Romans Chapter 15.

Romans Chapter Fifteen.

Paul continues the theme of chapter 14:-

15:1-6.  The example and the law of Christ bids the strong to bear the failings of the weak.  The example of Christ is His law (Galatians 6:2), for in Him we witness teaching and practice perfectly expressed, and we must imitate His example.  The strong, among whom Paul includes himself, must show sympathy and helpfulness.

15:1.     A burden to share.   The strength we enjoy has been given to us, and we are to use it not to please ourselves, but to assist others.

           

15:2.     Our duty.   We should aim to please our neighbour, but there is a principle that must regulate this desire.  We must seek his edification.  Paul has especially in view the edification of the Christian community, but the principle has a wider application.  In 1.Cor.9:20-23, Paul declares that this was the guiding principle of his missionary work.  Compare the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.

           

15:3.     The example of Christ.    See Psa.69:9.  The Lord is the supreme example of one who did not insist in His rights.  How great must have been the rights of such a great Person!  He looked to the interests of others, and bore their burdens.  Paul gives Biblical proof that Christ bore the reproaches intended for others.  He quotes from Psalm 69, which is frequently given a Messianic application in the New Testament.  Jesus could rightly say in the words of the Psalm, "The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me."  See N.E.B.

           

If it is a case of pleasing God or men, then we must please God.  See 12:2; 14:18.  But it is better to please our neighbour for his spiritual advancement than to please ourselves.

           

15:4.     The value of the Scriptures.    Paul justifies his use of Psalm 69 by asserting the permanent value of all that is written in the Scriptures.  "The use of Scripture at this point is significant:  It means that the example of Christ is more than an example:  it belongs to the pattern of revelation." (Bt.).  That which is spoken of Christ, is consistent with the pattern that belongs to the whole of Divine Revelation.  The study of the Old Testament provides strength to endure and consolation.  The Scriptures inspire and strengthen these qualities, especially in time of trial.  They help us to maintain our hope.  This is the Christian feelings of hope that God will complete His saving purpose.

           

15:5-6.  A Prayer.    Paul prays for the unity of the Roman believers.  The harmonious praise and worship of Christians is God's gift to them.  Unity can only be achieved under His benediction.

           

The "God who gives patience and comfort" re-echoes verse 4.  The Scriptures are the channel in which God reveals Himself and His Character.

           

The unity and harmony of believers is God's gift for which we must pray.  This unity reaches its true development in harmonious praise to God.  No differences as foods, days, etc., must be allowed to destroy the harmonious praise of the whole Church.  Their attitude to one another is to be according to Christ Jesus.  The spirit and example of Christ Jesus remains the principle and pattern of their concord in praise.

           

15:7.     Christ received.      Paul exhorts them to receive one another as Christ has received them.  He received them freely and not because of any merit in them.  This is an irresistible argument for receiving  one another, and it inspires the spirit in which they should receive one another.  Their unity and agreement is to be after the manner of Christ Jesus (N.E.B.), 15:6).  The example of Christ in that he received them is the working out of God's purpose of salvation, and to which all Scripture bears witness.

           

The words, "to the glory of God" may go with the first verb, but some scholars take it with both verbs.   This paragraph indicates the importance of unity among Christians.  This is brought out by clustering several significant ideas belonging to the Christian Revelation.  Hence we have the example of Christ, the purpose of God as revealed in the Scriptures the activity of God in granting unity and in fulfilling His purpose; the mediatorial function of Christ Jesus, His grace in accepting them and finally, the ultimate aim that by our united and harmonious praise, "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified."  Thus the highest significance is given to the unity of the brethren.  There is something that is very great and grand about these verses.

           

15:7-13.     The inclusiveness rather than the exclusiveness of God's vast purpose requires us to be liberal in welcoming one another.  The ministry and work of Christ aimed at uniting Jew and Gentile in the praise to God.

           

15:18.   The Circumcision are the Jews.   Christ became a servant of the Jews.  The tense of the word, "became" signifies that he became and continues to be a servant of the Jewish people.  He became their servant to show them God's truthfulness or faithfulness to His promises made to the patriarchs.  This is the theme of the Roman epistle.  Those promises have been confirmed in such a manner that the Gentiles have also become recipients of God's mercy.  There were no promises made to the Gentiles, so that with them, the word is "mercy."  The Gospel was the manifestation of God's faithfulness to the Jew and His mercy to the Gentiles.  However, it was foretold in the Old Testament that the Gentiles should come to praise God and that, in the closest union with Jewish worshippers, for they shall be united under the rule of the 'Root of Jesse'.

           

In that the promises were not given to the Gentiles, their reception by Christ reveals the vastness of God's mercy.  The praise from the Gentiles is their recognition that it is God's mercy that has made them God's people.  As an incentive to unity, Paul points them to the breadth of God's merciful purpose.

           

15:13.   Paul's prayer, is that they may be strengthened by God in their faith and hope concerning His great purpose.

           

Part 5 of the epistle.

           

Personal.  15:14 - 16:27.

           

15:14-33.     Paul's plans.

           

            15:14-21.  Before he begins to speak of his future plans, Paul shows from his previous missionary career that his work has been according to God's will.  His plans had not been inconsistent  with a Divine plan.  All along God had used him in pioneer missionary work.

            15:6.     Paul writes in priestly terms of his missionary work.  He is speaking figuratively.  The Gentile Christians are the offering.  In this way he affirms the dignity of his work, and his confidence of the Divine sanction.

            15:24.   "Be brought on my way."   Bauer gives two meanings to 'propempto'.  Firstly, to accompany, escort.   Secondly, help on one's journey (with food, money, by arranging for companions, means of travel etc.).   Paul intimates their responsibilty and privilege to assist him with companions and practical support.