Romans 15:25-28, 30-33 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it has pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It has 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. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 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; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
‘But now I go unto Jerusalem’ – this shows that Paul was headed for his last trip to Jerusalem. After that he planned to visit Rome and Spain (15:22-28).
‘Minister unto the saints’ – this ministering mainly included the large collections for the poor saints at Jerusalem (15:25-28; 1Cor. 16:1-4; 2Cor. 8-9). These Gentile contributions for the poor Jewish saints demonstrated brotherly love for the Christian Jews.
‘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.’ Here Paul again states that Gentile Christians were debtors to the Jews who had been used of God to receive the Scriptures and through whom Christ came according to the flesh. Now he points out that it is only right to help the Jews in carnal things.
‘When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.’ When I take the collections for the poor saints to Jerusalem, I plan to go to Spain and I will come by Rome to see you.
‘That you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me’ – It is noticeable that Paul never got so full of the fullness of God that he felt he did not need prayers of the saints and continued blessings of God.
‘That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea’ – Paul seems to anticipate the trouble he was to have in Judea (Acts 21:27-26:32).
‘God of peace’ – in the book of Romans, what God is: A witness (1:9); uncorruptible (1:23); impartial (2:11); judge (2:16; 3:6); God of all people (3:29); God of patience and consolation (15:5); God of hope (15:13); God of peace (15:33; 16:20); only wise One (16:27).
Living the Word 