Bible Commentaries
Romans 15

Verse 1

THE LAW OF LOVE AND DOUBTFUL THINGS

1) "We then that are strong ought," (opeilomen de hemeis hoi dunatoi) "What is more, we who are dynamic, strong, or physically well and able, ought," have an obligation, a moral and ethical responsibility, a Christian duty. The strong in the faith must bear, forbear, or bear with the weaker in the faith, bear with the less stable, Galatians 6:2;

. 2) "To bear the infirmities of the weak," (ta asthenemata ton adunaton bastazein) "To continually bear the weaknesses, physical afflictions and emotional afflictions, infirmities of those who are not strong or dynamic any more," of those whose body and mind are ravaged, broken down, or decrepit by reason of age and sin working in the body --and of the crippled, afflicted or deformed by birth, Acts 20:35; 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

3) "And not to please ourselves," (kai me heautois areskein) "And not to continually please ourselves;" The bearing and caring for the aged is almost totally ignored by so many Christians in the affluent society of the day. Selfishness, greed, and preeminence of "self-first" pervades the present age, while lonely and forlorn aged fathers and mothers are left to suffer physical and emotional pangs in lonely deserted sorrow. Such ought not to be. Even children whom parents brought into the world, fed, clothed, provided medicine when they were ill, seldom come to their side, write, call or send oft-needed financial help any more. Children for whom they once gave their lives, food, clothes, and shelter, turn a deaf ear to their prayers. Sons and daughters in good strength of years, too often go blindly on ignoring their parents physically and emotionally broken plight, while they go headlong along "pleasing themselves."

To please ones self alone is cruel selfishness when a weak and wrecked infirm one lays by helpless and in physical, emotional, and spiritual need of care and comfort, Matthew 25:41-45; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. A believer is to give support and show compassion to the weak and infirm, even of all ages, Matthew 8:17.

Verse 2

1) "Let every one of us please his neighbor," (hekastos hemon to plesion apesketo) "Let each of us please the one near him," the neighbor, Jew or Gentile, 1 Corinthians 10:32-33. To please ones neighbor is not to be in itself the end-purpose of Christian action of helpfulness, but to the end of pleasing God, in helping ones neighbor, under love’s restraint, Galatians 1:10; Romans 13:8; Romans 13:10. The pleasing of ones neighbor is to be for the purpose of helping him spiritually.

2) "For his good to edification," (eis to agathon pros oikodomen) "With reference to the vital or inner good, to build him up or edify him;- that the weaker or even infirm brother may be strengthened in the faith and built up in character. As Christ gave his life doing good to others, helping even the poor, infirm, and afflicted, so should every maturing stronger Christian; Philippians 2:4-5; 1 Corinthians 9:19; 1 Corinthians 9:21; 1 Corinthians 10:24; 1 Corinthians 10:33; Acts 10:38; Galatians 6:10.

Verse 3

1 ) "For even Christ pleased not himself," (kai gar ho Christos ouch heauto eresen) "Because even Christ pleased not himself, sought not, did not just what pleased him;” The good of others was his object of care continually, Matthew 17:27; Luke 9:51; Philippians 2:5-8; John 4:34; John 5:30.

2) "But as it is written," (alla kathos gegraptai) "But in direct contrast, just as it has been written, witnessed, verified or recorded;" Paul considered that fulfilled Old Testament prophecies regarding Christ, attested the inspiration, trust-worthiness, or accuracy of them, Psalms 69:9.

3) "The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me," (hoi oneidismoi ton oneidizonton se epepesan epi eme) "The reproaches of those reproaching you fell, came down upon me;" At no time was this more evident perhaps than when he was nailed to the cross, 1 Peter 2:23-24; Isaiah 53:7. The punishment of, or that was due the wicked, was laid on Jesus, as he bare our sins in his body on the tree, John 6:38; Galatians 3:13.

Verse 4

ALL RACES ARE ONE BY NATURE IN SALVATION

1) "For whatsoever things were written aforetime," (hosa gar proegraphe) "For whatever things were previously written, witnessed or recorded," in the scriptures, 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:18-21.

. 2) "Were written for our learning," (eis ten hemeteran didaskalian egraphe) "Were written with view to our learning or teaching," for our benefit, our help, our instruction, 1 Corinthians 9:9-10; 1 Corinthians 10:11.

3) "That we through patience and comfort of the scriptures," (hina dia tes hupomones kai dia tes parakleseos ton graphon) "In order that through the scriptures we might have patience and comfort," for the present, as taught in the Scriptures, that may be derived from the Scriptures; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Hebrews 13:5-6.

