Romans 15

At this point, Paul summarizes the main thrust of his essay and discusses his plans. In the first six verses, he reminds the church at Rome that the strong must put up with the failings of the weak. After all, Jesus took on himself the insults of all the people. Then he appeals for harmony, unity and trust in Christ, which will lead to their glorifying God the Father.

Then he turns to his mission to the Gentiles. Christ became servant of the Jews so that (1) the promises in the Hebrew scriptures would be fulfilled and (2) so that the Gentiles would receive God's mercy. Interpretation: God's purpose has always been the redemption of the human race, of all those who trust God the Father through Christ, God the Son, in the power of God the Spirit. Paul quotes from the Psalms and from Deuteronomy to prove his point. He rounds out the above section as follows: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (15:13 NRSV)."

In the remainder of Chapter 15, Paul first repeats his mission to take the gospel to the Gentiles, that is, to those who have never heard. He is called to go where Christ has not yet been proclaimed and thus expand the church, so that "those to whom he has not yet been announced will see, and those who have not heard will understand (quoting Isaiah 52:15)."

Paul then outlines his plan to visit the church in Rome on his way to Spain. First, however, he was compelled to travel to Jerusalem to deliver the offerings from the churches in Macedonia and Achaia for the poor believers there. He asks for prayer to be delivered from those in Jerusalem who intend to harm him. We know from Luke's careful account in Acts of the Apostles that Paul's plan was undone. God had other plans for Paul and another plan for getting the good news of Jesus to Spain.

The Chapter ends "The God of peace be with all of you (15:31 NRSV)." The normal greeting in that day was (and still is in Hebrew) shalom, that is, peace. Paul follows the lead of Jesus, who said "I leave you my peace, but not as the world gives it." It is the peace (completion, fullness) that only God can provide.