FocusChrist's example and shared hope
Connection to the wholeThe strong are called to bear with the weak, and Scripture's promises join Jews and Gentiles in praise and hope.
interpretation Romans 15:1
KJVWe then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Read it in context
Bear with and receive one another
Start reading at Romans 15:1 (Romans 15:1 to Romans 15:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The strong are called to bear with the weak, and Scripture's promises join Jews and Gentiles in praise and hope.
- 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
- 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
- 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
- 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
- 15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
- 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
- 15:8 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:
- 15:9 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.
- 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
- 15:11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
- 15:12 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.
- 15:13 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 14:1–15:33): Paul addresses believers who differ over foods and days, urging mutual reception, and explains his ministry and travel plans. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Bear with and receive one another. Read Romans 15:1 through Romans 15:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The strong are called to bear with the weak, and Scripture's promises join Jews and Gentiles in praise and hope. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Bear with and receive one another (Romans 15:1 to Romans 15:13). Start reading at Romans 15:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Cited: Romans 15:1, Romans 15:13, Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse, and Tertius names himself as the scribe.
Romans 1:1Romans 16:22
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- strong Rom 4:20 1 Cor 4:10 2 Cor 12:10 Eph 6:10 2 Tim 2:1 1 John 2:14
- ought Rom 14:1 1 Cor 9:22 1 Cor 12:22-24 Gal 6:1-2 1 Thess 5:14
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 15
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions. The first section completes the discussion of receiving one another begun in Romans 14.
Romans 1:1 Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4 Romans 8:9
Paul explains his ministry
Romans 15:14–21FocusThe gospel among the Gentiles
Connection to the wholePaul describes his commission and the scope of his labour, explaining both his boldness in writing and his missionary purpose.
interpretation Travel plans and a request for prayer
Romans 15:22–33FocusFellowship across churches
Connection to the wholeThe collection for Jerusalem and the intended journey toward Rome and Spain connect practical service, mission, and the readers' prayers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4
Opening and theme
Romans 1:1–17FocusThe gospel and faith
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
interpretation The need for righteousness
Romans 1:18–3:20FocusSin and accountability
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
interpretation God’s provision in Christ
Romans 3:21–5:21FocusFaith, grace, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
interpretation Newness of life
Romans 6:1–8:39FocusBaptism, service, and life in the Spirit
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
interpretation Israel and the Gentiles
Romans 9:1–11:36FocusPromise, faith, and mercy
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
interpretation FocusService, love, and mutual care
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
interpretation Ministry and closing
Romans 15:14–16:27FocusPlans, greetings, and final exhortation
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.