4) "Might have hope," (ten elpida echomen) "And in order that we might have, hold, or possess hope," for the future. The body of Holy Scriptures offer an anchor of hope and blessed assurance for the present help and future glory for every obedient believer in Jesus Christ, Jew and Gentile, with special hope and glory in and through the church, Psalms 119:160; Romans 1:15-16; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 3:21; Hebrews 6:17-20; Titus 2:13.

Verse 5

1) "Now the God of patience," (ho de theos tes hupomones) "Moreover the God of patience," from whom patience originates, "the fountainhead of patience"; This is a prayer of Paul that the Roman brethren might glorify God in helping others.

2) "And consolation," (kai tes parakleseos) "And the God of comfort," the source, origin, or "fountainhead of comfort," that was introduced in the previous verse; Philippians 2:1-3; Hebrews 10:36-37.

3) "Grant to you to be like-minded," (doe humin to auto phronein) "Grant to you to mind or to attend continually, unceasingly, to the same thing," the like disposition, the identical attitude in moral judgment and temper that Jesus had, to cherish harmony and unity, 1 Corinthians 1:10; Romans 12:16.

4) "One toward another according to Christ Jesus," (en allelois kata Christon desoun) "Among one another, according to the pattern of Christ"; according to his will and example; 1 Corinthians 11:11; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Ephesians 4:32.

Verse 6

1) "That ye may with one mind," (hina homothumadon) "In order that (we may) with one accord," in harmony or in symphony, harmoniously together, or you all of the church at Rome may in harmony and unity. The Jerusalem church, newly empowered of the Holy Ghost, was of one mind, accord, and testimony, Acts 4:24; Acts 4:32.

2) "And one mouth glorify God," (en eni stomati doksazete ton theon) "With one mouth ye may glorify the (true) God," that you all may unanimously glorify God by your mouth, or testimony, Acts 1:8; Ephesians 4:1-4; Acts 5:12; Acts 5:41-42. When the strong bears (with) the infirmities of the spiritually weak, they come to glorify God together more effectively, Romans 14:1; Romans 15:1-3; Galatians 6:1-2.

3) "Even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," (kai patera tou kuriou hemon lesou Christou) "Even the one who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Jesus Christ is "The Son of God," the "only begotten son", of the Father, John 3:16; Galatians 4:4-5.

Verse 7

1) "Wherefore receive ye one another," (dio proslambanesthe allelous) "Wherefore you all receive one another," as a person, in Christian attitude and fellowship toward one another; Receive one another as brethren in the church, whether weak or strong. You can help a person where he is or be helped where you are, John 13:34-35; Galatians 6:2; 1 John 4:21.

2) "As Christ also received us," (kathos kai ho christos proselaboto hemas) "Just as Christ also (or even as Christ also) received us"; He held no sin or weakness or infirmity against us. He saved us and called us to follow him, each for what we are and may be for him. So should we receive one another, Romans 14:1-3; Ephesians 4:32; Luke 9:23; John 1:11-12; John 15:16.

3) "To the glory of God," (eis dokson tou theou) "Unto or with regards to the glory of God;" 1 Corinthians 10:31, to the praise or adoration of God. The weak Christian is welcomed by the Heavenly Father. Why should he not be by his stronger brethren? Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; Ephesians 1:6; Romans 4:20; Romans 16:27. For his faithfulness and mercy we glorify him, La 3:22; Hebrews 13:5.

Verse 8

1) "Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision," (Lego gar christon diakonon gegenesthai peritomes) "For I say that Jesus Christ became a minister of the circumcision," one who came to labor for the circumcision, the Jew first, John 1:11-12; Romans 1:16; Matthew 15:24; Acts 3:25-26. He was sent particularly, with priority, to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," Matthew 15:24-28.

2) "For the truth of God," (hyper aletheias theou) "On behalf of the truth of God," to save his people from their sins, Isaiah 53:1-6; Matthew 1:21; 2 Corinthians 1:20.

3) "To confirm the promises made unto the fathers," (eis to Bebaiosai tas epangelias ton pateron) "With the view to confirm the promises of the fathers," or the promises given to the fathers - to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, or originally given to them, Galatians 4:4-5; Romans 3:30; Romans 4:9; John 1:45.

Verse 9

1) "And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy," (ta de ethne huper eleous doksasai ton theon) "And that the nations might glorify God on behalf of or in response to his mercy." To bring in mercy to the Gentiles, John 10:16; The Gentiles are his "other sheep", other than natural Israel, Ephesians 2:14; Psalms 18:49; Galatians 3:28.

2) "As it is written," (kathos gegraptai) "Just as it has been written, witnessed, or recorded;" attesting the truth, accuracy, believability or trustworthiness of Old Testament prophecy, Hosea 2:23; Romans 9:25; 1 Peter 2:10.

