Romans 15

Accept One Another

1 We who [are] strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please [his] neighbor for [his] good, to build [him] up. 3 For even Christ {did} not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.” ▼

▼Psalm 69:9

4 For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. 5 Now {may} the God [who gives] endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one mind [and] one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ the Servant of Jews and Gentiles

7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God. 8 For I tell [you that] Christ has become a servant of [the] Jews on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs, 9 [so that] the Gentiles may glorify God for [His] mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise You among [the] Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name.” ▼

▼2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49

10 Again, it says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” ▼

▼Deuteronomy 32:43

11 And again: “Praise the Lord, all [you] Gentiles, and extol Him, all [you] peoples.” ▼

▼Psalm 117:1

12 And once more, Isaiah says: “The root of Jesse will appear, [One who] will arise to rule over [the] Gentiles; in Him [the] Gentiles will put their hope.” ▼

▼Isaiah 11:10

13 Now {may} the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe [in Him] , so that you may overflow with hope by [the] power [of the] Holy Spirit.

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

14 I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, brimming with knowledge, and able to instruct one another. 15 However, I have written you a bold reminder on some points, because of the grace God has given me 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become [an] acceptable offering to God, sanctified by [the] Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I exult in Christ Jesus in [ my service ] to God. 18 I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading [the] Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, 19 by [the] power of signs and wonders, [and] by [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 In this way, I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone [else’s] foundation. 21 Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” ▼

▼Isaiah 52:15

22 That is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.

Paul's Travel Plans

23 But now that [there are] no further opportunities for me in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to visit you, 24 I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And [after] I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me [for my journey] . 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints [there] . 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased [to do it] , and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual [blessings] , they are obligated to minister to them with material [blessings] . 28 So after I have completed this [service] and safely delivered this bounty to them, I will set off to Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in [the] fullness of the blessing ▼

▼TR and BYZ include of the gospel

of Christ. 30 Now I urge you, brothers, 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 may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and [that] my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints [there] , 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. 33 The God of peace [be] with all of you. Amen.