Romans 15:14-33

Text

Romans 15:14-33. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Romans 15:15 But I write the more boldly unto you in some measure, as putting you again in remembrance, because of the grace that was given me of God, Romans 15:16 that I should be a minister of Christ Jesus unto the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:17 I have therefore my glorying in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God. Romans 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any things save those which Christ wrought through me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed, Romans 15:19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Holy Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and around about even unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ; Romans 15:20 yea, making it my aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man's foundation; Romans 15:21 but, as it is written,

379.

What new thought is introduced by verse seven?

380.

Why the use of the Old Testament prophesies in Romans 15:9-12?

381.

How does the thought of Christ ruling the world relate to mutual helpfulness?

They shall see, to whom no tidings of him came,
And they who have not heard shall understand.

Romans 15:22 Wherefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you: Romans 15:23 but now, having no more any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come unto you, Romans 15:24 whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company)Romans 15:25 but now, I say, I go unto Jerusalem, ministering unto the saints. Romans 15:26 For it hath been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints that are at Jerusalem. Romans 15:27 Yea, it hath been their good pleasure; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things. Romans 15:28 When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by you unto Spain. Romans 15:29 And I know that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of Christ.

Romans 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; Romans 15:31 that I may be delivered from them that are disobedient in Judea, and that my ministration which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints; Romans 15:32 that I may come unto you in joy through the will of God, and together with you find rest. Romans 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

REALIZING ROMANS, Romans 15:14-33

612.

Paul gives a very generous compliment in Romans 15:14. If they were full of both goodness and knowledge, why did he write them as he did?

613.

Does the phrase able to admonish one another suggest the order of service in the Roman church? Are we doing today what they did then in this matter of admonishing one another?

614.

Paul wrote to the saints in Rome to stir up their memory. What would they be able to remember that would help them? He gives his authority for so writing. What was it?

615.

Paul seems to look upon himself as both a minister and priest in Romans 15:16. Show how. What is the meaning of sanctified by the Holy Spirit?

616.

Is the word boasting a good synonym for glorying in Romans 15:17?

617.

Paul had spoken of many other things even to these brethren. How are we to understand Romans 15:18?

618.

What distinction is there between the power of signs and wonders and the power of the Holy Spirit? cf. Romans 15:19.

619.

Locate Illyricum on the map and marvel with me at the accomplishments of the Apostle. Is Paul here speaking of his own personal preaching or the preaching he directed?

620.

Why would Paul be reticent to build upon another man's foundation?

621.

Verse twenty-one has marvelous application today. There are 120 countries and only 28 of them have gospel preaching. Why is it we do not answer the call of those who have never heard?

622.

Why was Paul hindered from coming to the saints in Rome?

623.

From where was this epistle written? What is meant by saying having no more place in these regions?

624.

Paul planned an evangelistic tour of Spain. Did he go?

625.

What were the saints in Rome going to do for Paul on his journey to Spain?

626.

At the time of the writing Paul was on his way to Jerusalem with an offering. Read the references in his other letters regarding this offering. Why was it taken? How long did it take to obtain it? Who carried it? From whom was it taken?

627.

Paul felt Gentiles had a debt to pay to the Jews. What was it?

628.

In what sense is money carnal?

629.

Sealed to them this fruitwhat a picturesque phrase. What does it mean?

630.

Wasn-'t Paul a little presumptuous to assume help from the brethren in Rome?

631.

What is the fullness of the blessing of Christ?

632.

Is the love of the Spirit in Romans 15:30 the Spirit's love or our love for the Spirit?

633.

Note and number the three requests of Paul's prayer.

634.

What effect would prayers have on the disobedient in Judea?

635.

Give the meaning of the word strive in Romans 15:30. Are we to strive in our prayers? Do you do it?

636.

There is in Romans 15:31 a most wonderful picture of unselfishness. Paul requests earnest prayer on behalf of the reception of an offering. Show the unselfishness in it.

637.

Paul came to Rome, but not to rest. What were the circumstances of his coming?

638.

In all the doxologies and benedictions there is a request. Just how would it be fulfilled? If it were, how would we know it?

Paraphrase

Romans 15:14-33. However, my brethren, though I have given both instruction and reproof, I have not a mean [low] opinion either of your knowledge or virtue. For even I myself am persuaded concerning you, that, in general, ye are full of good dispositions; and that, being filled with all knowledge of the Christian doctrine, ye are able also to instruct one another.

Romans 15:15 But, notwithstanding my good opinion of you, I have written the more boldly to you, brethren, partly as calling things to your remembrance, which I am qualified to do through the grace of apostleship given me of God. (Romans 1:5; Romans 12:6.).

Romans 15:16 In order to my being a public minister of Jesus Christ among the Gentiles, ministering to them as a priest the knowledge of the gospel of God, that by their believing it, there might be an offering of the Gentiles most acceptable to God, being cleansed from their former impurities by the influences of the Holy Ghost accompanying my preaching.

