Romans 15-16 God’s Concerns

In Romans 15 and 16, Paul concludes his letter to the Christians in Rome by emphasising several key priorities that can guide the Christian in life. These priorities include building unity, serving others, spreading the gospel, and supporting each other in love. Let’s briefly explore each chapter’s main points:

Romans 15: Priorities of Unity, Service, and Proclamation

1.. Building Unity in the Church (Romans 15:1-7)

Paul emphasises the importance of unity among believers, particularly between Jewish and Gentile Christians. He encourages the “strong” (those with freedom in Christ) to bear with the “weak” (those who may still be bound to certain traditions or scruples), prioritising harmony over personal preference.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6

2. Seeking to Please Others Over Ourselves (Romans 15:1-3)

Christians are called to seek the good of others rather than simply satisfying their own desires. This means being sensitive to the needs and weaknesses of others, especially in the community of faith. Paul highlights Christ as the ultimate example of selflessness and service.

“Each should please his neighbour to build him up..  For even Christ did not please himself.” Romans 15:2-3

3.   Living in Hope and Patience (Romans 15:4, 13)

Paul says that Scripture was written to give us encouragement and hope. Christians are called to live lives marked by hope and patience, relying on the God of hope that is given in Scripture to fill them with joy and peace.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

To support this claim he goes on to quote four Old Testament Scriptures one after another.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

To ‘trust in him’ must mean to trust in what he has said in Scripture.  To overflow must mean to overflow to others around you.

4. Proclaiming the Gospel and Expanding the Kingdom (Romans 15:15-21)

Paul underscores the importance of all Christians being involved in the sharing the gospel. He speaks of his own mission to preach Christ where He is not yet known, urging Christians to carry out the mission of expanding God’s kingdom.

“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known.” Romans 15:20

Paul wrote this bold letter to remind his readers that they share Paul’s responsibilities.  All Christians have been ordained at their baptism to be priests of God.  This does not mean church leaders but does mean we all have the responsibility of making sure others understand the gospel. (See 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation and 5:10)

“I have written to you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again and again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God.” Romans 15:15-16

5.   Partnering in Prayer and Support for the Church (Romans 15:23-33)

Paul asks the Romans to pray for him and to support his ministry. This points to the importance of intercessory prayer and mutual support within the Christian community.

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.” Romans 15:30

All Christians must make it a priority to pray for those who are at the forefront of sharing the gospel as it is dangerous, even today.

Romans 16: Priorities of Fellowship, Love, and Discernment

1. Recognising and Appreciating Fellow Workers (Romans 16:1-16)

Paul mentions many people by name, acknowledging their contributions to the church and showing appreciation for their work. This highlights the value of personal relationships, fellowship, and honoring one another within the Christian community.

“Greet . . .Greet . . . Greet . . . Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me.” Romans 16:3-4

Churches must be real communities that prioritise making friends with each other.It is significant that the related phrase for these great christians in Rome was that they were ‘in Christ’ or ‘in the Lord’.  There is no better description of those who are being saved that this.

2. Prioritising Love and Genuine Affection (Romans 16:16)

Paul encourages Christians to greet each other warmly, using expressions of affection (like the “holy kiss”) as signs of genuine love and community.

“Greet one another with a holy kiss.” Romans 16:16

3. Being Alert to False Teachings (Romans 16:17-19)

Paul warns the church to be cautious of false teachers and divisive influences. He advises Christians to avoid those who promote teachings contrary to the gospel, emphasiing discernment and wisdom.

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.” Romans 16:17

4. Trusting in God’s Strength and Wisdom (Romans 16:25-27)

Paul concludes with a doxology, giving glory to God for His wisdom and power in revealing the gospel and enabling people to live according to faith. This final statement highlights the importance of trusting in God’s ultimate wisdom and strength in all things.

“Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel…to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ!” Romans 16:25-27

Summary of Priorities in Romans 15 and 16

The key priorities for Christians, according to Romans 15 and 16, include:

• Unity: Maintaining harmony and unity within the church by putting others’ needs before personal preferences.

• Service and Selflessness: Pleasing others over ourselves and following Christ’s example of service.

• Hope, Joy, and Peace: Living in joy and hope through the Holy Spirit, even amid difficulties.

• Evangelism: Actively spreading the gospel where it has not been heard.

• Prayer and Support: Committing to prayer and supporting the church community and leaders.

• Appreciation for Fellow Believers: Honouring and appreciating those who serve in ministry.

• Discernment: Remaining vigilant against false teachings and influences that could harm the church.

• Trust in God’s Power and Wisdom: Leaning on God’s wisdom and strength to live out the faith and to grow in grace.

These priorities call Christians to a life centred on community, selfless service, and trust in God, reflecting the unity, love, and purpose that Paul envisioned for the early church.  Paul clearly expects all Christians who are committed to serving the Lord Jesus, to make these priorities their own.

BVP