ROMANS 15 COMMENTARY




I. CONCLUSIONS ON RECEIVING ONE ANOTHER (1-13)

A. The strong are to bear the infirmities of the weak and so follow the example of Christ. (1-3) What did Jesus say in Jn. 8:29 and 12:49. In both word and deed, Jesus did His Father's will. When the Jews fought against Jesus they were fighting against the heavenly Father. As devoted Christians we are bound to suffer persecutions, but the sin is not so much against us as it is against God.

B. The Old Testament scriptures provide perseverance and encouragement from God. (4)
The O.T. was written for the Christians benefit, as well as the Jews. Patience here means steadfastness. The old scriptures are a contributing factor to a Christian's comfort and hope.

C. Exhortation to be like minded so that with one mind and one mouth they may glorify God. (5,6)
The Word is God's power to bring us to salvation. Salvation and hope is delivered through the Word. Paul prays for unity of thought and conduct in Christ Jesus. No one has the right to feel superior to a brother, regardless of previous religious upbringing or lifestyle. It is impossible for a church to glorify the Lord unless "oneness" is achieved.

D. In conclusion, receive one another as Christ received us, to the glory of God. (7)
Though we are of different backgrounds, races and religions we can come together in Christ. Christianity was specifically designed to make peace between the Jew and Gentile (Eph. 2:11-22). We need to extend this to black and white, American and foreign, etc.

E. And thus fulfills Christ's mission to have both Jews and Gentiles glorify God. (8-9a)
The fathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The promises: Gen. 12:1-3; 22:15-18; 26:3,4; 28:13,14. Also see Gal. 3:16. While "minister of the circumcision" could refer to Jesus' ministry among the Jews, perhaps it could mean He was a minister from among the Jews. This interpretation clarifies His mission to the whole world.

F. As foretold by: (9b-12)

1. David, Ps. 18:49

2. Moses, Dt. 32:43

3. The Psalmist, Ps. 117:1

4. Isaiah, Is. 11:10

5. Paul quotes these passages to show that their fulfillment was at hand. Even with strong O.T. evidence such as this, Paul had to contend with the Judaizing teachers everywhere he went.

G. Paul's benediction of joy and peace from God, and hope in the Holy Spirit. (13)
Hope is available to anyone (Eph. 2:12). This hope generates peace of mind and peace with one another. This leads to joy and more peace which in turn builds our hope. It is through the Holy Spirit that such hope is possible. By the revelation of God's word and the confirmation of that revelation by signs and wonders, the Holy Spirit is indeed the source of all knowledge, joy, peace and hope.

II. CONCLUDING EXHORTATIONS AND HIS PLANS TO SEE THEM (14-33)

A. Paul is well aware of their abilities to admonish one another. (14)
He is also aware of the goodness and knowledge they possess. These commendations show us that there were strong Christians at Rome and Paul expected them to carry on the work.

B. The purpose of his writing and how it relates to the Gentiles. (15-21)
Paul's duty as their apostle required him to teach strongly on matters of concern to the church. His apostleship is "the grace given to me by God." (Rom. 12:3; 1 Cor. 3:10; 15:9; Gal. 2:9; Eph. 3:7) Paul was specifically chosen as the apostle to the Gentiles. The word for minister here means more than just servant, it emphasizes the public and voluntary nature of his service. The converts made on Paul's crusades were his offering to God. How were the Gentiles sanctified? Through the word, Eph. 5:26. Any boasting or glory-taking that Paul would have, came directly through the results of his ministry, not through his Jewish ancestry (1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 6:13,14). He would not take credit for the work done by his converts, only for their initial obedience. This fits nicely with the commission given to Paul by the Lord (Acts 26:14-20). Paul's work was accomplished by word (the gospel) and deed (signs and wonders). In both of these tasks, he was enabled by the Holy Spirit. He did not choose the easy places to preach nor the places that paid the highest salary. He preached where the gospel was needed most. His ministry was a fulfillment of prophecy such as Isa. 52:15.

C. His intentions to visit them on his way to Spain. (22-24)
The reason he had not been to Rome was the work he had just described. (see Rom. 1:9-13) Besides wanting to see them he also wanted their help on the journey to Spain.

D. But first he must go to Jerusalem to minister to the poor saints. (25-29)
We can read more about Paul's collection for the saints in 1Cor. 16:1-4; 2Cor. 8:1-7; 9:1-15. Gentiles throughout the world felt an obligation towards their Jewish brethren, because the Messiah had come through the Jews. Even though the Gentiles debt was spiritual and could not be repaid in kind, they had the ability to minister to the physical needs of the Judean saints. Paul indicates that he as well as the Romans are prepared for him to come. "The fullness of the blessings of Christ" could indicate additional spiritual gifts, but certainly includes whatever additional blessings they need.

E. He asks for their prayers. (30-33)
Paul was aware of the dangers of going to Jerusalem. He asks for prayers for two reasons: 1) to deliver him from his enemies, 2) that the gift he was bringing would be acceptable. Many commentators feel that Paul believes these monetary gifts would help to bring the Jewish brethren closer to the Gentile brethren. If his gift was accepted, then he could come to Rome in joy through the will of God. That is, he could relax and enjoy his stay there, knowing he had done all he could for the Judean Christians. Paul obviously did not know how he would eventually come to Rome. Paul closes the hortatory portion of his letter with verse 33.

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