3) "For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles," (dia touto eksmologesomai soi en ethnesin) "Because of this I will confess to thee among the nations," a quotation from Psalms 18:49; Isaiah 42:6-7.

4) "And sing unto thy name," (kai to onomati soul psallo) "Sing and praise thy name," or "I will also make music of heart and musical instrument to thy name," of the kind of music and praise commanded in the psalms (general) and commended by Paul for Christian worship, Psalms 33:1-8; Psalms 87:5-7; Psalms 150:1-6; Ephesians 5:18-20; Colossians 3:16-17.

Verse 10

1) "And again he saith," (kai palin legei) "And again he says, discloses, or gives forth," in praise-like words, Psalms 18:43-50.

2) "Rejoice, ye Gentiles," (euphranthete ethne) "Be glad of your own accord or volition, ye nations", Moses foretold the subjection of the Gentiles to God, with his people Israel, Deuteronomy 32:43-44. This prophecy of Moses was in song together with Hoshea, the Son of Nun, who is believed to have accompanied him with instrumental music in the solo prophecy.

3) "With his people," (meta tou laou autou) "With, in association with his people," the people of Israel, then known as the people of God, his chosen. Isaiah 42:6-7; Isaiah 49:6-7; Isaiah 60:3; Matthew 4:13-16; Luke 2:30-32; Acts 13:47-49; Romans 9:24-30.

Verse 11

1) "And again," (kai palin) "And, even, or also I say," once more, I repeat.

2) "Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles," (ainete panta ta ethne ton theon) "Praise ye the Lord, all ye heathen, nations, or Gentiles," Psalms 117:1; It is little wonder that Paul instructed brethren at Ephesus and Colosse to praise the Lord with Psalms, since they prophetically praised God for Gentile redemption and fellowship with God, Ephesians 5:18-20; Colossians 3:16-17.

3) "And laud him, all ye people," (kai epainesatosan auton pantes hoi laoi) "And let all the people praise, extol, or laud him"; Psalms 33:1; Psalms 33:8; Psalms 150:6; The earth and all the Lands are to rejoice in his goodness and mercy, Psalms 97:1; Psalms 100:1.

We, his people, his church, called from among the Gentiles are to offer sacrifices of praise, Hebrews 13:15; 1 Peter 1:7; 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Peter 2:9-10. This we do in worship, witness, and service in obedience to his commission to us, John 20:21; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8.

Verse 12

1 ) "And again Esaias saith," (kai palin Isaias legei) "And again Isaiah says," prophecies, foretells, or announces. The prophecy rises to a tempo of rhythmic-musical hope and rejoicing, and praise, as Isaiah writes:

2) "There shall be a root of Jesus," (estai he hriza tou lessai) "There shall come to be the root-stock of Jesse"; From the Father of David this root-stock was back to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 11:10; Isaiah 53:1-2; Revelation 5:5; Revelation 22:16. This is the sum of fulfilled prophecy regarding redemption’s triumph for Gentiles as well as Jews.

3) "And he shall rise to reign over the Gentiles," (kai ho anistomenos archein ethnon) "And he shall be rising up of his own accord to rule nations"; The increase of his government shall have no termination at his return, till all earth’s governments are under his jurisdiction in peace, Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:32-33; 1 Corinthians 15:24-25; Revelation 11:15.

4) "In him shall the Gentiles trust," (ep’ auto ethne elpiousin) "On or in him will the nations or Gentiles hope"; Psalms 102:15; Isaiah 60:3; Matthew 12:21; Acts 10:43-46; Acts 11:18; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 1:14-16.

Verse 13

1) "Now the God of hope fill you," (ho de theos eis elpidos plerosai humas) "May the God of hope fill you all," the God who gives hope, may he fill you all, Romans 15:5: Hebrews 13:20; He is also the God of peace, from whom peace originates and comes to men, Galatians 5:5; Colossians 1:23; Colossians 1:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Psalms 39:7; Psalms 71:5.

2) "With all joy and peace in believing," (pases charas kai eirenes en to pisteuein) "With all joy and peace in continually believing," or as you keep on believing. Note, if a believer, or when a believer doubts God’s Word or promises he must not expect God’s joy and peace in an abounding or ever present experience. It is in or by trust, faith, or believing that peace and joy fill and abide with the saint, not in doubting, John 15:11; John 16:33; Romans 12:12; Romans 14:17.

