Romans 15 - Summary

Historical setting

Paul writes to the church at Rome in the mid-first century, decades after Christ's death. Rome was the capital of the empire that stretched from Jerusalem eastward to Spain westward. The church there contained both Jewish believers (who had followed the law of Moses) and Gentile converts (non-Jews). Tension between these two groups was real: the question of whether Gentiles needed to obey Jewish law had divided churches elsewhere. Paul is writing before his planned visit, and he knows that Jerusalem, the centre of Jewish Christianity, awaits him.

Life and customs

In the Jewish tradition, the scriptures (what we call the Old Testament) were read as instruction for living and as prophecy fulfilled. To cite them was to settle an argument by showing that God had written it. The "weak" in verse 1 refers to believers whose consciences were stricter or more fearful, not to the poor or ill; the "strong" are those confident that certain old laws no longer bind them. "Carnal things" in verse 27 means material goods as opposed to spiritual instruction. The "contribution" mentioned in verse 26 was a real collection of money Paul had gathered from Gentile churches to send to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, a gesture meant to show unity between the two groups.

What the text says

The chapter opens with an appeal: the strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak and not please themselves (verses 1-2). Christ is the model, for he did not please himself (verse 3, quoting from the Psalms). The scriptures exist for the reader's learning and hope (verse 4). Paul prays that God will grant unity in mind and voice so that both Jews and Gentiles glorify God together (verses 5-7). He explains that Christ was "a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God" to confirm promises to the Jewish fathers, and also so that Gentiles would glorify God for his mercy (verses 8-9). He then cites four Old Testament passages showing Gentiles praising God (verses 9-12). Another prayer follows: that God fill them with joy and peace in believing (verse 13). Paul commends the Romans' goodness and knowledge (verse 14), then explains why he has written boldly to them: because of the grace given to him to be Christ's minister to the Gentiles (verses 15-16). He has preached from Jerusalem around to Illyricum and refuses to build on another's foundation, seeking to preach where Christ is not yet named (verses 17-20, with a scriptural citation in verse 21). This is why he has been hindered from visiting them (verse 22). Now, desiring to see them after many years, he plans to go to Spain and will visit Rome on the way, asking them to send him onward (verses 23-24). First, he must go to Jerusalem to minister to the saints, for Macedonia and Achaia have given a contribution for the poor saints there (verses 25-26). The Gentiles owe this service, since they share in the Jews' spiritual things (verse 27). Once he has delivered this offering, he will come to Rome en route to Spain (verse 28), confident that his visit will bring "the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ" (verse 29). He requests prayer that he be delivered from unbelievers in Judaea and that his service to Jerusalem be accepted by the saints (verses 30-31). His prayer is that he may come to them with joy and be refreshed (verse 32). The chapter closes with a blessing of peace (verse 33).

Takeaways

• The unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ is the driving concern: they are to receive each other as Christ received both groups.
• Paul's apostolic mission is to preach in new regions rather than where the gospel already has foundation.
• The collection for Jerusalem's poor is a concrete expression of Gentiles' obligation to share material goods with Jews who gave them spiritual teaching.