Romans 15:17 I have therefore cause of boasting, through Christ Jesus, with respect to my success in things pertaining to God; my success in presenting the Gentiles an acceptable offering to God.

Romans 15:18 Now, though I might justly claim praise on account of the success of my disciples, yet I will not, in this boasting, dare to speak any thing of what Christ hath not wrought, but of what he hath wrought by me personally, in order to make the Gentiles obedient to the gospel, both in profession and practice, (see Romans 1:5; Romans 15:26.)

Romans 15:19 By the power of miracles, performed by me on the sick and maimed, and what is still greater, by the power of the gifts of the Spirit of God, communicated by me to the Gentiles; so that, beginning at Jerusalem, and going through the countries round about as far as Illyricum, I have fully and successfully preached the gospel of Christ.

Romans 15:20 And it became me thus diligently to preach the gospel, not where Christ was acknowledged, that I might not build on another man's foundation: that would have been to perform the office of a subordinate teacher, which is far more easy than that of an apostle.

Romans 15:21 But I have preached to the most ignorant nations, so that, as it is written, they shall know the Saviour, to whom nothing hath been told concerning him by their instructors; and they who have not heard the method of salvation explained, shall understand it fully.

Romans 15:22 For which reason also, that I resolved to preach the gospel to those who had never heard it, I have been oftentimes hindered from coming to you.

Romans 15:23 But now, having no more opportunity in these parts to preach to persons who have not heard the gospel, and having for many years entertained a strong desire to come to you who are in Rome,

Romans 15:24 Whensoever I go towards Spain, I will come to you: For in my journey to that country, where, by preaching the gospel, I expect to turn the idolatrous inhabitants from Satan to God, I hope to see you at leisure, and to be accompanied a part of my way thitherward by some of you, after I shall first be made happy for a while with your company.

Romans 15:25 But at present I go to Jerusalem with the money I have collected for the brethren in Judea.

Romans 15:26 For the churches in the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a liberal contribution for the relief of the poor of the brethren who are in Jerusalem in great distress.

Romans 15:27 They have been pleased, verily, to make this contribution: and they have done well; because they are under great obligations to the Jewish Christians. For if the Gentiles have received of their spiritual things, if they have received from them the knowledge of the gospel, they ought certainly to minister to them of their worldly goods in their present need.

Romans 15:28 Wherefore, having finished this business, by delivering the money at Jerusalem, and having secured to the Jewish saints the fruit of the love which the Gentiles bear to them, I will go from Judea by you into Spain.

Romans 15:29 And from my experience of God's working by me, I know that when I come, I shall come empowered to bestow on you abundantly the gifts of the Spirit, (Romans 1:11.), which are the peculiar blessing of the gospel of Christ.

Romans 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, by all that the Lord Jesus Christ hath done for you, and by the love which the Spirit hath showed to you, in giving you his manifold gifts, that ye strive together with me, by earnestly praying for me to God;

Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from the disobedient in Judea, and that my service, in making the collections, which I am performing to the saints in Jerusalem, may be acceptable to them, and contribute to remove the prejudices which they entertain against the Gentile Christians for not obeying the law:

Romans 15:32 That in joy, on account of the reconciliation of the Jewish to the Gentile brethren, I may come to you by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed by the happiness following that reconciliation.

Romans 15:33 Now, may God, the author of peace, and who I hope will produce peace between the Jews and Gentiles, be with you all: and to show my sincerity in this wish, I say Amen.

382.

How can God fill us with hope and joy?

383.

What is the relationship to the joy of the Holy Spirit in our being at peace with one another?

Summary

The Apostle prays that the God of hope may fill the disciples in Rome with all peace and joy in believing what he has written. Although he has spoken plainly to them, and signified his disapprobation of certain things among them, still he is far from thinking meanly of them. On the contrary, he is persuaded that they are full of knowledge, and altogether able to teach and admonish one another. His bold manner in places is assumed in virtue of his apostolic office. The great object of his labors is that he may be enabled at last to present the Gentiles as a glorious and acceptable offering to God. He mentions the vast extent of his labors, and assigns the reason for wishing to preach where Christ had never been named.
The Apostle's multiplied labors in different countries had often hindered him from executing a purpose long since formed of one day visiting Rome. But now being without a place in those regions to preach the gospel where it had not before been preached, he decides to make the visit soon. But, first, he must go into Judea to carry a contribution from Greece and Macedonia to the poor brethren in Jerusalem. This service performed however, he proposes next a journey to Spain, and decides to see Rome on his way. He very ardently desires to be delivered, while in Judea, from the unbelieving Jews there, and that his alms may be acceptable to the poor disciples for whom they were intended.

384.

Why have we said verse fourteen is a delicate piece of diplomacy?

