What does Romans 15:11 mean?

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. Romans 15:11

Explanation

Romans 15:11 is a call to worship that extends beyond the Jewish people to include all the Gentiles, which means non-Jews. In this verse, the Apostle Paul quotes from the Old Testament, specifically Psalm 117:1, to underscore the universal nature of the Christian gospel. It emphasizes the concept that salvation and praise to God are not limited to one ethnic group but are intended for every nation and people across the globe. The verse conveys a profound invitation for all humanity to recognize and celebrate the sovereignty and grace of God.

Historical Context

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul, around AD 56-58, while he was in Corinth. This epistle was meant for the early Christian community in Rome, which consisted of both Jewish and Gentile believers. At the time, there was tension between these two groups about the application of Jewish law and customs. Paul’s mission was to unify them in the belief that salvation was available to all through faith in Jesus Christ, irrespective of cultural or ethnic background. The verse reflects the mission to bring Gentiles into what was predominantly seen as a Jewish faith.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Romans 15:11 exemplifies the inclusive nature of the gospel message. From a Christian perspective, God’s plan for salvation extends to all nations, not just Israel. This was a significant shift from Old Testament practices, where focus was primarily on the Israelites as God’s chosen people. Various denominations agree on the universal call to worship, though interpretations of how this worship should be expressed may differ. Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant theologians see this passage as validation of their global missionary efforts.

Practical Applications

Romans 15:11 can be applied in the daily life of believers by encouraging an attitude of inclusivity and unity within the Christian faith. It challenges individuals to welcome and celebrate cultural diversity within their congregations and communities. It may also inspire Christians to participate in or support missionary work with the understanding that the message of Christianity is for everyone, regardless of ethnic or national identity.

Cross-References

• Psalm 117:1 – “O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.”
• Revelation 7:9 – “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;”
• Ephesians 2:14 – “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;”

Language Study

The original Greek word for “Praise” is “ἐπαινέσατε” (epainesate), which is a verb that means “to commend,” “applaud,” or “laud.” The phrase “all ye Gentiles” translates from “πάντα τὰ ἔθνη” (panta ta ethne), with “ethne” representing nations or peoples, not limited to Israel. The term for “people” is “λαοί” (laoi), signifying groups, tribes, or communities. These words emphasize the collective and universal nature of the call to worship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea found in Romans 15:11 of a universal call to worship can be compared to some other ancient religious practices. For example, the Roman Empire, being multicultural, often incorporated deities and religious practices from conquered peoples into their own pantheon. However, the Christian message differed fundamentally by maintaining one God for all, as opposed to a pantheon for various cultures.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, Romans 15:11 does not directly discuss natural phenomena or offer scientific assertions. However, the principle of inclusivity and universality aligns with the modern understanding of human genetics, where studies show greater genetic similarities among people from different parts of the world, thus supporting the idea that all humans belong to one species with common ancestry.

Commentaries

Commentaries provide a range of insights on Romans 15:11. Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes God’s mercy to the Gentiles, which was foretold in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Christ. The Expositor’s Greek Testament notes the significance of Paul quoting from the Psalms, which were part of the Jewish liturgy, thereby integrally linking Jewish and Gentile worship. John Calvin’s Commentary reflects on how this verse showcases the removal of distinction between Jew and Gentile in the context of salvation and worship, marking a new era of spiritual unity.