Book Of Romans

Words of Jesus Christ in "Red"
Romans 15:4-33
Romans 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. "
     Paul justifies the use of the Old Testament "history" in teaching. The Scriptures are the handiwork of God, a tool which God created for our edification, for the edification of the Church in all ages. Paul refers to this in:

I Corinthians 10:1-11 "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."

     The examples of the Patriarchs were recorded in Scripture for our learning, patience, and comfort. Those who went before us "are our examples", so we can know what we should and should "not do" as the stewards of God.

Romans 15:5-7
"^[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded [ho autos phroneos] one toward another according to Christ Jesus: ^[6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ^[7] Wherefore receive [proslambano] ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. "
     The Scriptures were given to give us by the "God of patience and consolation". Paul now prays that the Romans learn oneness through the Author of the Scriptures. We are to be "be likeminded" one toward another. "Likeminded" is the Greek "HO AUTOS PHRONEOS", meaning "to be of the same mind or opinion, to be mentally disposed in the same direction toward one another". This word carries the idea of being "in one accord". We should care for one another, something sadly lacking in the Church today.
     I find that, more and more, denominationalism seems to be pulling the Church of Jesus Christ apart. In an age when we should be working together to win the lost to Christ too often we're promoting denominational differences. In an age when the Church should be pulling the lost from the sea of the world, many Church leaders are promoting elitism, power, and programs over the Word of God. People come into the Church through a revolving door, and go back out again because they do not feel the Love of Christ within. As Paul states:

Philippians 2:1-5 "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"

     While the Church is asking, "Where are the converts?", the world is asking, "What has happened to the Church?". We are to be "of one accord, of one mind", caring for one another like Christ loved and cared for us "better than for Himself". Why? If we do not "in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" we cannot glorify God nor win (and keep) souls for Christ.
     God is "not glorified by strife" in the Church, and is "not glorified" by a committee run clubhouse. The world has these things already, why come to Church for just more of the same? Look at the rebuke Paul gave the Corinthians over their improper use of the Lord's Table. The greatest sin that he rebuked them for was not drinking or obesity, but:

I Corinthians 11:18-22 "For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. "

     I am persuaded now more than ever that the "greatest sin" that can be committed in the Body is "a failure to edify one another in the Body". Edification of the Body, "a Divine command", means to "receive one another, as Christ also received us". "Receive" is the Greek "PROSLAMBANO", meaning "to take to oneself, to grant access to one's heart, to take into friendship". The Bible teaches that we have a God Who is without prejudice, who receives all who come to Christ "equally":

Acts 10:34-35 "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."
1 Corinthians 12:13-14 "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. "

     If God receives all men equally, then we who "were received" should receive all who come to the local Church "equally". Paul's major emphasis was that the Roman Gentiles would accept the Jews if they came to Christ. This application is more widespread to the Church in our world today. We should equally receive all who come, whether African American, Caucasian, Asian, or spotted gray. We should receive all just as we have received others of our own race. We should receive as God receives.

Romans 15:8-9
"^[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: ^[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. "
Christ "came first" for the circumcision or the Jews, and later for the Gentiles:

Matthew 15:24-28 "But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. "

     Paul brings up this point after the weaker brother / stronger brother analogy in Chapter 14 because the weaker brother that the Gentiles might have to receive "could be the Jews". Denney states:
     "The Gentiles must not be contemptuous of scruples or infirmities, especially such as a rise out of any associations with the Old Covenant; nor should the Jewish Christian be censorious of the Gentile liberty which has it's vindication in the free grace of God."

Romans 15:10-12
"^[10] And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. ^[11] And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. ^[12] And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root [riza] of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. [elpizo]"
     Here Paul quotes several of the Old Testament verses that prophesied the reception of the Gentiles into God's Plan. These verses come from:

Psalms 18:49 "Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name."
Psalms 117:1 "O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. "
Isaiah 11:1 "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:"

     As we stated before, it was "no new thing" that the Gentiles, through the establishment of the Church, was to receive the stewardship of God. Israel was blind and arrogant, scorning the fulfillment of the promise in the new Testament. This blindness flowed over to many of those in the new Testament Church who, being Jewish, taught that no one could be saved unless he was Jewish:

Galatians 2:15-21 "We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. "

