American King James Version - AKJV - 1999
Romans 15
1
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Reference
3
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached you fell on me.
Reference
Parallel theme
Psalm 69:9
Philippians 2:8
John 4:34
John 5:30
John 6:38
Matthew 10:25
Matthew 26:42
John 8:29
Psalm 69:20
References Christ
2 Corinthians 8:9
4
For whatever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Reference
5
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Peter 3:8
Romans 12:16
Psalm 86:5
2 Peter 3:15
References Christ
Ephesians 5:2
Philippians 1:27
References God
Romans 15:13
2 Corinthians 13:11
Exodus 34:6
References Jesus
1 Corinthians 1:10
6
That you may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Reference
Parallel theme
Acts 4:32
References God
Revelation 1:6
Acts 4:24
References Jesus
Ephesians 1:3
2 Corinthians 11:31
1 Peter 1:3
John 20:17
2 Corinthians 1:3
7
Why receive you one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Reference
Glory
Romans 5:2
Ephesians 1:18
Ephesians 1:12
Parallel theme
Matthew 10:40
John 13:34
Mark 9:37
Luke 9:48
Luke 15:2
John 6:37
References God
Romans 15:9
8
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers:
Reference
Covenant
2 Corinthians 1:20
Romans 4:16
Parallel theme
Matthew 15:24
John 1:11
John 10:16
References God
Romans 3:3
Romans 11:30
Romans 11:22
Acts 13:46
References Jesus
Romans 15:16
9
And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.
Reference
11
And again, Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; and laud him, all you people.
Reference
Resurrection
Psalm 117:1
12
And again, Esaias said, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
Reference
Faith
Matthew 12:21
Kingdom
Daniel 7:14
Parallel theme
Isaiah 11:10
Isaiah 11:1
Revelation 22:16
Revelation 5:5
1 Corinthians 15:19
Genesis 49:10
13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Reference
Faith
John 14:1
Galatians 5:22
1 Peter 1:8
Holy
Romans 14:17
Hope
Romans 12:12
Hebrews 6:11
Peace
John 14:27
Isaiah 55:12
References God
2 Corinthians 9:8
Romans 15:5
14
And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brothers, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Reference
15
Nevertheless, brothers, I have written the more boldly to you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
Reference
Grace
Romans 12:3
1 Corinthians 15:10
Romans 1:5
Parallel theme
2 Peter 3:15
References God
1 John 5:13
16
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.
Reference
Parallel theme
Romans 11:13
Acts 9:15
2 Timothy 1:11
References Christ
Romans 15:18
2 Corinthians 5:20
References God
1 Timothy 1:11
References Jesus
Romans 1:1
Acts 20:24
Sacrifice
Philippians 2:17
Hebrews 13:16
17
I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
Reference
Glory
2 Corinthians 12:1
2 Corinthians 7:4
References God
Hebrews 5:1
Hebrews 2:17
References Jesus
Philippians 3:3
18
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not worked by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
Reference
Parallel theme
Acts 15:12
Romans 1:5
Acts 21:19
Proverbs 25:14
Galatians 2:8
Word
Romans 16:26
2 Thessalonians 2:17
19
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about to Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Reference
📍 Illyricum
20
Yes, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation:
21
But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
Reference
22
For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
Reference
Parallel theme
Romans 1:13
23
But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you;
Reference
24
Whenever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
Reference
📍 Spain
26
For it has pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
27
It has pleased them truly; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in carnal things.
Reference
28
When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
Reference
📍 Spain
29
And I am sure that, when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
Reference
30
Now I beseech you, brothers, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
Reference
Love
Philippians 2:1
Parallel theme
Colossians 2:1
Prayer
Colossians 4:12
2 Corinthians 1:11
1 Thessalonians 5:25
2 Thessalonians 3:1
References Jesus
2 Corinthians 4:11
31
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
Reference
32
That I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Corinthians 16:18
2 Corinthians 7:13
Philemon 1:7
Philemon 1:20
2 Timothy 1:16
References God
Acts 18:21
Summary of Romans 15
Romans 15 continues Paul's teaching about Christian unity by telling stronger believers to support those who are weaker rather than using their freedom only for themselves, because Christians should follow the example of Christ, who willingly served others instead of living simply for His own comfort.
Paul explains that the Scriptures were given to provide instruction, endurance, encouragement, and hope, and he prays that Jewish and Gentile believers will live together in unity so that their united worship will bring glory to God.
