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
    Acts 20:22
    And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there.
    Acts 21:15
    After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.
    Acts 24:17
    Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.
    Romans 15:31
    That I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints.
  47. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 16:1 - 4
    Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.
    2 Corinthians 8:1
    We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia.
    2 Corinthians 9:2
    For I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
    2 Corinthians 9:13
    By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others.
  48. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:11
    If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?
    Galatians 6:6
    One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.
  49. Cross References
    Romans 15:24
    I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.
  50. Cross References
    Philippians 2:1
    So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy.
    Colossians 1:8
    And has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
  51. Cross References
    Colossians 4:12
    Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
    2 Corinthians 1:11
    You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.
    Colossians 2:1 - 2
    For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face.
    Hebrews 13:18
    Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.
  52. Cross References
    2 Thessalonians 3:2
    And that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.
    2 Timothy 3:11
    My persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra - which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.
    2 Timothy 4:17
    But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
  53. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:4
    Begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints -
  54. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 16:18
    For they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men.
    2 Corinthians 7:13
    Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
    Philemon 1:7
    For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
    Philemon 1:20
    Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
  55. Cross References
    Romans 16:20
    The God of peace will soon crush Satan under yo...
    2 Corinthians 13:11
    Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration...
    Philippians 4:9
    What you have learned and received and heard an...
    1 Thessalonians 5:23
    Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you c...
    Hebrews 13:20
    Now may the God of peace who brought again from...
    1 Corinthians 14:33
    For God is not a God of confusion but of peace....
    2 Thessalonians 3:16
    Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peac...
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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