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Paul finishes his teaching on “the strong and the weak” by making the “strong” own the responsibility: real strength doesn’t insist on its own way—it bears with the failings of the weak and aims to build others up (vv. 1–2). Christ is the model. Jesus did not please Himself; He endured reproach and suffering in order to do the Father’s will and serve others (v. 3; cf. Ps. 69:9). Paul also reminds the church why the Old Testament still matters: what was written before was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (v. 4; cf. 2 Tim. 3:16–17). This leads into Paul’s prayer for unity—harmony that results in one voice glorifying God (vv. 5–6)—and his central command: welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God (v. 7).
Then Paul lifts their eyes to the bigger story: Jesus became a servant to the Jews to prove God’s truthfulness and confirm His promises to the patriarchs, and He also saved Gentiles so they would glorify God for mercy (vv. 8–9). Paul strings together OT texts from the Law, the Writings, and the Prophets to show this was always God’s plan: Gentiles rejoicing with God’s people, praising the Lord, and hoping in the Root of Jesse—the Messiah who rules the nations (vv. 9–12; cf. Deut. 32:43, Ps. 117:1, Isa. 11:10). Paul ends this section with a prayer that fits the whole point: that the God of hope would fill them with joy and peace in believing, so they overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 13).
In the rest of the chapter, Paul explains why he wrote so boldly to a church he didn’t plant: God gave him grace to serve as Christ’s minister to the Gentiles, and he sees his gospel work like a priest presenting an offering—Gentile converts made acceptable and sanctified by the Spirit (vv. 15–16). He boasts only in what Christ has done through him—by word, deed, and the Spirit’s power—as he preached from Jerusalem to Illyricum (vv. 18–19). Paul’s ambition has been pioneer mission work, preaching where Christ hasn’t been named (vv. 20–21; cf. Isa. 52:15), which is why he has been hindered from visiting Rome (v. 22). Now he hopes to come to them on his way to Spain and be helped by them (vv. 23–24, 28–29), but first he must deliver a collection from Gentile churches to the poor saints in Jerusalem—an act meant to strengthen unity between Jewish and Gentile believers (vv. 25–27). He closes by urging them to strive with him in prayer—for protection, for the gift to be received well, and for joyful fellowship when he finally arrives (vv. 30–33).
🌀 Reflection:
Where do you most feel the pull to “please yourself” instead of building others up? Romans 15 says Christian maturity looks like Jesus—willing to carry burdens, pursue unity, and treat Scripture as a steady source of endurance and hope (vv. 1–4). The church’s unity isn’t a side issue; it is meant to make God’s glory visible as we worship “with one voice” (vv. 6–7).
💬 Mission Challenge:
Pray for and support gospel work beyond your normal circle. Choose one missionary, church planter, or local evangelistic effort this week: encourage them with a message, intercede specifically for their protection and fruitfulness (vv. 30–32), and if possible give toward their work as a tangible act of partnership in the mission (vv. 24, 27).
Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.3 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.
Just Keith Harris 