Romans 15:1–13

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

GLORIFY GOD
Romans 15:1–13

Serving Others (1–4)
Although Paul has indicated agreement with the thinking of the strong believers (Rom. 14:14, 20), he now explicitly identifies with them, including himself in the exhortation. In urging the strong to “bear the weaknesses of those without strength,” Paul is not simply asking them “to put up” with those who differ from them. The verb “bear” means the strong are actively and lovingly to assume the burden that the weak are not able to carry themselves, moderating their own conduct to identify with them as much as possible. Therefore they will not seek to “please” themselves but the “neighbor,” hoping to “build up” the other believer. Paul’s use of “neighbor” suggests that he is thinking of the command to love your neighbor (Lev. 19:18).

When the strong act this way, they will be following the example of Christ, who “did not please Himself.” If Christ, as powerful as He was, could give up His own right to life itself, then these strong believers should be able to give up their right to eat meat whenever they want or to drink wine or to ignore Jewish holy days. Paul uses the words of Psalm 69:9b to describe Christ’s attitude: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.” Christ has received the scorn that people were directing at God. Like Jesus, the strong in Rome should be willing to serve in love even those who disagree with them.

In verse 4, Paul explains why he can cite a Scripture from the Old Testament: “For whatever was written before was written for our instruction.” Not only did Scripture serve the needs of its day when it was initially written but it also continues to be relevant in the world today. Scripture is relevant because it speaks to our deepest needs. It is through the endurance taught in Scripture and the encouragement it brings that we are to live in hope.      
          
Getting Along (5–6)
Endurance and encouragement are ultimately God’s gift, though they are mediated through the Scriptures. They tend, however, to be individually appropriated, some realizing them to a greater degree than others. So Paul prays for unity that will minimize differences as all fix their attention on Christ as the pattern for their life. This does not mean believers are intended to see eye to eye on everything, but the more Christ fills the spiritual vision, the greater will be the cohesiveness of the church. This unity creates an atmosphere that allows the people of God to worship. Only when believers cease to quarrel will they be able to praise God as they should.

Treating Others Well (7–12)
In verse 7, Paul summarizes his teaching thus far by commanding believers to “accept one another” just as Christ has accepted them. Beginning in verse 8, Paul focuses on the statement about Christ’s acceptance of all believers and he enlarges on it, first in relation to the Jewish Christians and then in relation to the Gentiles. The central thrust is to show that in these two directions, Christ has fulfilled the anticipations of the Old Testament.

Christ was a servant of the Jews to demonstrate the truthfulness of God. He confirmed the promises made to the patriarchs by fulfilling them. Now the Gentiles can glorify God for the mercy He has shown to them. God had promised Abraham that all the nations of the earth would be blessed by his offspring (Gen. 22:18). God’s great redemptive plan was that through His Son, born a Jew as to His human nature, He might reach out in reconciling love to all peoples (Rev. 5:9). In support of the universal scope of God’s redemptive work through the Messiah, Paul cites four Old Testament Scriptures. These verses reveal that Israel was to be the instrument through whom God’s redemptive work would come to the Gentiles. God had determined to save Jews and Gentiles alike by the death of His Son.

Expressing Hope (13)
Paul concludes with an appeal to God to work among the Roman believers in such a way that the unity he desires for them will become a reality. He prays that God will fill them with all joy and peace so that they can rejoice together in their common hope.