3) "That ye may abound in hope," (eis to perisseuein humas en te elpidi) "In order for you to go forward or go on continually in the gift of hope," Romans 5:1-5; have an abundance of continuing hope, Hebrews 6:17-19; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 3:15; We are to be sober, serious and hope (with expectancy) to the end of Iife, 1 Peter 1:13.

4) "Through the power of the Holy Ghost," (en dunamei pneumatos hagiou) "In (the) enabling power of the Holy Spirit". who enables men to witness and labor effectively for Christ, Acts 1:8; Romans 8:14; Luke 4:14; Luke 4:18.

Verse 14

HIS MINISTRY AND PLANNED JOURNEY V. 14-33

1) "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren," (pepeismai de adelphoi mou, kai autos ego peri himon) "And brethren, I myself even, have been persuaded concerning you all"; "I myself, who have addressed you so plainly, almost bluntly at times." This is not flattery, but an expression of Paul’s assured convictions regarding the Roman brethren Romans 1:8. Their faith had been spoken of throughout the world.

2) "That ye also are full of goodness," (hoti kai autoi mestoi este agathosenes) "That you all are also full of an inner-goodness," a goodness or kindness coming- from your hearts, without any help from me. Charitable goodness, kindness, and understanding of the weak and infirm, are fruits of compassion reflected repeatedly in the Life of our Lord, worthy of existence in our daily lives, Romans 14:1-23; Galatians 5:22.

3) "Filled with all knowledge," (pepleromenoi pases tes gnoseos) "Having (even) been filled of your own accord, will, or volition of all the knowledge," knowledge of Christian Doctrine, 2 Peter 1:12; 1 John 2:21.

4) "Able also to admonish one another," (dunamenoi kai allelous nouthetein) "Being enabled also to continually admonish one another," to put one another in mind, to remind one another of moral, ethical, doctrinal, and practical daily responsibilities to God, one another, the church, and the lost world, John 20:21; Matthew 6:33; John 13:34-35; Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25.

Verse 15

1 ) "Nevertheless, brethren," (de) "Moreover, (what is more, brethren)", The goodness, kindness, and knowledge of brethren do not remove from them the need of Divine counsel and instructions, Proverbs 3:3-5; Hebrews 12:1-2.

2) “I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort," (tolmeroteros egrapsa humin apo merous) "And more daringly I wrote to you in part," partly for the purpose; The Christian teacher can be bold in exhorting good and wise men. 1 Timothy 3:15-16; Ephesians 4:1-4.

3) "As putting you in mind," (hos epanamineskon humas) "As of reminding you," causing you to recall; or to remind them of things they already knew, to stir them up to be doers of the Word, John 15:14; John 14:15; James 1:22; 2 Peter 1:12-13; 2 Peter 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:6.

4) "Because of the grace that is given to me of God," (dia ten charin ten dotheisan moi apo tou theou) "Because of the grace or through the grace doled out to me from God," for the help of you Gentiles, 1 Corinthians 1:4; Romans 6:1; 2 Peter 3:18. The favor of God granted Paul his apostleship, Ephesians 3:7-8. He always felt a debt of Gratitude to God for that Grace and call to preach the gospel of Grace to others, Romans 1:14-16.

Verse 16

1 ) "That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles", (eis to einai me leitourgon Christou lesou eis ta ethne) "That I should be a minister of Christ Jesus to the nations, heathen, or Gentiles"; one who does spiritual services, especially the preaching of the gospel, in obedience to his holy calling, Romans 11:13; Galatians 2:7-10; Ephesians 3:8.

2) "Ministering the Gospel of God," (hierourgounta to evangellion tou theou) "Sacrificing gospel of God," or priestly administering, offering, or presenting the good news of God;" to the Gentiles to whom he was called of God and sent by the church, Acts 9:15-16; Acts 13:2-3; Acts 26:15-20.

3) "That the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable," (hina genetai he prosphora ton ethnon euproselektos) "In order that the offering of the nations may be acceptable;" This refers to their offering worship and service to Him, thru the church, called from among the Gentiles for his name’s sake. Matthew 4:13-20; Acts 10:37; Acts 15:14; Ephesians 3:8-11; Ephesians 3:21.

4) "Being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, " (hegiasmene en pneumati hagio) "As it has been sanctified by or in the Holy Spirit"; From the Holy Ghost Baptism of the church, as afore promised, (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4) until today, the church of Jesus Christ, as an institution, has had his indwelling sanctifying power and spirit; John 16:8-11; And the church is an habitation of God, thru the spirit, wherever baptized believers as lively-stone-saints are duly framed (covenanted) together to do the Master’s bidding, Ephesians 2:19-22; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Each such body, congregation, or assembly is the body of Christ, the bride of Christ, the church of Christ, the house of God, or the Temple of God in a particular locality.

