Romans 15

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

What does Romans 15:5 mean?

Explanation

Romans 15:5 is a part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Roman Christians in which he addresses the principles of Christian living and the importance of harmony within the church.

In this particular verse, Paul refers to God as the "God of patience and consolation" and expresses his desire that God grants the Roman Christians the ability to be "likeminded one toward another," that is, to have a unified mindset that reflects Jesus Christ.

The literal meaning of the verse emphasizes a divine enablement for believers to exhibit patience and to encourage one another, mirroring the attitudes of Christ.

Deeper meanings include the pursuit of peace and unity in the body of Christ and recognition that such qualities come from God and not merely human effort.

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

At the time of Paul's writing of Romans, the Christian church in Rome comprised both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews).

There were tensions and disagreements between these groups over cultural and religious practices.

The larger Greco-Roman society was also known for its diversity and potential for discord.

Paul wrote to encourage the church to find unity amidst their differences by focusing on their shared faith in Christ Jesus.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints might put varying emphases on this verse.

Some perspectives include:

The Reformed Theology might see it as a call to doctrinal unity and the importance of maintaining the purity of the church's teaching.
The Liberation Theology may interpret the verse as God's support in the struggle for a community that fights against inequality and division.
The Catholic Tradition may highlight the role of the church as a mediator of God's patience and consolation.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging individuals to:

Exercise patience with others, especially in disagreements.
Offer comfort and encouragement, as God does.
Seek unity and harmony within their communities and churches.
Reflect Christ's mindset of self-sacrifice and service to others.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:2-3 - "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Philippians 2:1-2 - "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation..."

Language Study

The key terms in Romans 15:5 in the original Greek Language are:

"Patience" (μακροθυμία - makrothymia): Longsuffering, endurance, or the ability to bear with others.
"Consolation" (παράκλησις - paraklēsis): Comfort, encouragement, or solace.
"Likeminded" (φρονέω - phroneō): To think, to be minded in a certain way, or to have understanding.

The verse highlights attributes of God that Paul prays the Romans will emulate.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn with other ancient religions that emphasize community and harmony, such as Stoicism which emphasized the unity of humanity and the practice of virtues like patience and endurance.

In religious contexts, many traditions value the concept of unity, compassion, and patience, which are comparable to the Christian virtues mentioned in this verse.

Scientific Perspectives

From a psychological perspective, the qualities of patience and consolation can be seen to contribute to social cohesion and mental well-being. Modern science supports the idea that community and shared values are vital to human flourishing.

Commentaries

Commentators have offered various interpretations of Romans 15:5:

John Calvin stresses the divine source of patience and comfort, suggesting that Paul points the Romans to seek these virtues through God rather than mere human effort.
Matthew Henry sees the verse as an apostolic prayer for unity, particularly that Christians would agree in the worship of God and in their principles of religion.
The New International Commentary on the New Testament highlights that Christian patience and encouragement are qualities exemplified in Christ and generated in Christians by God himself.

Romans 15

Romans 15

What does Romans 15:5 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 15:5 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?