What happensPermalink
Paul urges the strong to bear with the weak, just as Christ bore with us, that all might live in harmony. Scripture was written to encourage and give hope, and Paul quotes the Law, Prophets, and Writings to show that Gentiles have always been included in God’s plan. Paul then describes his ministry of preaching where Christ was not yet known, especially among Gentiles, which is why he has not yet visited Rome. But now that work is complete, he hopes to visit them on his way to Spain, after delivering aid to Jerusalem.
Why it mattersPermalink
Romans 15 brings Paul’s teaching on unity to a close. Christ is both the model and the means of harmony. Paul’s Old Testament citations (Deuteronomy 32; Psalm 117; Isaiah 11) show that God’s plan has always included the Gentiles. His travel plans also link this letter to the Acts narrative and the ongoing story of the church.
Key versePermalink
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.