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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS

CHAPTER FIFTEEN:
“Welcome One Another”

[“Spiritual Hospitality”]
Key word: Welcome
Theme Verse: 7

Romans 15:1-6 – Strong Bear the Weak

RO15:1 Consequently, we who have the strength ought to carry the burden of those who are weak 857 and not just be pleasing ourselves. 858

857

We who have the strength ought to carry the burden of those who are weak: Or, KJV we, then, that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak; GDS: it is the duty of us who are strong to put up with the weaknesses of those who are immature; KNX: bear with the scruples of those who are timorous; RSV: bear with the failings of the weak; BAS: support the feeble. Paul states a general principle in the Household of Faith. See notes on Romans 14:1. [Galatians 6:1, 2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14]

858	Not just be pleasing ourselves: Or, KNX: not to insist on having our own way. [1 Corinthians 10:24; Philippians 2:4] Only the self-righteous keep insisting on their own way of viewing matters of personal conscience – as though their conscience was the judge of everything.

RO15:2 Let everyone of us please our neighbor for their good 859 and with a view to their upbuilding.

859

Let everyone of us please our neighbor for their good: Or, KJV: let everyone of us please his neighbor for his good to edification; KNX: each of us ought to give way; ALF: with a view to edification; GDS: every one of us should please his neighbor for his good, to help him grow. This could be considered a commentary on the Golden Rule. See notes on Matthew 7:12. [1 Corinthians 9:22; Philippians 2:4]

RO15:3 For the Christ did not please himself, 860 but just as it is written: “The reproaches of those reproaching You have fallen upon me.” 861 [Psalm 69:9]

860	The Christ did not please himself: Or, WEY: Christ did not seek his own pleasure. See notes on Matthew 20:28. [Mark 10:45; John 5:30; Galatians 1:4; Philippians 2:5-7] The example of Jesus the Nazarene is paramount as a role model to emulate. He was perfectly selfless.

861

The reproaches of those reproaching You have fallen upon me: Or, BER: the abuse of those who abused you fell on me; NJB: the insults. Paul quotes Psalm 69:9. The apostles applied Psalm 69:9 to Jesus. Psalm 69 is also referenced at Romans 11:9 and Acts 1:20. It clearly was viewed as a Messianic prophecy. The manner of our Master’s death as a criminal seditionist was the “cup” he prayed to be removed. The “You” in the Psalm is YHWH and so it would be impossible, if Jesus were viewed a Jehovah, to state the phrase in the Psalm.

RO15:4 Because everything that was written in the past was written to teach us. 862 So by endurance and by the comfort of the Scriptures 863 we may have the Hope. 864

862

Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us: Or, KJV: whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning; TCN: whatever was written in the Scriptures in days gone by was written for our instruction. See notes on Romans 4:11. [1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:16; see notes on 2 Peter 1:19] Compare Hebrews 1:1.

863

By endurance and by the comfort of the Scriptures: Or, KJV: patience; TCN: patient endurance and through the encouragement; CON: steadfast endurance and by the counsel of. See notes on Romans 5:4. [Psalm 119:50] For two thousand years the Church has been much comforted by the Psalms and other Scripture.

864	We may have the Hope: Or, TCN: to our hope. The Greek has the article and thus a particular hope is understood. See notes on Romans 8:24 and Ephesians 4:4. [Hebrews 3:1]

RO15:5 Now The God of patience and encouragement 865 give all of you the same mind in harmony with Christ Jesus. 866

865	The God of patience and encouragement: Or, KJV: and consolation; NEB: source of all fortitude and all encouragement; NASB: perseverance and encouragement. On Gods “comfort” see 2 Corinthians chapter 1 where it occurs most often.

866

Give all of you the same mind in harmony with Christ Jesus: Or, KJV: grant you to be like-minded one toward another; CON: one mind together according to the will of Christ; TCN: united in sympathy with the example of Christ. [1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5] There can be little down that our Lord, one walking in the flesh like his brothers, found himself in many situations which called for great tolerant patient rather than using his own conscience as a standard to which all had to rise. Compare notes on Ephesians 4:13.

RO15:6 So with everyone having the same mind, 867 in one mouth glorify The God 868 and Father of our Master Jesus Christ.

867	So with everyone having the same mind: Or, KJV: with one mind; ASV: with one accord. [1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 2:2] Paul calls for unity of mind and opinion just as he does with the Corinthians: “Be adjusting yourselves in the very same mind and the very same opinion.” [1 Corinthians 1:10]

868

In one mouth glorify The God: Or, MOF: unite in a chorus of praise; RSV: with one voice. Paul calls for a unity of praise which involves the Christian community reaching either agreement or tolerant patient when the conscience of others is involved. Compare Acts 2:44-47. Their “one mouth” would mean they all speak the same thing and achieve unity.