385.

Why the sharp application in parts of the letter?

386.

In what sense did Paul consider himself a priest?

387.

How could Paul boast and still be humble?

Comment

II.

Conclusion. Romans 15:13 to Romans 16:27

1.

Personal Matters. Romans 15:13-33

Paul is to now speak of some of the results of applying the principles discussed in earlier verses. The great God who is the source and foundation of our hope of heaven can fill us with joy and peace if we believe what has been said about getting along with one another. Only when we are thus full of peace and joy can the Holy Spirit produce in us with power the abounding hope of glory. The importance of being at peace with one another is surely here pointed out.

Romans 15:14 is indeed a delicate piece of diplomacy. Paul says that he has the greatest confidence in their goodness and knowledge. He suggests that he is not writing to them because he feels they are stubborn and ignorant. On the contrary, most of them were ready to receive his instructions and well able to carry them out. It is not to be thought that all the saints in Rome were filled with goodness or filled with knowledge, but this was true of many of them. Paul wants to compliment them, and by so doing, to encourage those who lacked, to measure up.

Parts of this letter are very sharp in application to personal life, says Paul. This is true so that you saints in Rome might recall to mind the truths you learned when you became Christians, and some of those since that time. Paul says he has done this because of his apostolic office. God has constrained him so to write. Most especially is this true because he was called to minister to the Gentiles. The Roman church had many Gentiles. Paul came to them and to all nations, performing his sacred function in administering the good news of God that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Paul looks upon himself in analogy, as one standing before the altar of God as a priest offering the Gentiles who have believed up to God. This sacrifice or offering will be acceptable because it is pure and holy, pure because the Holy Spirit has made it pure. It is here stated that we as Christians are kept pure by the Holy Spirit so that one day we will be accepted by God. What a wonderful, encouraging thought!
Because many Gentiles had been presented to God by Paul, he was enabled to boast in Christwhich is something far different from boasting in himselfin matters relating to God. Paul rejoices in God's wonderful accomplishments through him.

388.

In what sense was the gospel fully preached? Did every person hear?

389.

Why was Paul hindered in coming to those in Rome? What caused the hindrance?

390.

What did Paul expect from those at Rome?

Romans 15:18 indicates that Paul will mention only those things in which he was personally concerned. It would be difficult to evaluate the work of another, but what Christ has done in and through me I can most certainly tell. This seems to be the meaning here.

Now follows in three short phrases the summation of all of Paul's work. What did God through Christ accomplish by Paul? Here it is: (1) Many, many wonderful acts by the power of the Spirit; (2) much inspired teaching and preaching by word and deed; (3) the words and deeds fully confirmed in those who heard and received, by signs and wonders. All of this was to one glorious end, the obedience of the Gentiles.
In carrying out the commission given to him, Paul says that, considering Jerusalem as a geographical center, he has fully preached the gospel of Christ even as far as Illyricum. When Paul was in Ephesus all Asia heard the word. Paul so labored himself and so encouraged others that the message was spread throughout the whole district in which he preached. Surely he labored more abundantly than them all.
It was a matter of personal honor with the apostle to work in virgin territory. There might be several reasons advanced for so doing, but the one Paul gave was that he might not build on another man's foundation. This has real advantages, as any preacher of experience will agree.
Paul saw in this type of preaching a fulfillment of prophecy from Isaiah. To those who have never heard, to those who do not seeto these shall I bring divine understanding and sight. What a grand objective for every preacher.
For the very reason just cited, that he had found so many places where Christ had not been preached, Paul was often hindered in his desire to visit the church at Rome. At the writing of the epistle the situation had changed. In all of the area around the great city of Corinth he had fully preached the gospel. One cannot but wonder just what is entailed in fully preaching to the thousands who lived near Corinth. How was it done and who did it?
Paul is not planning a visit to Rome just to see the saints there, but to be helped by them on his way to evangelize Spain. Did Paul fulfill his wish to see Rome? We know he did, but under far different circumstances than he first planned. Did he preach in Spain? We do not know.

391.

For whom was the offering taken? How many participated? How long was it in gathering?

392.

The love of Christ was surely perfected in Paul. What indicates this?

393.

Name the three requests in the prayer of Paul.

It is both encouraging and different to read of Paul's attitude toward the support of the gospel by those in Rome. Paul had never seen them, and yet he assumes in all confidence they will offer him financial and material assistance when he sees them on his way to Spain. Paul expected to be equipped by the brethren in Rome. While there, Paul also expected to rejoice with them in their mutual faith. In this he could not be fully satisfied, for time would not permit.

The time and place of the writing of the epistle are indicated in Romans 15:25-26. By referring to the Acts account and other references, we conclude that Corinth and the third missionary journey were the place and time.

