Romans 15

Koinonia Ministries

Continuing a discussion on unity, Paul insists that the strong put others first. Following the example of Christ, we learn from Scripture the hope we have which gives us endurance to bear with and welcome one another for the glory of God. Because the division likely happened along ethnic lines, it is critical to see that Christ has served both Jew and Gentile in fulfillment of Scripture. While Paul recognizes that they know how to handle this, Paul reminds them since he is God’s chosen vessel to build the gentile church. Having established churches in the major eastern Mediterranean cities, Paul desires to go further west preaching the Gospel among the unreached. On his way westward, Paul intends to fellowship with the Roman church, but he must first deliver the collection of funds from gentiles to the Jewish church of Jerusalem. Accordingly, Paul sought prayers for safety, acceptance of the gift by the church, and ability to come to the Roman church for spiritual refreshment as he prepared for westward expansion of the Gospel.