Romans 15
1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
"Infirmities" Greek word "Asthenema"= "scruple of conscience". Don't fight with someone that doesn't understand The Truth as you do. Don't sway someone harshly. Plant and pray, God will see they get what they seek.
2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
Help when you can and when you see an opening, plant The Truth. It's for them not ourselves that we plant The Truth. You want them to have the blessings you have.
3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Christ didn't do anything for His gain, but for the purpose of God and for those who chose Him. He gave that we may live. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
The Word of God is the manual for life. If you don't read it and follow the instructions, you'll never get it to work the way it's intended.
5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
Christian = Christ like. Remember when you started and keep that in mind as you grow with others in Christ. We all love The Lord and we all should seek His Word in understanding.
6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Be patient as possible with others. We didn't understand the things within The Word automatically and we ourselves are still learning.
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:
Christ came first to the whole house of Israel, passing The Truth down to us today. The price has been paid on the cross giving us [Christians] His promise of life everlasting.
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.
Everyone in the world has the choice. Christ came and gave that we ALL have The Way. No matter where you live you, you have a road with a fork in it and with that, a choice. Paul quotes Psalm 18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, among the heathen, And sing praises unto thy name.
10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
Paul quotes from The Song of Moses; Deuteronomy 32:43 Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.
11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
"laud" = ἐπαινέω epainéō, ep-ahee-neh'-o; from G1909 = to praise. Give praise to The Lord, He has shown us mercy through Christ Jesus.
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.
Paul quotes Isaiah 11:10 And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse [Christ Jesus], which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to It [ He- Christ Jesus] shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious.
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 Spirit.
The question is, do you believe? Faith in Christ Jesus gives Truth through His Words, bringing peace of mind that ONLY the Holy Spirit can give.
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.
To "admonish one another", means we should teach those in our lives The Word of God we've read and understand. Love is giving them The Truth that it brings them away from the world.
15 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,
God has shown Paul favor. Paul was chosen to be the one to give The Truth boldly to those of Israel, Rome and the world.
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 Spirit.
Christ chose Paul to minister to those who would listen and The Holy Spirit fills our hearts and minds with The Truth. The Holy Spirit opens our minds to His will for us. Acts 9:15-16 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."
17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
Christ came for everyone and Paul is letting everyone know Christ is The Way.
18 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,
Paul isn't going to threaten, beg or plead anyone to come to Christ. Look at most churches today. They've created great shows, full of lies to lure you in.
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.
All of the places Paul went he would set up churches, spreading The Word of God, teaching the salvation through Christ.
20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
Paul didn't intrude on others that taught God's Word and The Way to salvation through Christ unless he was invited in.
21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
Those that have refused The Truth and those that haven't heard of Christ will understand everything they've done or not done when that 7th trump sounds. The Trump of God. Just as it's written in Isaiah 52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
People wanted to know more when Paul taught about Christ and the things of God. It had taken him quite awhile to get to the Romans, bringing them the opportunity to hear The Truth.
23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
Paul had wanted to get to them sooner.
24 Whensoever 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.
25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
Paul needs to go to Jerusalem before he can go to Rome. He's delivering the offerings from Gentile churches to Jerusalem.
26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
The church helps those in need then and today. A believer is the church and when you give to others, you're doing your part as the body of Christ. Many have different gifts in which they accomplish this. Teaching, food, clothing, money, just being there, companionship or showing you care. God places people in our lives for a reason. You must be the one to see your purpose.
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.
All the churches have been given the right to teach and give to the needs of the churches and the world. Without Christ there would be no Christians and without Christians there would be no world left today. The time is approaching though, where few Christians means evil is so wide spread that The Lord must end this age.
28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
Paul's passing word to Rome that when he's done in Jerusalem and on his way to Spain he will come to Rome first.
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.
Paul assures them when he comes to Rome he brings with him the things of God in their fullness.
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;
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;
Paul was treated badly by the kenites and the churches in Jerusalem and he wishes his family and friends in Rome pray those gifts sent by the Gentiles are received peacefully. Remember before, Paul fought them on their traditions of humans and their rejection of The Truth.
32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
Pray everything goes peaceably in Jerusalem and the trip to them will be relaxing as well.
33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.