Romans 15:7-13 – Welcome and Accept One Another

RO15:7 Therefore, welcome and accept each other, 869 just as the Christ also welcomed and accepted us unto God’s glory. 870

869

Welcome and accept each other: Or, KJV: receive ye one another. [Philemon 17] There ought to be no prejudice or bias within the Church and both Jews and non-Jews should welcome one another into the Body of Christ. Surely the principle may be enlarged to sexual, racial, social, national, and economic boundaries.

870	Christ also welcomed and accepted us unto God’s glory: Or, KJV: as Christ also received us to the glory of God; WEY: to promote the glory of God. [John 6:37]

RO15:8 For I tell you, Christ became a servant of circumcision regarding truth 871 in order to confirm God’s promises to the forefathers. 872

871

Christ became a servant of circumcision regarding truth: Or, KJV: a minister to the circumcision for the truth of God; MON: a minister… to the people of Israel; MOF: to prove God’s honesty; MON: in vindication of God’s truth. See notes on Matthew 15:24; 20:28. [John 1:11] With but few exceptions, Jesus ministered exclusively to Jews.

872	To confirm God’s promises to the forefathers: Or, RSV: to the patriarchs. [Genesis 22:18; Psalm 89:3]

RO15:9 But, also, non-Jews regarding mercy in order to glorify The God. 873 Just as it has been written: “For this reason I will confess You among non-Jews 874 and I will sing praise to Your Name.” 875 [2 Samuel 22:50]

873

Non-Jews regarding mercy in order to glorify The God: Or, KJV: that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; MON: praise God for his mercy. See notes on Romans 3:29 and Romans 9:23. The non-Jews beheld the glory of the Son as he ministered to the Jews and many were drawn to him. [John 12:20, 21] Non-Jews either witnessed or hear reports of the Nazarene’s teaching and miracles. [See notes on Matthew 8:5.]

874

For this reason I will confess You among non-Jews: Or, KJV: I will confess to thee among the Gentiles; CON: acknowledge thee; ASV: give praise. Paul quotes Psalm 18:49 as proof that non-Jewish peoples would receive divine testimony. [2 Samuel 22:50] It is the Messianic-type David who utters these words as a prophecy regarding the future Christ.

875

I will sing praise to Your Name: David would only think of one Name here – YHWH – as it occurs several times in his psalm. A similar refrain occurs at Hebrews 2:12. There is only one example of the Nazarene singing and it was the night of the last Passover, likely from the Hallel Psalms which include many occurrences of YHWH. See notes on Matthew 26:30.

RO15:10 And again He says: “Be glad you non-Jews with His people!” 876 [Deuteronomy 32:43]

876	Be glad you non-Jews with His people: Or, WEY: in company with his people. Paul quotes the song of Moses at Deuteronomy 32:43.

RO15:11 And, again, “All the non-Jews praise YHWH, and let all the peoples praise Him.” 877 [Psalm 117:1]

877

All the non-Jews praise YHWH, and let all the peoples praise Him: That is, the Supreme Being. Or, GDS: let all the nations sing his praises. Paul quotes Psalm 117:1, the littlest of the psalms. The Tetragram YHWH occurs in the Hebrew Text and most likely also in the early Jewish Greek Septuagint. He Paul uses TON KYRION.

RO15:12 And, again, Isaiah says: “From the Root of Jesse will the One rise up to rule the non-Jews. 878 On him non-Jews will hope.” [Isaiah 11:10]

878	The Root of Jesse will the One rise up to rule the non-Jews: Or, KJV: rise to reign over the Gentiles. Paul quotes Isaiah 11:10, a Messianic prophecy. Paul has quoted Moses, David, and Isaiah, powerful proof that both Jews and non-Jews would be drawn to Messiah.

RO15:13 Now, the God of the Hope fill your conviction with all joy and peace that you may abound in hope by means of the dynamic power of holy Pneuma. 879

879

God of the Hope fill your conviction with all joy and peace that you may abound in hope by means of the dynamic power of holy Pneuma: Or, KJV: fill you with all joy and peace in believing; GDS: the source of hope; BER: the fountain of hope; GDS: fill you with perfect happiness and peace in your faith; WMS: through your continuing faith; MON: overflow with hope; PME: radiant with hope. Compare Isaiah 40:31.