The saints of Judea and Jerusalem were very much in need of food and clothing. This need was met, upon the insistence of Paul. It was more than a year in gathering, and seven men were used to carry it. It was taken from a wider area than just Macedonia and Achaia, reaching even to Galatia.

Paul lays down a principle in Romans 15:27 that would find application in his relationship with many of the Gentile Christians in Rome. The Gentiles of Macedonia (in the churches of Thessalonica, Philippi, Berea) felt a debt must be paid to those in Jerusalem. The offering was a payment in material means for the spiritual blessings of the gospel. The gospel came from the Jews: we are their debtors.

Romans 15:28 is very much like Romans 15:24. The addition in Romans 15:28 is the route he is to take on his way to Rome, and the reason for it.

When Paul arrived in Rome he would come with the whole council of God. To the holy in Rome he would impart the marvelous blessings of the gospel. There would be signs and wonders to confirm the word, but the spiritual benefit would be in the teaching and preaching.

Romans 15:30-31 give an insight into Paul's feelings regarding his visit and gift to the poor in Jerusalem. He says in thought, It is my most earnest desire that you battle with me in prayers that I might be protected from the merciless hands of certain who hate me in Judea. In addition to this, he says, Allow the love of Christ and the love of the Holy Spirit to prompt you to join with me in the most earnest of petitions that none in the Jerusalem church will refuse the money I bring for them. How the love of Christ had been perfected in Paul can here be seen. He prayed for those who hated him, for those who misunderstood him, and not in a perfunctory manner but with all his heart and called upon Gentiles to do likewise.

394.

What seems to suggest that Phoebe was the one who delivered the letter to Rome?

395.

Was Phoebe a deaconess?

We might add Romans 15:32 to the prayer request, for it is a part of it. The whole request has three parts: (1) To be delivered from evil men; (2) the offering to be acceptable; (3) to arrive in Rome with joy and refreshment. The first part was not answered. The second was. The third was modified. Thus does God grant an answer that is better than our requests. He knows what is best, and we are satisfied to rest in this confidence.

Romans 15:33 contains a most beautiful and meaningful benediction. What more could anyone ask or wish than to have the assurance that God was with him always?

Rethinking in Outline Form

c.

Exhortations to Mutual Helpfulness. Romans 15:1-13.

(1)

The strong to help the weak. Romans 16:1 cf. Romans 14:1; Galatians 6:2.

(2)

To please others. Romans 16:2-3.

This is to be limited by pleasing them only in the things that are good and lead to edifying. This is exemplified by Christ. cf. Romans 14:19; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Psalms 69:9.

(3)

Things written aforetime are for our learning. Romans 16:4 cf. 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 10:6-13.

(4)

To be of the same mind one toward another. Romans 15:5-7.

(a)

To be of the same mind. Romans 15:5. This condition is from God and according to Christ.

(b)

With one mouth we are to glorify God. Romans 15:6.

(c)

To receive one another even as Christ received us. Romans 15:7.

(5)

Christ made a minister of the circumcision that the Gentiles through the confirmation of the promises given unto the fathers, might glorify God. Romans 15:8-12.

Romans 15:10 is found in Deuteronomy 32:43. Romans 15:11 in Psalms 117:1. Romans 15:12 in Isaiah 11:10.

B.

Conclusion. Romans 15:14 to Romans 15:27.

1.

Personal Matters. Romans 15:14-33.

a.

Paul's confidence in the Roman brethren. Romans 15:14.

b.

Reason for writing so boldly. Romans 15:15-16.

c.

His labors as an apostle. Romans 15:17-21.

(1)

His glorying all in Christ. Romans 15:17-19 a.

(2)

He had fulfilled his mission of preaching the gospel. Romans 15:19 b.

(3)

He endeavored to preach in new fields. Romans 15:20-21.

d.

His purpose to visit them on his way to Spain. Romans 15:22-27.

(1)

Had been hindered by the many new fields opening to preach the gospel. Romans 15:22.

(2)

Now looking toward new frontiers in Spain. Romans 15:23-24.

(3)

His going to Jerusalem with an offering for the poor. Romans 15:25-27.

(a)

The comparative references that explain this offering are as follows: Acts 24:17; Acts 19:21; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:2.

(b)

The word contribution in Romans 15:26 is the same as fellowship in Acts 2:42.

(c)

The Gentiles of Macedonia and Achaia owed the Jews material support since it was through them they received spiritual life. Romans 15:27.

(4)

To visit the Romans as soon as he was finished. Romans 15:28-29. His plans were changed. He was taken prisoner to Rome.

e.

Requests for prayers for himself. Romans 15:30-33.

(1)

The nature of the request. Romans 15:30.

(2)

That he might be delivered from disobedient ones. Romans 15:31 a.

(3)

That his ministration will be acceptable. Romans 15:31 b.

(4)

That he might come unto them in Rome with joy. Romans 15:32.