Romans Made Easy Chapter 15

Romans

By Joyce Webb     2011

Chapter 15

Verses 1 -3

This verse continues the thoughts of Chp. 14: 23. It talks about stronger Christians helping weaker Christians.

Paul said it is best for us to do things or not do things-----depending on those around us. We need to be considerate and thoughtful about their doubts and fears.

Paul is not talking about us being an actor and pretending to be something we are not. He is not talking about hiding the truth about our being a Christian.

He is talking about what he said before----about eating meat vs. eating only vegetables, or worshipping on Saturday (the Jewish day) instead of on Sunday (the Christian’s day).

He is telling those who feel free to do those things to not look down on those who do not feel free to do those things. And he is telling those who feel those things are wrong to not judge and criticize those who feel free to do those things.

Paul is talking about not doing things that would make a weaker Christian fall if he were to do them. Because the weaker Christian would lose his faith if he did them.

Paul is telling the stronger Christian: You may feel free to do things----and it will not hurt your faith in God----but do not do those things when you are with a weaker Christian-----so that you do not hurt them or confuse them.

Paul said that Christ did not please himself. Psalm 69:9 "the insults that came to you come to me." These things that are written long ago are for our teaching and encouragement.

So may God help you to be as Christ was in being thoughtful of others So that we can all give the same voice of praise and glory to God.

Let us receive one another in the same open-hearted way that Christ receives us.

Christ came to the Jews as a servant to show them that God keeps his promise. God promised the Old Testament Jews that he would send a Messiah, Savior.

Christ came to the Gentiles so they may also give glory to God for his mercy.　

Paul quotes scriptures from the Old Testament: Psalm 18:14, Deut 32:43,

Psalm 117:1 Isaiah 11:1.

May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing so you can live in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In these next verses, Paul tells them that he knows they are wise and good people and that they will do what is right. He is just reminding them of important things.

He tells them that he talks only about things that Christ has done for him and in his life, and he tells them that God has used him and through God’s mighty power has done wonders. This has shown the Gentiles that God is working through Paul. And because of this, the Gentiles have believed and now follow Christ.

Paul tells that he has gone to places where other people have not yet preached the gospel. Vs. 20 Then Paul quotes Isaiah 52:15.

Paul tells them that his work is finished where he is. For years he has wanted to come to Rome to see them. He hopes to go to Spain and when he does, he wants to come to Rome and see them.

But first he will go to Jerusalem to take them an offering. The believers in Greece gave Paul an offering to take to the believers in Jerusalem because they were having a hard time.

This offering to the believers in Jerusalem is good thing. The Gentiles have heard the gospel because of the believers in Jerusalem going out to tell others, so it is right that the Gentiles help them. The Gentiles were blessed spiritually, and now they are sending a money blessing to believers in Jerusalem..

Paul asks them to pray for him. To pray that the those in Judea who are against the believers will not hurt Paul. Pray that the believers in Jerusalem will receive this gift of money. Pray that I (Paul) will be able to come to them (the Romans) to see them.

May the God of peace be with you.