He then shows that Christ's mission includes both Israel and the nations, because Jesus came as a servant to confirm God's promises to the Jewish ancestors while also bringing God's mercy to Gentiles, something Paul shows was already promised in Israel's Scriptures.
Paul describes his own ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles, explaining that he has traveled widely through the eastern Roman Empire, preaching Christ where people had not yet heard the Gospel and establishing communities rather than simply building on the work of other missionaries.
After completing much of his work in the East, Paul explains that he plans to travel to Rome and then continue toward Spain, but before doing so he intends to visit Jerusalem and deliver financial help collected from Gentile churches for poor Jewish believers there.
The chapter ends with Paul asking the Roman Christians to pray for his safety, his acceptance in Jerusalem, and his future visit to Rome, showing that Christian mission was not simply his personal project but something that depended on God's help, prayer, cooperation, and unity among believers.
Historical Context
Romans 15 was written around AD 56–58, when Paul was completing a major period of missionary work in the eastern part of the Roman Empire.
The first part of the chapter continues the important problem addressed in Romans 14: Jewish and Gentile Christians had different backgrounds and personal practices, and Paul wanted them to stop treating those differences as reasons for division.
Paul's call for the stronger to support the weaker was especially important because early Christian communities often met in private homes, where believers shared meals, worship, teaching, and practical support.
Paul then returns to the larger question of Jew and Gentile unity, explaining that Christ came both to confirm God's promises to Israel and to bring mercy to the nations.
His quotations from the Old Testament show that Paul believed Gentile inclusion was not an unexpected change but part of God's long-term plan, with passages from the Psalms and Isaiah pointing toward the nations joining God's people in worship.
The reference to Jesse is particularly important because Jesse was the father of King David, so Paul's quotation connects Jesus with Israel's royal family and the promises associated with David's line.
Paul's description of his missionary work provides valuable information about the early spread of Christianity.
By the time he wrote Romans, Paul had traveled through areas including Syria, Asia Minor, Macedonia, Achaia, and regions near Illyricum, establishing Christian communities and preaching in major cities.
Macedonia and Achaia were Roman provinces in Greece and contained important Christian communities, including churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth.
Paul's reference to Illyricum points toward the western Balkan region along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea, showing how far his missionary activity had reached.
Paul's goal was not simply to visit existing Christian communities but to preach where Christ was not already known, which explains why he spent years traveling rather than remaining in one location.
His planned journey to Spain is especially interesting because Spain represented one of the westernmost areas of the Roman Empire, and traveling there would have extended Paul's missionary vision far beyond the eastern Mediterranean.
The New Testament does not clearly tell us whether Paul eventually reached Spain, although early Christian tradition later associated Paul with missionary work in the western part of the empire.
Before traveling west, Paul planned to visit Jerusalem with a financial collection gathered from Gentile churches for poor believers there.
This collection was more than financial assistance because it also represented unity between Gentile and Jewish Christians: Gentile believers had received spiritual blessings through the Jewish Scriptures, Jewish Messiah, and Jewish apostles, so Paul believed it was right for them to respond with practical generosity.
Paul's request for prayer also shows that he expected serious opposition during his journey to Jerusalem, making it clear that missionary work in the first century could involve danger, uncertainty, rejection, and physical hardship.
The central message of Romans 15 is that Christian strength should be used to serve others, and Christian differences should be overcome through love, unity, and a shared focus on Christ.
Paul points believers toward Jesus as the greatest example of selfless service, because Christ did not live simply to please Himself but willingly accepted suffering for the good of others.
The chapter also shows that Jewish and Gentile believers belong together, because God's plan includes both Israel and the nations, and the Scriptures already pointed toward people from every nation praising God together.
Paul's missionary example demonstrates that Christians are called not only to care for existing believers but also to take the message of Christ to people who have not yet heard it, while churches should support one another through prayer, generosity, and practical help.
The collection for Jerusalem shows that Christian unity should become visible through real acts of generosity, especially when one part of the Christian community is experiencing need.
Romans 15 ultimately presents a picture of a worldwide Christian family in which strong believers support weaker believers, Jewish and Gentile Christians worship together, churches share their resources, missionaries reach new places, and everyone depends on God's grace and peace.
