Romans 15: Unity In Glorifying God

Romans 15: Unity In Glorifying God

Collin Leong. December 4, 2025

(v1-7) Accept One Another

(v1-7) We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself - "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me." (Psalm 69:9). For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, that through endurance and encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, an accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with on voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 

(v8-13) Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

(v8-12) Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name" (2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49), and "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people" (Deut. 32:43), and "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol Him" (Psalm 117:1), and Isaiah says "The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles, in him will the Gentiles hope." (Isaiah 11:10)

(v13) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. 

(v14-21) Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

(v14-21) I am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. But I have written to you some points very boldly as a reminder, because of the grace given me by God, to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In Christ, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 

(v18-21) For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience - by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of  the Spirit of God - so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ, and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written: "Those who have never been told of Him will see, and those who have never heard will understand." (Isaiah 52:15)

Exp: Verse 18-21 is a single sentence by Paul. The word "For I will not venture.." can also be translated to "For I will not dare...". Paul refuses to speak of anything except what Christ accomplished through him. He uses words and deeds, and even signs and miracles, to convince the Gentiles that Christ is the messiah and savior. Illyricum is 1600km from Jerusalem, if measured with a straight line. Today it's in the location of Split, Croatia and surrounding area. 

(v22-33) Paul's Plan to Visit Rome

(v22-24) Paul's travels has prevented him from visiting Rome. Now that he has no longer working in the region he mentioned, he hope to see them on his way to Spain. He request for help to his journey to Spain after he enjoyed their company for a while. 

(v25-27) At present, Paul is going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make contribution to the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. They were pleased because they owe it to them, for the Gentiles (Macedonia, Achaia) was shared in their (Jews) spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them (Jews) in material blessings.  

(v28-28) So after I have completed this and have delivered the collection to them, I will leave for Spain by way of you. I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. 

(v30-33) I appeal to you, brothers, by the our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Key Messages

Romans 15 addresses how believers should live in unity and mutual encouragement, following Christ’s example of selflessness. Paul emphasizes harmony between Jews and Gentiles, the hope found in God, and the mission to spread the gospel beyond current boundaries. The chapter teaches that Christian maturity involves bearing with others, glorifying God together, and supporting one another in both spiritual and practical ways.

1. Bear with the Weak and Build Up Others (vv.1–4)

Paul exhorts the “strong” to carry the burdens of the “weak,” not pleasing themselves but serving others. Christ Himself did not seek His own comfort but bore reproach for the sake of humanity. Scripture provides endurance and encouragement, pointing believers toward hope.

Application: Live selflessly by prioritizing others’ growth over personal convenience. Encourage fellow believers through Scripture and patience, fostering a community where everyone is strengthened in faith.

2. Unity in Glorifying God (vv.5–7)

Paul prays that God would grant believers harmony so they may glorify Him with one voice. He urges them to welcome one another just as Christ welcomed them, for God’s glory.

Application: Pursue unity in worship and fellowship. Welcome others into the body of Christ regardless of background, creating a community that reflects God’s inclusive love.

3. Christ as Servant to Jews and Gentiles (vv.8–13)

Christ came as a servant to the Jews to confirm God’s promises, but also so Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy. Paul cites multiple Old Testament texts showing that Gentiles were always part of God’s plan. He concludes with a blessing: may God fill believers with joy, peace, and hope through the Spirit.

Application: Recognize God’s mercy as the foundation of inclusion. Celebrate diversity in the church as part of God’s design, and rely on the Spirit for joy and hope in daily life.

4. Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles (vv.14–21)

Paul explains his calling to minister to the Gentiles, offering them as an acceptable sacrifice sanctified by the Spirit. He boasts only in what Christ has accomplished through him, spreading the gospel from Jerusalem to Illyricum. His ambition is to preach where Christ is not yet known.

Application: Embrace your calling with humility, giving glory to Christ rather than self. Support missions and outreach that bring the gospel to unreached communities, continuing Paul’s vision of expanding God’s kingdom.

5. Plans for Travel and Service (vv.22–29)

Paul shares his desire to visit Rome on his way to Spain, after delivering aid to the poor in Jerusalem. He emphasizes the mutual responsibility between Gentiles and Jews—spiritual blessings shared should lead to material support.

Application: Practice generosity and mutual care within the church. Support ministries and believers in need, recognizing that spiritual unity should be expressed in tangible acts of service.

6. Call for Prayer and Partnership (vv.30–33)

Paul appeals for prayer that he may be delivered from opposition in Judea and that his service in Jerusalem will be accepted. He hopes to come to Rome with joy and refreshment, ending with a blessing of peace.

Application: Engage in intercessory prayer for leaders and missionaries. Strengthen partnerships in ministry through prayer, encouragement, and hospitality, fostering joy and peace in shared service.

In short, Romans 15 teaches that Christian maturity is marked by selfless service, unity across differences, reliance on Scripture and the Spirit, and active participation in God’s mission.