Romans 15

Romans 15:1

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

We then, that are well grounded in knowledge, and strong in resolution, ought to bear with the infirmities of our weak brethren; departing, in some kind, even from our own right, and not standing upon the terms of our liberty and contentment.

Romans 15:3

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

For Christ himself, who is our perfect pattern, was so far from seeking to please himself, as that he willingly exposed himself to all the contumelies of men; according to that of the Psalm, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell upon me.

Romans 15:4

That we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

That we might thereby be armed with patience, and furnished with strong consolations, against the evil day; and that our hearts may be established in a lively hope of the glory to come.

Romans 15:8

Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

Now I say that Jesus Christ was willing to stoop so low, as to refuse no service for the salvation of mankind; and particularly he graciously condescended, to be as a servant to those of the circumcision, his chosen people of the Jews; that he might make good the truth of God unto them, in the confirmation of those promises, which were made to the fathers:

Romans 15:9

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, &c.

As also of the Gentiles, whom he hath mercifully called; that they may glorify God in his grace and goodness to them; as it is written, &c.

Romans 15:13

With all joy and peace in believing.

With joy in the Holy Ghost: and with that happy peace of conscience, which ariseth in the heart, through a lively faith in Christ. XV. 15, 16. Because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Because God hath trusted me with this great grace, and honourable, howsoever laboursome, privilege; That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, preaching the Gospel unto them; that I may thereby offer up the Gentiles unto God, in this office of my Evangelical priesthood, as an acceptable oblation to him; being sanctified, not by any legal observations, but by the inoperation of the Holy Ghost. XV. 18, 19. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, &c. For I will not dare to set forth myself, by any faculty or worth of my own; or to mention any thing, but that which Christ hath wrought by me, both in my doctrine and actions, for the winning of the Gentiles to obedience: Wherein, indeed, he hath wrought wonderfully, and shewed his Almighty power, in those miraculous works, which we have done through the Holy Ghost; so that from Jerusalem, &c. VOL. IV. Z XV. 20, 21. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, &c. Yea, with the evidence of these signs and wonders, confirming the truth of my doctrine, I have laboured to preach the Gospel to those places, where the name of Christ was never before heard of: not so much striving to bestow my pains, where other men had planted a Church before me; lest I should seem to ease myself by building upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, &c.

Romans 15:23

But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you.

But now, having no further occasion to stay in these parts, for the planting of any new Churches; and having a great desire, these many years, to come unto you.

Romans 15:25

But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

But now I must beforehand go to Jerusalem, to carry thither those contributions and collections, which the Grecian Churches have made for the relief of the poor Christians there.

Romans 15:28

When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit.

After I have carefully and faithfully discharged myself of this trust, which was committed unto me; and delivered this contribution to their hands.

Romans 15:29

And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

And I am sure, that, when I do come unto you, I shall bring with me unto you abundance of spiritual graces; and shall fill you with the blessings of the Gospel of Christ.

Romans 15:31

That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints.

That I may be delivered from the rage and violence of those unbelieving Jews, which are cruelly incensed against me; and that this service of mine, in bringing this collection to Jerusalem, may receive a good construction of those Jews which do believe, and be accepted of them without prejudice of my person or act.