Romans: One Voice. One Hope.

Romans 15:1-13 

In Paul’s final section of Romans, he becomes more personal and practical. Paul has taken us on a theological journey starting with the power of the gospel (the “news of victory”), the need for the gospel, how to accept the gospel, how to grow as a Christian, and the sovereign work of God in our lives and in the world. Now, he addresses how we should interact with other believers who have different convictions about what is acceptable and what is not. 

Paul has instructed us not to judge others over “disputable matters” (Rom. 14:1-12) and not to cause anyone to stumble by using our freedom to do what others believe is wrong (Rom. 14:13-23). In today’s passage, Romans 15:1-13, Paul gets to the heart of the issue: the believer should follow Jesus's example, who served us, not himself. 

Follow the Example of Jesus
Paul reminds us that we owe it to God and other believers not to please ourselves but to do what is best for our “neighbor” in order “to build him up” (Rom. 15:1-2). Believers should not be self-centered. We ought to care about others' spiritual growth. When we live our lives for others, we are following Jesus' example.

Paul affirms this truth by quoting Psalm 69:9, which foretold the coming Messiah.

Romans 15:3
For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 

Specific psalms that prophesy about Jesus are called Messianic psalms. This psalm reminds believers that Jesus came not to please himself but to please God (John 4:34; 5:30; 8:29). Jesus was insulted by others because of his relationship with God and his commitment to carry out God’s will.

Continue to Learn from God’s Word
Paul followed this Old Testament quote with an important principle about Scripture's purpose and its influence on our lives.

Romans 15:4
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Reread Romans 15:4. Paul emphasizes the significance of reading the Old Testament. It was written for our “instruction” and “encouragement,” so that we “might have hope.” The word “encouragement” (Grk: hypomones) means “steadfastness in the face of adversity.” “Hope” is in a Greek tense that means “keep on having hope.” Engaging with the stories of the Old Testament gives us that steadfastness and enduring hope. 

This is why we began our year by studying Genesis, Job, and Isaiah. Trust me, I understand that there are challenging passages in the Old Testament, but there is also a treasure trove of truth that we need to learn and embrace. One commentator puts it this way: “As Christians learn from the past (what is written in the OT about others who did not please themselves) they are motivated to endure and be comforted in the present, looking ahead in hope (confidence) to the future.”[1]

Paul says, “May the God of endurance and encouragement,” that is, the God we learn about in the Old Testament, “grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Rom. 15:4-7). 

Keep Your Focus on Jesus
The world is watching how Christians engage with each other, how we love and support one another, and how we encourage one another. After the Charlie Kirk assassination, some Christians chose to use the tragedy to divide the church. Some took to social media to urge people to leave their churches if their pastor did not mention Kirk. Others believed Kirk was too involved in politics and criticized believers who supported him. 

Paul’s main point in this part of his letter is that believers should avoid idolizing or demonizing what other Christians believe concerning disputable matters. Instead, we should always keep our focus on Jesus. 

Paul addresses the Jews to make his point. He reminds them that Jesus came to die for both Jews and Gentiles, the two groups that were judging each other over “disputable matters.” But Paul wants to show that God has always had a plan to unite the Jews and Gentiles into one body. The Jews knew they were God’s chosen people through the covenants of the Old Testament. Here, Paul reiterates that God’s plan has always included the Gentiles. 

Paul cites four Old Testament passages to support his argument. The Hebrew Old Testament is divided into three sections: the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (see Luke 24:44). The three leading figures in Jewish tradition are Moses, David, and Isaiah. The four passages mentioned come from these sections and relate to these three men. 

Paul says that “Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy” (Rom. 15:8-9). To demonstrate that the inclusion of the Gentiles has always been part of God’s plan, Paul provides these four passages:

Romans 15:9 (from Psalm 18:49—David)
As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.”

Romans 15:10 (from Deuteronomy 32:43—Moses)
And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”

Romans 15:11 (from Psalm 117:1—David)
And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” 

Romans 15:12 (from Isaiah 11:10—Isaiah)
And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” 

Observe the progression. In the first quote, David praises God among the Gentiles. In the second, Moses exhorts the Gentiles. In the third, David commands the Gentiles to praise the Lord. And in the final passage, Isaiah prophesies that the Gentiles will live under the rule of the Messiah.  

Paul finishes this section with a short benediction to sum it up: “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” (Rom. 15:13).  

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Romans 15:1-13. Take time to personally consider the encouragement and hope you have found in God’s Word.

Talking to God: How has God’s Word given you hope and endurance in a recent challenge?

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to help as we study God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll get back to you soon. Let us know if you'd like to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you're seeking spiritual guidance.

Our next study of the Bible will be The Revelation, starting November 3. This will be a nine-week series. I’m excited for us to explore what God’s Word says about the end times and more. Invite a friend to join us.