Romans 15: Receive One Another

Introduction

From the Table to the Nations

Romans 14 left the strong and the weak at the same table. Romans 15 tells them why they must stay there. The argument that began with Him that is weak in the faith receive ye (Romans 14:1) ends with receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God (Romans 15:7). Then it climbs higher than food and days, to the sight of Jews and Gentiles praising God with one voice.

At verse 14 the letter begins to close. Paul explains why he wrote so boldly, describes his ministry to the Gentiles, and lays out his travel plans: first Jerusalem with an offering from the Gentile churches, then Rome, then Spain. He ends by asking the Romans to fight alongside him in prayer.

Bear the infirmities (15:1-6). The strong follow Christ, who pleased not Himself.
Receive one another (15:7-13). Christ served Israel and brought mercy to the Gentiles, so that all might glorify God together.
A minister to the Gentiles (15:14-21). Paul's priestly service is preaching the Gospel where Christ has not been named.
Spain by way of Jerusalem (15:22-29). Paul's plans, and the offering for the poor saints.
Strive together in prayer (15:30-33). Paul's requests, and how God answered them.

Where This Chapter Fits

Romans 15:1-13 finishes the counsel of Romans 14. Verses 8-12 also gather up the great theme of Romans 9 to 11: God has kept His word to Israel and opened His mercy to the nations.

For Deeper Study

Lectures on the Epistle to the RomansAmazon H. A. IronsidePlain, warm expositions by a dispensational Bible teacher and longtime pastor of Moody Church in Chicago.
Paul, Apostle of the Heart Set FreeAmazon F. F. BruceA careful life of Paul that sets Romans in the story of his journeys and churches. Bruce was a Brethren scholar.
RomansAmazon Thomas R. SchreinerA detailed commentary (BECNT) by a Reformed Baptist scholar.
Missionary Methods: St. Paul's or Ours?Amazon Roland AllenA classic study of how Paul planted churches and trusted them to stand, the work behind 15:19-20. Allen was an Anglican missionary, and we differ on church order and baptism.
Foxe's Book of MartyrsAmazon John FoxeThe classic Protestant record of those who died for the faith, from the early church to the English Reformation.

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Romans 14: Liberty and the Weaker Brother

In matters God has left to conscience, believers receive one another without quarreling, each is fully persuaded before the Lord he will answer to, and the strong lay down their liberty rather than destroy a brother for whom Christ died.

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