Verse 17

1 ) "I have therefore," (echo oun) "I have, hold, or possess therefore"; In my office and the fruit of my labors, Romans 1:5; Romans 11:13.

2) "Whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ," (ten kauchesin en christo lesou) "The occasion (of) boasting in Jesus Christ"; an occasion of boasting in Christian labors in Christ, not in the laborer, John 15:5; Galatians 6:13-14.

3) "In those things which pertain to God," (ta pros ton theon) "in things that pertain to (the glory of) God;- In nothing else would be glory, Acts 21:18-21. He rehearsed these things God had done thru his ministry, to James, pastor of the Jerusalem church, and the elders, Philippians 3:10-14.

Verse 18

1 ) "For I will not dare," (ou gar tolmeso) "Because I will not dare," or presume, with egotism or arrogance of self-glory, for "no flesh" should glory in God’s presence, 1 Corinthians 1:29; 1 Corinthians 1:31.

2) "To speak of any of those things," (ti lalein on) "To speak or express myself at length of anything which"; 1 Corinthians 2:2-5; 1 Corinthians 3:5-8; 1 Corinthians 3:21. Paul dare not lay claim to work done by Apollos, Cephas, Christ, or any other for such claim for credit was vainglorious and dishonorable, 1 Corinthians 3:8.

3) "Christ hath not wrought by me," (ou kateirgasato Christos di’ emou) "Christ did not work out through me"; He would not attempt to take credit for the work of others, or lay false claims for credit for work others had done, Galatians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 15:10-11. Christ working in Paul was the key to his success. Let us profit from this lesson, John 15:5-6.

4) "To make the Gentiles obedient, by Word and deed," (eis hupakoen ethnon logo kai ergo) "For (obtaining) obedience of the Gentiles or nations in Word and work," or in deed, in what they do and the way they live, in profession and in practice, James 1:22; Matthew 5:15-16; Romans 12:1-2.

Verse 19

1) "Through mighty signs and wonders," (en dunamei semeion kai teraton) "In dynamic signs and wonders"; These terms are used to describe miracles that accompanied Paul’s apostolic ministry to attest that he was from God, as of our Lord, John 3:2; Mark 6:2; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:4.

2) "By the power of the Spirit of God " (en dunamei pneumatos) In enablement or dynamics of (the) Spirit"; the term power refers to the influence of the Holy Spirit that accompanied both the preaching and miracle ministry of God’s men in Old and New Testament days till the Bible was completed, at which time miraculous gifts ceased, Proverbs 1:22-23; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Ephesians 4:7-12.

3) "So that from Jerusalem," (hoste me apo lerousalem) “So that originating from Jerusalem"; from the home-base of the empowered church, the sanctified, dedicated church, Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4. Directionally his ministry was north, east, and west of Jerusalem, Acts 9:28-29; At Antioch Acts 11:26; Cyprus Acts 13:7-8; Antioch in Pisidia, Acts 13:14; Acts 13:44-48; Iconium Acts 14:11; Lystra and Derbe Acts 14:6-7; Perga Acts 14:25; Phrygia and Galatia Acts 16:6; Philippi Acts 16:12-13; Thessalonica Acts 17:1-4; Berea Acts 17:10-12; Pisidia Acts 14:24; Athens Acts 17:16; Corinth Acts 18:1-13; Ephesus and Asia, Acts 19:1-10; Macedonia, Acts 20:3; Greece, Acts 20:1-38.

4) "And round about unto Illyricum," (kai kuklo mechri tou Ilurikou) "And around in travel unto Ilyricum"; Round about in mission journeying from Jerusalem in Israel to Illyricum in the Roman Province on the Northeast coast of the Adriatic Sea; all this travel preceded his later visit to Rome, Romans 1:14-16.

Verse 20

1 ) "Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel," (houtos de philotimoumenon euangelizesthoi) "And thus, or in this manner I have been striving eagerly to evangelize," of my own accord or heart’s yearning. For he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ and sought by alI means to save some, Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 9:20-23.

2) "Not where Christ was named," (ouch hopou onomasthe christos) "Not where Christ was named," or had a reputation, not in territories, localities where the name of Christ was prominently known. He was a pioneer in mission work most everywhere he went, though he often found believers when he arrived, as in Philippi, Acts 16:13. To name Christ was to confess him to be what he claimed to be, Luke 19:10.

3) "Lest I should build upon another man’s foundation," (hina me ep’ allotrion thermelion oikodomo) "In order that I should not build on a foundation belonging to another"; He did not desire to snatch praise from the labors of others and take credit to himself, 1 Corinthians 1:14-17; 1 Corinthians 3:4-10.