Romans 15:14-16 – Engaging in Holy Work

RO15:14 However, regarding you, my brothers, I am also fully convinced that you are full of goodness, 880 having been filled to the brim with all knowledge, 881 and so fully capable of admonishing one another. 882

880

I am also fully convinced that you are full of goodness: Or, KJV: am persuaded of you; MON: confident; AMP: personally I am satisfied about you. Paul now assures both Jews and Greeks. He knows some parts of his letter have been hard and direct for he is trying to get to the root of their difficulty. Paul’s disposition is a lesson to every disciple of Jesus: trust that your fellows are “full of good motives” and do not be suspicious of them.

881	Filled to the brim with all knowledge: Or, TCN: furnished with all Christian learning; BER: amply furnished; WMS: richly supplied with perfect knowledge. Paul assures them that they have sufficient knowledge to deal with their problems. [Philippians 1:9; see notes on 2 Peter 1:12 and 1 John 2:21]

882

Fully capable of admonishing one another: Or, TCN: well able to give advice to one another; GDS: well qualified to instruct one another; WMS: competent to counsel one another. A most difficult thing to do but necessary when done with humility and without an agenda. See notes on 2 Thessalonians 3:15. They can solve all of their harmony problems with the knowledge they have.

RO15:15 But, I wrote more boldly in some parts to remind you over again 883 by the unmerited favor given to me from The God.

883	I wrote more boldly in some parts to remind you over again: Or, NASB: written more boldly to you on some points; CON: somewhat boldly in parts of this letter; TCN: refreshing your memories. He refers to the earlier parts of his epistle where he faces his made up Jew and then later his non-Jew.

RO15:16 So that I may be a public servant of Christ Jesus, publicly ministering sacred services 884 unto the non-Jews God’s good news. Then, the non-Jews may be a sacred offering, acceptable, sanctified in holy Pneuma. 885

884

I may be a public servant of Christ Jesus, publicly ministering sacred services: Or, KJV: the minister… to the Gentiles; RHM: public minister; MON: a priest; RHM: doing priestly service; GDS: to act as a priest; KNX: my priestly charge; RSV: in the priestly service of the gospel; NEB: my priestly service is the preaching of the gospel. Paul’s terms now deal with formal worship services which the Jews would understand – as well as non-Jewish pagans familiar with priestly services. See notes on Romans 11:13. [Philippians 2:17]

885	Non-Jews may be a sacred offering, acceptable, sanctified in holy Pneuma: Or, KJV: offering up of the Gentiles; MON: when offered before him, may be an acceptable sacrifice. See notes on Romans 12:1. Paul likens his fruitage among the non-Jews to a sacrificial offering rendered to God.

Romans 15:17-21 – Preaching Christ

RO15:17 I have, then, this boasting toward the things of The God united with Christ Jesus. 886

886

I have, then, this boasting toward the things of The God united with Christ Jesus: Or, KJV: I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God; MON: my boast in Christ Jesus concerning the things of God; TCN: through my union with Christ Jesus that I have a proud confidence in my work for God; RSV: I have reason to be proud of my work for God. [Philippians 3:3] Compare “the things of the God” at Hebrews 2:17; 5:1. The allusion is to priestly work. Paul is not ashamed to boast in God and Christ Jesus. [Jeremiah 9:23, 24]

RO15:18 For I will not dare to speak anything which Christ has not worked in me 887 leading to obedience of the non-Jews in works 888 –

887

For I will not dare to speak anything which Christ has not worked in me: Or, KJV: for I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought in me; ABU: I will venture to speak only of those things which Christ wrought through me; NEB: I will venture to speak of those things alone in which I have been Christ’s instrument. Paul statement is a good lesson for all Christians.

888	Leading to obedience of the non-Jews in works: Or, KJV: to make the Gentiles obedient, by work and deed; NEB: to bring the Gentiles to obedience, by word and work. See notes on Romans 16:26.

RO15:19 works in dynamic signs and miracles by the power of holy Pneuma. 889 So, I have fully proclaimed the good news of Christ, 890 beginning in Jerusalem and as far around as Illyricum. 891

889	Works in dynamic signs and miracles by the power of holy Pneuma: Or, KJV: through mighty sign and wonders; TCN: through the power displayed in signs and marvels; ASV: signs and wonders. [Acts 15:12; 2 Corinthians 12:12] Read Luke’s account of Paul’s work in the book of Acts.

890	I have fully proclaimed the good news of Christ: Or, KJV: I have fully preached; MON: proclaimed without reserve; CON: fulfilled my task; GDS: I have completed the preaching.

