1 WE who are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good so as to build him up.

3 For Christ did not please himself, but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who were reproaching thee fell on me."

4 All that was written of old was written for our instruction, in order that by patience and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we may have hope.

5 May the God of patience and encouragement grant to you to have harmony with one another, in the manner of Christ Jesus,

6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Therefore, welcome one another as Christ welcomed us, to the glory of God.

8 For I say that Christ became a servant of circumcision for the sake of God's truth, in order to confirm the promises given to the fathers

9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy, as it is written, "For this will I confess thee among the Gentiles and sing to thy name."

10 And again Scripture says, "Rejoice, Gentiles, with his people."

11 And again, "Sing to the Lord, all Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him."

12 And again Isaiah says, "There will be a root of Jesse, and one who rises to rule Gentiles: in him Gentiles will hope."

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit!

14 I am persuaded, my brethren \'97 yes, I myself \'97 regarding you, that you are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able to instruct one another.

15 But I have written rather boldly to you, partly to remind you, because of the grace given to me from God,

16 that I may be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, in priestly service of the good news of God, in order that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

17 I do boast in Christ Jesus of my work for God.

18 For I will not venture to speak except of what Christ has done through me to promote obedience of Gentiles, by word and deed,

19 through the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that from Jerusalem around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the good news of Christ,

20 being ambitious to tell the good news where Christ has not been named, so that I might not build on any other man's foundation,

21 but as it is written, "They who have had no message of him shall see and they who have not heard shall understand."

22 This is why I have been so much hindered in coming to you.

23 But now having no more territory in these regions and having for many years had a strong desire to come to you

24 while making a journey to Spain, I hope to see you as I pass through and to be furthered on my journey by you, after first partially satisfying my desire of being with you.

25 But now I am on my way to Jerusalem to render service to the holy.

26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the holy in Jerusalem.

27 They have been pleased to do this and indeed they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared their things of the spirit, they owe them sacred service in things of the body.

28 So after completing this and sealing to them this fruit, I shall come away and pass by you to Spain.

29 And I know that when I come to you it will be in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

30 I beg you, brethren, for the sake of our Lord Jesus and the love of the Spirit to join me in wrestling in prayer to God on my behalf,

31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judaea and that my service in Jerusalem may be pleasing to the holy,

32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God and be refreshed with you.

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