Paul neither boasted nor intruded his ministry into the operations of others. This defensive certification of the nature of his ministry pervades 2 Corinthians 10:1-18.

Verse 21

1) "But as it is written," (alla kathos gegraptoi) "But just as it has been written or recorded," the apostle accepted the Old Testament scriptures as truthful, accurate, and beneficial, often using them to convince the uncertain, 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

2) "To whom he was spoken of, they shall see," (Opsontai ois ouk aneggele peri autou) "They, to whom it was not proclaimed (at the beginning), shall see concerning him"; Paul used the Scriptures as his guide in understanding the call of the Gentiles, as well as the Jews Isaiah 52:15. The Gentiles were to see the glory of Christ, and they have, Acts 10:1-46; Acts 11:18; Acts 17:30-31; Romans 1:14-16.

3) "And they that have not heard shall understand," (kai hoi ouk akekossin senesousin) "And those who have not (previously) heard will understand"; understand that the gospel of redemption is for Gentiles also, and mercy is shown to them, Isaiah 65:1; Romans 9:24; Romans 10:12; Ephesians 2:13-14.

Verse 22

1) "For which cause also I have been much hindered," (dio kai enekoptomen ta polla tou) "For which I also was hindered of the many, of many sources, or many ways"; Because of these long, round about mission journeys, Paul had been hindered in visiting the church and brethren in Rome. Both by virtue of time and travel problems caused by Satan, men of God are often hindered in the work of God, Romans 1:13.

2) "From coming to you," (elthein pros humas) "To come of my own accord, or volition, to you all"; though it was his desire to visit them, Romans 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:18. The Devil, himself, not merely demons, is charged with having obstructed men of God in their travel labors and witnessing. Daniel was obstructed for twenty one (21) days by the prince of Persia, but Michael, the archangel, came to his help. Daniel 10:13; Daniel 10:21; Hebrews 1:13.

Verse 23

1) "But now having no more place in these parts," (nuni de meketi topon echon en tois klimasi toutois) "But now having or holding nor more a place (place of acceptance) in these regions"; no more pressing need for his presence and preaching in Corinth from which he wrote the book of Romans, 2 Corinthians 13:1.

2) "And having a desire" (epipothian de echon tou) "And having a desire of you," which he had formerly mentioned, Romans 1:11; Romans 1:13-16. It was a desire expressed in the Greek term meaning a "homesick-longing", or a homesick desire.

3) "These, many years to come unto you," (elthein pros humas apo hikanon eton) "That is to come of my own choosing to (visit) you all for several years"; during the years of his round-about missionary journeys, Romans 15:19, from Jerusalem in Israel to Illyricum on the Adriatic Sea, Acts 9:27-29; Acts 19:21; Acts 23:11. The term "many years" indicates that his desire was no new feeling but ’a long recurring desire.

Verse 24

1) "Whensoever I take my journey into Spain," (hos an poreuomai eis ten Spanian) "Whenever I ma e my way into Spain," indicating a planned trip without a fixed date of itinerary. The desire to journey to Spain had no fixed time and it is uncertain that he ever made the visit.

2) “I will come to you, for I trust to see you in my journey," (elpizo gar diaporeuomenos theasasthai humas) "For I do hope to behold (see or gaze upon) you all as I journey through," or as I pass through Rome on my way to Spain, Acts 19:21. It appears that Paul did not desire to linger long in Rome, but desired very much to fellowship as he passed on to Spain.

3) "And to be brought on my way thitherward by you," (Kai huph’ humin propemphthenai ekei) "And to be helped on my way," assisted, or set forward, with means of physical or financial help. This indicates that Paul was financially or physically helped in his missionary travels by one place assisting him to go on to another, Acts 15:3; 2 Corinthians 10:15.

4) "If first I be somewhat filled with your company," (ean humon proton apo merous emplestho) "if I may first be filled with your company, good will, or fellowship, filled in the sense of satisfied with your company, of spiritual and social nature, 1 John 1:7; 1 Corinthians 3:9; John 13:34-35.

Verse 25

1) "But now I go unto Jerusalem," (nuni de poreuomai eis lerousalem) "But now and hereafter (first) I am going to Jerusalem," of my own accord, will, or desire, the home base of the empowered church, before I leave for Spain. Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-5; Acts 9:26-30.

2) "To minister unto the saints," (diakonon tois hagiois) "Ministering in a common way unto the saints," to carry or oversee the conveyance of food and clothes to the brethren in need in Jerusalem and in Judea. The term "The saints," refers to the members of the Lord’s churches to whom "the faith" was delivered, Judges 1:3; Ephesians 4:11-16. The term "the saints" may also at times refer to the Jewish believers who were devoutly committed to the program of worship and service of the Jewish faith; But the term is never used to refer merely to the saved.