891	Beginning in Jerusalem and as far around as Illyricum: Or, KJV: round about unto. An allusion to Paul’s missionary tours. Illyricum was part of Yugoslavia and Albania on the Adriatic Sea. If one traces these distances on a map and ponders Paul’s travels, comes away with wonder.

RO15:20 And so, I feel honored to have proclaimed the good news where Christ had not yet been named, 892 so that I might not build upon another’s foundation. 893

892

I feel honored to have proclaimed the good news where Christ had not yet been named: Or, KJV: strived to preach; ASV: making my aim so to preach… not where Christ was already named; NASB: I aspire to preach; GDS: it has been my ambition to preach… where Christ’s name was unknown. [2 Corinthians 10:13, 15] If a modern Nazarene disciple ponders this as a challenge – to proclaim Christ where he has not been named – it would be daunting. For such places still exist and demand the same self-sacrifice that Paul demonstrated.

893

So that I might not build upon another’s foundation: Or, GDS: so as not to build on foundations other men had laid. [2 Corinthians 10:15] According to tradition most of the apostles went into the four directions of the compass to proclaim the Gospel. Some to India and China. Some to Africa. Some to northern Europe, including Britain. All took the command of the Nazarene at Matthew 28:19 literally. Throughout the centuries, other missionaries have gone forth into the non-Jewish world to present Christ to tribes and peoples who had never heard of Jesus Christ. Even in modern times missionaries have penetrated the darkest jungles and rain forests to find tribes who have never seen a western person, let alone a Christian. The challenge of missionary work is still valid to those who have the fire in their bones to bring Christ to new generations of people.

RO15:21 Rather, just as it has been written: “To whom it was never announced about him, they will become aware; 894 and those who never heard will comprehend.” 895 [Isaiah 52:15]

894

To whom it was never announced about him, they will become aware: Or, KJV: to whom he was not spoken of, they shall see; ALF: they to whom no tidings of him came shall see; GDS: they who have never been told of him will see. Paul quotes Isaiah 52:15 and applies it to his own evangelism. The context of Isaiah involves kings and rulers and in truth Paul presented the Gospel to such – from governors of Palestine to Caesar himself. Compare Paul’s court appearances in the Book of Acts.

895

Those who never heard will comprehend: Or, KJV: they that have not heard shall understand. Beginning with Paul’s missionary tours, as well of those of other apostles and disciples, began a gospel wave which swept across the entire globe, moving millions to accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah, their Master, and the Son of God.

Romans 15:22-29 – Contributions

RO15:22 And so I was very much hindered in coming to visit you. 896

896	I was very much hindered in coming to visit you: Or, RHM: hindered these many times from coming to you; TCN: I have so often been prevented from coming to you. See the notes on Romans 1:11.

RO15:23 But, now, no longer having a place in these regions 897 – but having a real wish to come and visit you for many years 898 –

897	No longer having a place in these regions: Or, CON: no longer room enough for my labors in these parts; RSV: no longer have any room for work. Paul feels he has finished his work in these territories. He is now ready for another missionary challenge.

898	Having a real wish to come and visit you for many years: Or, ABU: having a longing. [Acts 19:21]

RO15:24 it is likely I will make a journey into Spain, 899 and passing through I will see you, and be sent onward by you [to Spain] after I have completely enjoyed your company. 900

899	It is likely I will make a journey into Spain: It is known if Paul ever reached the Iberian Peninsula. One is impressed by the expanse of Paul’s missionary plans.

900	After I have completely enjoyed your company: Or, KJV: filled with your company; GDS: after I have enjoyed being with you for a while; PME: had the satisfaction of seeing you all. See Romans 1:11. Paul is to make it to Rome, but under arrest. Read the last chapters of Acts.

RO15:25 However, at present I am going to Jerusalem to serve the saints. 901

901	I am going to Jerusalem to serve the saints: Or, KJV: to minister; TCN: to take help to Christ’s people there. This “service” involved a contribution to the poor. Compare Acts 11:29; 19:21; 20:22; 24:17.

RO15:26 For [the saints of] Macedonia and Achaia 902 were pleased to make some contribution to those poor saints in Jerusalem. 903

902	Macedonia and Achaia: Portions of modern Turkey, Yugoslavia, and Greece. [2 Corinthians 9:2]

903	Contribution to those poor saints in Jerusalem: Or, RHM: the destitute. This contribution is mentioned at 1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 9:12. The word “contribution” renders the Greek COINONIAN. See notes on Romans 12:13.

RO15:27 For, also, the non-Jews were pleased to become indebted spiritually 904 and so they ought to share in common their material things as part of their public ministry. 905

904	The non-Jews were pleased to become indebted spiritually: Or, KJV: their debtors they are; TCN: it is a duty which they owe to them; KJV: for if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things.

