Self-denial in behalf of Others
1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor 15:2 Lit for what is good to edificationfor his good, to his edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: "The taunts of those who taunt You have fallen on Me." 4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 Now may the God 15:5 Lit of perseverancewho gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one purpose and one 15:6 Lit mouthvoice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore, 15:7 I.e., accept into fellowshipaccept one another, just as Christ also accepted 15:7 One early ms youus, for the glory of God. 8 For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision in behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises given to the fathers, 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written:
"Therefore I will15:9 Or confessgive praise to You among the Gentiles,
And I will sing praises to Your name."
10 Again he says,
"Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people."
11 And again,
"Praise the Lord all you Gentiles,
And let all the peoples praise Him."
12 Again Isaiah says,
"There shall come the root of Jesse,
And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles,
In Him will the Gentiles hope."
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
14 And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. 15 But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given to me 15:15 One early ms by Godfrom God, 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. 18 For I will not presume to speak of anything 15:18 Lit which Christ has not accomplishedexcept what Christ has accomplished through me, 15:18 Lit to the obedienceresulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 19 in the power of 15:19 Or confirming miraclessigns and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and all around as far as Illyricum I have 15:19 Lit fulfilledfully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And in this way I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already known by name, so that I would not build on another person’s foundation; 21 but just as it is written:
"They who have not been told about Him will see,
And they who have not heard will understand."
22 For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you; 23 but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you 24 whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company 15:24 Lit in partfor a while— 25 but now, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the 15:25 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s peoplesaints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the 15:26 See note v 25saints in Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to do them a service also in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have finished this, and have 15:28 Lit sealed to them this fruitput my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
30 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the 15:31 See note v 25saints; 32 so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and relax in your company. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.