Romans 15
Living to Please Others
1We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.
2We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.
3For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”
5May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
8Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews
10And in another place it is written,“Rejoice with his people,
11And yet again,“Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles.
12And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne
13I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s Reason for Writing
14I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters,
20My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.
21I have been following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures, where it says, “Those who have never been told about him will see,
22In fact, my visit to you has been delayed so long because I have been preaching in these places.
Paul’s Travel Plans 23But now I have finished my work in these regions, and after all these long years of waiting, I am eager to visit you. 24I am planning to go to Spain, and when I do, I will stop off in Rome. And after I have enjoyed your fellowship for a little while, you can provide for my journey.
25But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers
30Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit.
31Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation
33And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.