905

They ought to share in common their material things as part of their public ministry: Or, KJV: their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things; MON: worldly goods; RSV: material blessings. “Share in common” is from ECOINONESAN. See notes on Romans 12:13. [1 Corinthians 9:11, 14; Galatians 6:6; Hebrews 13:16]

RO15:28 Therefore, having completed and sealed 906 to them this fruitage, 907 I will travel through you [in Rome] on to Spain.

906	Completed and sealed: Or, KJV: performed; CON: finished this task; AMP: completed this mission; MON: secured; GDS: seen this contribution safely into their possession; NEB: under my own seal. Paul is responsible for this contribution and we can trust him to deliver it honestly.

907	Fruitage: Or, MON: fruit of this collection. See Philippians 4:17.

RO15:29 But, I am aware that when I come to you I will come with Christ’s complete blessing. 908

908	I will come with Christ’s complete blessing: Or, KJV: I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ; GDS: Christ’s fullest blessing; TCN: a full measure of; WEY: rich blessing from Christ. [Romans 1:11]

Romans 15:30-33 – Closing Prayers

RO15:30 Now, brothers, I urge you by our Master Jesus Christ and that compassionate affection aroused by the Pneuma: 909 agonize together with me in prayers to The God in my behalf. 910

909

I urge you by our Master Jesus Christ and that compassionate affection aroused by the Pneuma: Or, KJV: beseech; GDS: beg; RSV: appeal; KJV: love of the spirit; CON: by the love the spirit gives; WEY: by the love which His spirit inspires. The phrase could also mean: “inspired love” or “spiritual love.”

910

Agonize together with me in prayers to The God in my behalf: Or, KJV: strive together with me; CON: help me in my conflict; MON: y struggle; AMP: unite with me in earnest wrestling; NEB: my allies in the fight. The Greek is SYNAGONISASTHAI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4865] from which comes “agony.” Compare Christ’s agony in the garden. [Luke 22:44]

RO15:31 So that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea 911 and that my service to those in Jerusalem will be acceptable to the saints. 912

911

Rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea: Or, KJV: delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; MOF: unbelievers; RHM: them who do not yield; TCN: reject the faith. These may be Jewish opposers, or that early Jewish movement in the Church trying to cling to the Law of Moses. See notes on 2 Thessalonians 3:2. [Acts 15:1, 2; Galatians 2:4] Research circumcision.

912	My service to those in Jerusalem will be acceptable to the saints: Or, CON: may be favorably received. Paul seems concerned about the contribution he carries to the poor saints in Jerusalem – perhaps whether it is enough or that there be no suspicion of misuse.

RO15:32 Also, so that I may come in joy and visit you according to God’s will 913 and be rested and refreshed among you. 914

913	I may come in joy and visit you according to God’s will: Or, TCN: so that, God willing, I may be able to come to you with a joyful heart.

914	Be rested and refreshed among you: Or, CON: be refreshed in your company; TCN: enjoy some rest. Paul is to spend two years in Rome under house arrest. See the last chapter of Acts.

RO15:33 The God of peace 915 be with all of you. Amen!

915	The God of peace: See the phrase at Roman 16:20, Philippians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, and Hebrews 13:20. It is most appropriate, as Paul has devoted his letter to calming difficulties between Jews and non-Jews within the Roman church.

Summary of Chapter Fifteen

Jew and non-Jew should welcome and accept one another despite backgrounds and disparity of conscience. Paul quotes from several texts to show how Jews and non-Jews would be associated in the Messiah. He prays all in the Nazarene community will be filled with joy and peace by the powerful influence of the holy Pneuma.

Paul expresses his confidence in their ability to work out their problems. He has spoken so boldly to stir up their memories. He comes his work to a priest offering up sacred sacrifices in the form of the non-Jews as an offering to God.

Paul assures the Romans that he only will speak what is Christ-directed. He relates his signs and miracles and the breadth of his missionary tours. He states that his purpose is to always work virgin territory and he quotes Isaiah 52:15 and applies it to his own efforts.

Paul outlines his plans to visit Rome on his way to Spain once he has fulfilled his obligations to Jerusalem. He mentions the contribution he carries to Jerusalem from the non-Jews who feel indebted for their spiritual gifts. He assures them in Rome that he will come with Christ’s blessing.

Paul begs for their prayers in his behalf regarding unbelieving Jews and the contribution he takes to Jerusalem. He looks forward to a rest among the Roman Christians.

Review Questions on Chapter Fifteen