Paul the Minister to the Gentiles- Romans 15:14-33
14 I myself feel confident about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another.15 Nevertheless on some points I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to win obedience from the Gentiles, by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and as far around as Illyricum I have fully proclaimed the good news of Christ. 20 Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written,
“Those who have never been told of him shall see,
and those who have never heard of him shall understand.”
Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome
22 This is the reason that I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, with no further place for me in these regions, I desire, as I have for many years, to come to you 24 when I go to Spain. For I do hope to see you on my journey and to be sent on by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a little while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem in a ministry to the saints;26 for Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to share their resources with the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do this, and indeed they owe it to them; for if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material things. 28 So, when I have completed this, and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will set out by way of you to Spain; 29 and I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
30 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 The God of peace be with all of you. Amen.
What does the Passage Say?
V. 14-22 Paul reminds the readers of why he is writing this letter. He is not to criticize them. His intention is to refresh the true meaning of Grace, so they will be able to join him in the ministry to the Gentiles, sharing the Grace with others who haven’t experienced it yet. The Message says, “It’s not criticism. I’m simply underlining how very much I need your help in carrying out this highly focused assignment God gave me” (v. 15 The Message).
V. 23-33 Paul says that since his focus was on the Gentiles, he wasn’t able to visit Rome. Since he sees how his mission, in the region, is complete, he expresses his desire to visit Rome.
He also shows how other churches hear and respond to the need of fellow Christians. And he reminds us that we are all called to be on this journey together. “I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me” (v. 30 NIV).
What does this mean to me/ us?
It is true that we can’t do this alone. Christianity is not a solitary religion. We grow together. We suffer together, and we celebrate together. Moreover, we need to understand that we are in God’s mission together.
For the current day Gentiles, who know Jesus but do not like church, to join this journey of discipleship, we need to carry out this mission together. We need to pray together for this mission. We need to commit our time together for this mission, and we need to commit our resources to this mission. Then we will see how God uses us, as God used Paul to “trigger a believing response among the outsiders” (v.19 The Message)
Lord, help us to see your vision. Help us to fully understand that your grace extends to everyone. Help us to understand that you have chosen us first, to invite us to your mission. Help us to be faithful to your call. Lead us, day by day, in your Spirit.
In Christ Name, Amen.
What are your thoughts?
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