     God foretold of this promise being offered to the Gentiles in the Old Testament.. Paul amply illustrates the calling of the Gentiles in these verses.
     Also note Paul's quotation of the messianic prophecy found in Isaiah Chapter 11. The "root of Jesse" refers to our Savior Jesus Christ. The Greek word for "root" is "RIZA", meaning "a sprout from the root".
     Jesus was "the sprout from the root of Jesse" both by analogy as well as in actuality. He was descended from the Kingly Messianic line as shown in Matthew 1:1-16 (His lineage as traced through Joseph) and Luke 3:23-38 (His lineage as traced through Mary). By analogy, Jesus as a sprout of Jesse signifies "new life and hope for Israel". Israel, and the promises given to her through the patriarchs has not been forgotten by God. Through the birth of Christ, God told Israel and the world that, though she had backslidden, God "still has a place for her" in His eternal plan of Redemption.
     Referring to verse 12 we see that this hope of Israel is "also the great hope of the Gentiles". Christ has risen to rein over the Gentiles:
".. in him shall the Gentiles trust .."
     The Greek for "trust" is "ELPIZO", meaning "hope". The Gentiles have "their hope of salvation" through Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:13
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound [perissos] in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. "
     Paul, in a type of benediction or prayer, blesses the Romans and prays that they will be "filled with all joy and peace". "Abound" is the Greek "PERISSOS", which means "to have a super abundance of". It is Paul's prayer that the Roman Christians have a "super abundance of hope" in Christ, so they can successfully pass through their time of tribulation. This type of peace, joy, and hope is not given to the world, but only comes to the Church through the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:14-16
"^[14] And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. ^[15] Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, ^[16] That I should be the minister [leitourgos] of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. "
     With these verses Paul begins his epilogue on to the epistle to the Romans. From this point he winds down the doctrinal aspects of the letter, and begins his "good-byes".
     The general tenor of these verses is: "I know your tribulations, and I know that what you Roman Christians are going through. I also know of your faith. When I spoke boldly in my letter earlier, it was not because I was ignorant of your faith. But I spoke boldly so that I might ensure that I fulfill my commission to the Gentiles before God."
     Paul emphasizes this in verses 14 and 15, and states that he was so bold because of his "serious regard" for his commission.
".. That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles .."
     The word "minister" is the Greek "LEITOURGOS", meaning "a priestly servant". The word is often used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) of the Levites, who were the stewards of the holy things of the temple. Paul reckoned that his commission to the Gentiles was a "most holy and serious thing" before God.

Galatians 2:7-8 "But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) "

     Though God is "no respecter of persons", allowing all to be saved who come to Christ, He, in His Plan of Salvation, allowed two main divisions in the early Church:
     To Peter (who was a Jewish fishermen, uneducated but familiar with the common Jew) God gave the commission of the "Apostleship to the Jews". To Paul (who was a very educated Jew, educated under the renowned scholar Gamaliel), who was familiar with the Gentile ways, a Roman by birthright, God gave the commission of the "Apostleship to the Gentiles". These two men were the main pillars the Father built the early Church on. Peter built up the Jewish side of the Church while Paul built up the Gentile side. Paul knew that the position he held was "very important". Because of this knowledge he preached boldly to the Romans to guarantee he fulfilled his commission.

Romans 15:17-18
"^[17] I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. ^[18] For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,"
     Since Paul insured that he carried out his priestly commission to the Gentiles, he notes that "I may glory through Jesus Christ". The phrase, "things which pertain to God", is a Levitical phrase referring to the Holy things of the Temple. Paul notes in verse 18 that he will "not glory" in the things of the world, or in anything "which Christ hath not wrought" through the power of God. This brings to mind Paul's teaching in:

II Corinthians 10:17-18 "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth."

     The Christian is "commended and glorified" by fulfilling his commission, by doing what God has called him to do. Paul was commended and glorified in the Lord for fulfilling his commission, though he suffered imprisonment and persecution by many.
     "The way of the Christian is not a soft way, nor an easy way, but a blessed way if we trust in our Lord and do His bidding."

Romans 15:19-33
"^[19] Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. ^[20] Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: ^[21] But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. ^[22] For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. ^[23] But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; ^[24] Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. ^[25] But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. ^[26] For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. ^[27] It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. ^[28] When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. ^[29] And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. ^[30] Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; ^[31] That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; ^[32] That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. ^[33] Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. "
     Paul had fulfill his commission and had fully preach the Gospel unto the extent that "his missionary journey's covered a majority of the known world". "From Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum" is an area covering Palestine, Asian minor, and Greece. This is a tremendous area in which to preach, especially considering that all travel was "by foot or by burrow" in these ancient times. Paul preached and brought the Gentiles to obedience through many mighty "signs and wonders". "Signs" is the Greek "SEMION", referring to "a miracle that points to God, much like a sign points out a road or occurrence". "Wonders" is the Greek "TERAS", which is "a miracle that is spectacular, therefore remembered by the people". The many "signs and wonders" and many missionary journeys Paul made are outlined in the books of Acts chapters 13 through 28.

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