Neither the "Spiritual Gifts" of New Testament days, Ephesians 4:11-16 nor "the faith" (the system of doctrines of Christ) Judges 1:3, was delivered to the sum total of believers, as supposed by the universal, invisible church proponents, but to saved, baptized, covenanted believers as the body of Christ, the church that was engaged in carrying on the commission of our Lord, Matthew 28:18-20.

Paul’s trip to Jerusalem was therefore one of benevolent gratitude to poor church members who were in need of food and clothes in Jerusalem and Judea, for whom he had traveled and solicited aid, both in Asia Minor and in Europe, Acts 19:21-23; Acts 20:22-24; Acts 24:17; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 2 Corinthians 9:1.

Verse 26

1) "For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia," (eudokeson gar makedonia kai Achaia) "For Macedonia and Achaia thought it a good thing," a good or benevolent deed, 2 Corinthians 8:1; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 2 Corinthians 9:2; 2 Corinthians 9:12-13. Paul motivated the stronger, more prosperous, of Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Achaia or Greece to give, receive, and send help to their needy church brethren in Jerusalem specifically, and in Judea in a general way.

2) "To make a certain contribution," (koinonian tina poiesasthai) "To make some specific contribution"; a gift of gratitude or love for the memory and report of their faith, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4.

3) "For the poor saints which are at Jerusalem," (eis tous ptochous ton hagion ton en lerousalem) "For the very poor of the saints in Jerusalem," the particular poor in the membership of the Jerusalem church, Galatians 2:10; compassion and care for the physically weak, (or deprived), the emotionally weak, and the spiritually weak, are Christian virtues that should be continually cultivated, with priority to those of "the household of faith," the saints, or the church which is His body or his assembly, Galatians 6:9-10. From shortly after Pentecost it appears that the church at Jerusalem and perhaps smaller congregations in Judea round about had a large number of impoverished members who needed daily help for the necessities of life, Acts 6:1-6; Acts 11:27-30.

Verse 27

1 ) "It hath pleased them verily," (eudokesan gar) "For they thought (considered) it a good thing"; they did it without reluctance, 2 Corinthians 8:4-5.

2) "And their debtors they are," (kai opheuketau eusub auton) "And they (the Gentiles) are (exist as) debtors of them," the saints at Jerusalem, those who sent the gospel to them in Macedonia and Achaia, in the first place. They gave to the needy poor as a debt of gratitude for the faith and earlier labors of the saints, the church, at Jerusalem, Romans 1:14-15.

3) "For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things," (Ei gar tois pneurnatikois auton) -koinonesan ta ethne) "Because if they shared their spiritual things, with or to the Gentiles or nations," and they the church had, and did, as they sent out, the apostles, Barnabas, Mark, Peter, Paul, Judas, Silas and others to preach and teach the gospel and "that way", system of teachings of Christ, 1 Corinthians 9:11-13; Acts 11:22; Acts 11:27-30; Acts 15:24-31.

4) "Their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things," (opheilousin kai en tois sarkikois leitourgesai autois) "They, the Gentiles, are obligated (owe it by gratitude) to minister to them," the poor saints in the Jerusalem church, especially in a time of their need for material help. Remember the church was first primarily made up of Jewish saints, baptized believers called from among the Gentiles in Galilee, then when empowered by the baptism of the Holy Ghost, from Jerusalem they began doing their world-wide and age-long work, Acts 1:8; Luke 24:46-49; Paul commanded the Galatian brethren to contribute to or share with those who teach in every good thing, Galatians 6:6.

Verse 28

1 ) "When therefore I have performed this," (touto oun epitelesas) "And when I shall have completed this mission"; the mission to the Jerusalem church saints with the bounty from the church saints of Greece and Macedonia, 2 Corinthians 9:2; 2 Corinthians 9:12-13.

2) "And have sealed to them this fruit," (kai sphragisamenos autois ton karpon touton) "And when I have sealed to them this fruit"; delivered the bounty of goods, the collection, to them, 1 Corinthians 16:3-4; 2Co 8, 4, 7, 11, 14, 19, 20. This fruit means fruit of charity, compassion, gratitude, and justice, fruit of the spirit in obedient saints, James 1:22. It also confirms that one who gives receives return from men, Luke 6:38.

3) “I will come by you into Spain," (apeleusomai di’ humon eis Spanian) "I will come or go through your company, good will, and help into Spain," by to fellowship with you the church at Rome and accept your assistance in helping me on the journey into Spain, Romans 15:24 as a missionary with a vision, and resolve to keep on keeping on, Paul lived a full life of service to others in life and death, Proverbs 29:18; Acts 26:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Philippians 3:7; 1 Corinthians 9:21-23.

