BIBLE STUDY on the book of Romans

Chapter 15

Consideration Of The Weak Brother . . . Romans 15:1-3

Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (KJV)

“We that are strong” is referring to spiritual maturity (1 John 2:13). If you invite someone to your house who does not believe in dancing, don’t have dancing as entertainment. If he/she does not eat meat, have a vegetarian meal, etc. You may know that these things make no difference, but you cannot just go ahead and do them to please yourself. You must consider the doubts and fears of those who think these things are wrong.

Romans 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. (KJV)

“For his good to edification” means keep in mind to build him/her up in the Lord. We should always think of other people’s feelings. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord.

There are four guidelines for our living in our modern society; four rules of separation:

• #1. Confidence. Whatever we do we feel certain we can trust God to see us through.
• #2. Conviction. Whatever we do should be done with passion, because we know in our heart it is what God wants from us.
• #3. Conscience. Whatever we do, do it so we have no regrets, no uneasiness in our conscience.
• #4. Consideration. Whatever we do, we should always show consideration for the feelings of weak believers.

Romans 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. (KJV)

This is quoting Psalm 69:9. Jesus NEVER put His interests and pleasure first. Instead, as the scripture says, the insults which are hurled at us have fallen on Him.

Consolidation Of Jews And Gentiles In One Body . . . Romans 15:4-13

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (KJV)

Does the Old Testament have any application to believers today? Absolutely! Don’t be illiterate of God’s Word, and that includes the Old Testament. Read ALL of God’s Word. 2 Tim.3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV) . . . ALL Scripture was given for our learning!

There is one cult that teaches only the New Testament. How very sad! They are missing some tremendous things that God speaks to all of us today. The Word of God imparts patience, peace, comfort and hope to us. Please do not neglect reading the entire Bible. It was written so that we might learn of God and have hope!

Romans 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: (KJV)

God is indeed the God of all comfort (2 Cor.1:3-4). And how I praise God for His patience with me. He is also the God of peace (Rom.16:20; Phil.4:9; 1 Thes.5:23; Heb.13:20). This amazing God, who gives this patience and encouragement, helps us to live in complete harmony with each other each, giving us the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. These blessings are channeled only through God to us. We may not agree on all things, but we can still demonstrate our love to one another. We can still be considerate of one another.

Romans 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)

We must have unity and we must have harmony. When we live in harmony with each other, we can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. (KJV)

We must accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified. God receives us all; strong and weak, high and low, rich and poor, Jew and Gentile! So, we too must receive each other in Christian fellowship. Although I disagree with Pentecostals on some of their doctrines, I must not break fellowship with them.

Romans 15:8-9 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: 9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. (KJV)

Christ came as a Servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the Promises He made to their ancestors. And He came so the Gentiles might also give glory to God for His mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote: “I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to Your Name”(Psalm 18:49).

Romans 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. (KJV)

This is a quotation from Deut.32:43. Gentiles are invited to join Israel in praising God.

Romans 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. (KJV)

This is a quotation from Ps.117:1, the shortest Psalm. It is interesting that the word all is used twice in this brief verse. ALL people are invited to praise the one and only true God.

Romans 15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. (KJV)

This is quoting Is.11:10. Jesus, the Messiah came from the line of David, but He will rule over ALL people, ALL nations! He will rule over Gentiles. It is clear that Gentiles would come to Christ!

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

Here is yet another one of those beautiful titles for our God. “The God of hope.” May our awesome God, the Source of all hope, fill you with all joy and peace because of your faith in Him. May your hope continue to grow and abound by the power of the Holy Spirit who abides within you. Amen. 

God of patience and consolation (verse 5); the God of all comfort (2 Cor.1:3-4); the God of peace (Rom.15:33; 16:20; Phil.4:9; 1 Thes.5:23; Heb.13:20). Our Almighty God is ALL of these!

Paul's Personal Testimony Continues . . . Romans 15:14-22

Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. (KJV)

Paul started the Book of Romans in a personal way. Then he talked about doctrines. Now, he leaves the doctrinal section and gets personal again. In a way, Paul is gently apologizing here for speaking so bold and blunt about the doctrines. The people were not lacking in goodness and knowledge, they had these qualities; so he could be direct with them. He gave us the Book of Romans so he could talk about important issues. The Book of Romans is a necessary part of Christian growth. It is a base for our faith, so we are able to teach others.