Paul explains that the Scriptures were given to provide instruction, endurance, encouragement, and hope, and he prays that Jewish and Gentile believers will live together in unity so that their united worship will bring glory to God.
He then shows that Christ's mission includes both Israel and the nations, because Jesus came as a servant to confirm God's promises to the Jewish ancestors while also bringing God's mercy to Gentiles, something Paul shows was already promised in Israel's Scriptures.
Paul describes his own ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles, explaining that he has traveled widely through the eastern Roman Empire, preaching Christ where people had not yet heard the Gospel and establishing communities rather than simply building on the work of other missionaries.
After completing much of his work in the East, Paul explains that he plans to travel to Rome and then continue toward Spain, but before doing so he intends to visit Jerusalem and deliver financial help collected from Gentile churches for poor Jewish believers there.
The chapter ends with Paul asking the Roman Christians to pray for his safety, his acceptance in Jerusalem, and his future visit to Rome, showing that Christian mission was not simply his personal project but something that depended on God's help, prayer, cooperation, and unity among believers.
Historical Context
Romans 15 was written around AD 56–58, when Paul was completing a major period of missionary work in the eastern part of the Roman Empire.
The first part of the chapter continues the important problem addressed in Romans 14: Jewish and Gentile Christians had different backgrounds and personal practices, and Paul wanted them to stop treating those differences as reasons for division.
Paul's call for the stronger to support the weaker was especially important because early Christian communities often met in private homes, where believers shared meals, worship, teaching, and practical support.
Paul then returns to the larger question of Jew and Gentile unity, explaining that Christ came both to confirm God's promises to Israel and to bring mercy to the nations.
His quotations from the Old Testament show that Paul believed Gentile inclusion was not an unexpected change but part of God's long-term plan, with passages from the Psalms and Isaiah pointing toward the nations joining God's people in worship.
The reference to Jesse is particularly important because Jesse was the father of King David, so Paul's quotation connects Jesus with Israel's royal family and the promises associated with David's line.
Paul's description of his missionary work provides valuable information about the early spread of Christianity.
By the time he wrote Romans, Paul had traveled through areas including Syria, Asia Minor, Macedonia, Achaia, and regions near Illyricum, establishing Christian communities and preaching in major cities.
Macedonia and Achaia were Roman provinces in Greece and contained important Christian communities, including churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth.
Paul's reference to Illyricum points toward the western Balkan region along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea, showing how far his missionary activity had reached.
Paul's goal was not simply to visit existing Christian communities but to preach where Christ was not already known, which explains why he spent years traveling rather than remaining in one location.
His planned journey to Spain is especially interesting because Spain represented one of the westernmost areas of the Roman Empire, and traveling there would have extended Paul's missionary vision far beyond the eastern Mediterranean.
The New Testament does not clearly tell us whether Paul eventually reached Spain, although early Christian tradition later associated Paul with missionary work in the western part of the empire.
Before traveling west, Paul planned to visit Jerusalem with a financial collection gathered from Gentile churches for poor believers there.
This collection was more than financial assistance because it also represented unity between Gentile and Jewish Christians: Gentile believers had received spiritual blessings through the Jewish Scriptures, Jewish Messiah, and Jewish apostles, so Paul believed it was right for them to respond with practical generosity.
Paul's request for prayer also shows that he expected serious opposition during his journey to Jerusalem, making it clear that missionary work in the first century could involve danger, uncertainty, rejection, and physical hardship.
The central message of Romans 15 is that Christian strength should be used to serve others, and Christian differences should be overcome through love, unity, and a shared focus on Christ.
Paul points believers toward Jesus as the greatest example of selfless service, because Christ did not live simply to please Himself but willingly accepted suffering for the good of others.
The chapter also shows that Jewish and Gentile believers belong together, because God's plan includes both Israel and the nations, and the Scriptures already pointed toward people from every nation praising God together.
Paul's missionary example demonstrates that Christians are called not only to care for existing believers but also to take the message of Christ to people who have not yet heard it, while churches should support one another through prayer, generosity, and practical help.
The collection for Jerusalem shows that Christian unity should become visible through real acts of generosity, especially when one part of the Christian community is experiencing need.
Romans 15 ultimately presents a picture of a worldwide Christian family in which strong believers support weaker believers, Jewish and Gentile Christians worship together, churches share their resources, missionaries reach new places, and everyone depends on God's grace and peace.