Verse 29

1) "And I am sure that when I come unto you," (oida de hoti erchomenos pros humas) "And I just know (perceive) that when I come to you (as I will, and as my itinerary permits)", by way of Rome, Acts 19:21; Romans 1:13-15.

2) “I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ," (en pleromati eulogias Christou eleusomai) "I will come in the fulness of the blessed word of Christ;" The term "gospel" is omitted from the better manuscripts. The fulness of Christ’s benediction, with his blessings, was the manner in which Paul always desired to travel, Galatians 6:14; Romans 1:8-13.

Verse 30

1) "Now I beseech you, brethren," (paraklo de humas, adelphoi) "Now I beseech you all, brethren"; I exhort or call you alongside to motivate you or appeal to you all as flesh brothers, yea, as brethren in Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 13:35.

2) "For the Lord Jesus Christs sake," (dia tou kuriou hemon lesou Christou) "Through our Lord Jesus Christ," on the basis of what he has done for us and is doing for us and will do for us in the future, Hebrews 13:5; Philippians 4:19; For the witness of Jesus Christ, Acts 1:8; 1 John 2:2.

3) "And for the love of the Spirit," (kai dia tes agapes tou pneumatos) "And through the love of the spirit," by means, instrument, or agency of love that the spirit of God has shed abroad in your hearts, Romans 5:5; Romans 8:14-16; Colossians 1:8; Galatians 5:22.

4) "That ye strive together with me in your prayers," (sunagonisasthai moi en tois proseuchais) "To strive with me continually in (the) prayers of you"; Earnestly join your church-prayer efforts with mine regarding the desires of my ministry for you and others in Jerusalem, Judea, and Spain, especially at this time, 2 Corinthians 1:11; Colossians 4:12; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2.

5) "To God for me," (huper emou pros ton theon) "To or toward God on behalf of me," or on my behalf. Christians are specifically to pray one for another, James 5:16; Luke 18:1.

Verse 31

1 ) "That I may be delivered," (hina hrustho) "in order that I may be delivered," as Peter and John were, Acts 5:17-20; and as I was, Acts 23:10-35.

2) "From them that do not believe in Judea," (apo ton apeithounton en te loudaia) "From those disobeying *(or in disobedience) in the Judean area," from the hardened unbelieving Jews who were enemies, continual opponents of the faith of Christ.

3) "And that my services which I have for Jerusalem," (kai he diakonia mou he eis lerousalem) "And (that) my common ministry of physical help unto Jerusalem;" the ministration of delivering or accompanying deliverance of the collection to meet their need, 1 Corinthians 16:4.

4) "May be accepted of the saints," (euprosdektos tois hagiois genetai) "May be acceptable to the saints," not rejected because of pride, not wrongfully squandered, but thankfully received and wisely used, Acts 21:15-17; Hebrews 13:1-3.

Paul desired that the saints of Jerusalem receive the gift as an act of brotherly love from sister church members abroad, not as a bribe to keep them from following the law of Moses.

Verse 32

1) "That I may come unto you with joy," (hina en chara elthon pros humas) "In order that I may come unto you in joy," be coming to you in a state of joy, because of a joyful acceptance of help from Gentile converts, church brethren from both the Asian and European continents of the areas of Galatia, Macedonia and Achaia, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; Philemon 1:20; 2 John 1:4; 3 John 1:4.

2) "By the will of God," (dia thelematos theou sunanapausomai) "That through the will of God I may rest with you all," be refreshed with you, after this journey is over. He did rest, abide with the Roman brethren later, but not as he had hoped, Acts 18:21; yet by the will of God, John 17:7; Ephesians 5:17.

3) "And may together with you be refreshed " or with you rest, rest from many days of long and weary journeys, 1 Corinthians 16:18; 2 Timothy 1:16. That they might be refreshed by his words and he by their prayers and help in his labors for Christ.

Verse 33

1) "Now the God of peace," (ho de theos tes eirenes) "And the God of peace," the peace-giving God, the fountainhead of peace, the author and giver of peace, 1 Corinthians 14:33; Hebrews 13:20.

2) "Be with you all, Amen," (meta panton humon, amen) "May he be with all of you ... Amen," or so may it ever be." May he abide with you, live in your tent always, Romans 16:20; John 14:27; John 16:33.

Peace and joy are fruits of the Spirit which Paul prayed might hover over and be in company with the Roman church brethren and other church brethren always, 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 4:8-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23.