Romans 15:15-16 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, 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. (KJV)

Paul says he has been bold, because he wanted to emphasize some points. He was, by God’s grace, a special messenger from Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He brought the Good News that we might be pure and pleasing to Him by the Holy Spirit. The Gentiles are “acceptable” to God, apart from the Law or any religion, through Jesus Christ. Being “sanctified” means we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God, the moment we accept Christ. We are set apart for God. This goes for both Jews and Gentiles.

Romans 15:17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. (KJV)

Paul was very enthusiastic about everything that Christ Jesus has done through him in his service to God. He knew it was Christ working through him.

Romans 15:18-19 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, 19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (KJV)

Paul would not take credit for anything he had done. He knew where the glory belonged! He simply brought the Gentiles to God by his message and by the way he lived. “Mighty signs and wonders” were the credentials of the apostles in the early church. They were given to establish the church, and done through by the power of God’s Spirit.

Romans 15:20-21 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: 21But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. (KJV)

Paul’s ambition was to preach the Good News where the Name of Christ had never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else. He wanted those who had never been told about Him to see, and those who had never heard to understand.

Romans 15:22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. (KJV)

Many roadblocks had been put in his way. Paul wanted to visit the church at Rome, but he had delayed his visit because he had heard many good reports about the believers there and he knew they were doing well. He thought it was more important for him to preach in areas that had not yet heard the Good News about the Lord Jesus.

Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome . . . Romans 15:23-33

Romans 15:23-24 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; 24Whensoever 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. (KJV)

Paul meant that his work in Corinth was done. He had faithfully brought the Gospel to the people. Had everyone been saved? I doubt it. But they all had heard the Good News. We can only bring the Gospel to people, we are NOT responsible for their decisions.

Corinth is probably where Paul wrote this letter. Most of his three month stay in Achaia (Acts 20:3) was probably spent in Corinth. He believed that he had done what God wanted him to do there, now he was looking forward to taking the Gospel to new lands west of Rome. Spain was his destination, not Rome, but he would stop there. But when Paul finally got to Rome, it was as a prisoner (Acts 28).

Romans 15:25-26 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. (KJV)

Before Paul went to Rome, he wanted to go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the Christians there, and he wanted to do it personally. The believers in Achaia lovingly took up an offering for the Christians in Jerusalem, who were going through hard times. This was important to Paul. He wrote about it in 2 Corinthians 8 & 9.

Romans 15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. (KJV)

The offering was free will. They were glad to help because they felt they owed them a debt. Since these Gentiles received the wonderful spiritual blessings of the Good News from the Jewish Christians there, they felt the least they could do was to help them financially when they were down on their luck.

Romans 15:28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. (KJV)

Taking the money to Jerusalem was on Paul’s mind. “And have sealed to them this fruit” probably means Paul wanted to see some fruits from their evangelistic efforts. As soon as he delivered this money to Jerusalem, he would come to Rome to see them, on his way to Spain. Spain was the western end of the civilized world. He wanted to extend Christianity there.

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. (KJV)

Paul knew that when he went to Rome, he would go there with a full measure of the blessing of Christ.

Romans 15:30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; (KJV)

Paul urged his dear brothers and sisters in Christ, that they join him in his struggle by praying to God for him in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He wanted them to do this because of their love for him, which given to them by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:31 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; (KJV)

Paul’s prayer request was two fold. His life was in danger by unbelievers in Judea (religious rulers). He wanted them to pray that he would be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God, and also that the Christians there would accept the donation he was bringing to them.

Romans 15:32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. (KJV)

Paul wanted their prayers very much, so that by the will of God, he would be able to go to Rome refreshed and with a joyous heart, and they could encourage each other. We all need to be refreshed at times; refreshed from all our labors and anxieties, so we are equipped for future service.

Romans 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (KJV)

The “God of peace” is a tremendous title for our Lord. The peace meant here is the peace of being reconciled to God, “through the blood of the everlasting covenant” (Heb.13:20). Such peace is available only through Christ Jesus! Without Him, you are God’s enemy.

This sounds like it is the end of the book, but it’s not. It does announce the end of Paul’s teaching, but he concludes his letter with personal greetings and remarks. Other verses calling God by this title: Rom.16:20; Philip. 4:9; 1 Thes. 5:23; Heb.13:20.

The Book of Romans

Ch.1 . Ch.2 . Ch.3 . Ch.4 . Ch.5 . Ch.6 . Ch.7 . Ch.8 . Ch.9 . Ch.10 . Ch.11 . Ch.12 . Ch.13 . Ch.14 . Ch.15 . Ch.16 . Home Page