Rom 15:1-4 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Rom 15:1-4: 15:1-4 We who are strong: Paul aligns himself with those he identifies as strong in faith, and he reveals that the division in the Roman church was not simply between Jews and Gentiles. Like Paul, some Jews had enlightened consciences and so were counted among the strong. Similarly, some Gentiles were so strongly influenced by Jewish teaching and tradition that they were among the weak in faith. • must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this: This phrase is reminiscent of Gal 6:2 . Paul did not want the strong to simply put up with those who were weak in faith; rather the strong were to actively and sympathetically assist the weak in living out their Christian faith with integrity (see also Gal 5:13-15 ).

a15:1-4►

bGal 6:2►

cGal 5:13-15►

d15:2►

eLev 19:18►

fRom 13:9►

g15:3►

hPs 69:9►

iPsalm 69►

jMatt 27:34►

kMark 15:35-36►

lLuke 23:36►

mJohn 15:25►

n19:28-29►

o15:4►

‏ Romans 15:1-4

Summary for Rom 15:1-4: 15:1-4 ^a We who are strong: Paul aligns himself with those he identifies as strong in faith, and he reveals that the division in the Roman church was not simply between Jews and Gentiles. Like Paul, some Jews had enlightened consciences and so were counted among the strong. Similarly, some Gentiles were so strongly influenced by Jewish teaching and tradition that they were among the weak in faith.

• must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this: This phrase is reminiscent of Gal 6:2 ^b. Paul did not want the strong to simply put up with those who were weak in faith; rather the strong were to actively and sympathetically assist the weak in living out their Christian faith with integrity (see also Gal 5:13-15 ^c).
15:2 ^d others (literally the neighbor): See Lev 19:18 ^e, quoted in Rom 13:9 ^f. Love for others should govern the conduct of people who are strong in faith.
15:3 ^g This quotation is from Ps 69:9 ^h.

• A number of passages in the New Testament use Psalm 69 ⁱ to describe Jesus’ suffering (Matt 27:34 ^j; Mark 15:35-36 ^k; Luke 23:36 ^l; John 15:25 ^m; 19:28-29 ⁿ). Paul’s quotation of just a small portion of that psalm evokes the whole experience of Jesus’ suffering.
15:4 ^o Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us: All that God caused to be recorded in the Old Testament has supreme relevance to believers, who experience the fulfillment of God’s plan.