23 Romans 15:14-33 Paul’s Reflections

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Paul closes Romans as he began, with a personal word about himself and the church in Rome. Reflecting on his life so far and where God will take him next, Paul discusses two themes: 1) the situation of church at Rome, and 2) the future of his ministry. As you study Romans 15, you might want to compare what Paul says to your own church and ministry.

I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. – Romans 15:14 ESV

Paul says the church at Rome has three positive qualities:

They are full of goodness in the sense that they are motivated by a sense of goodness, because God has changed their hearts to strive for it.
They are complete in knowledge in that they fully understand the gospel.
They are competent to teach one another, sharing the wisdom God has given them so far.

15But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:15-16 ESV

Paul says the church at Rome lacks two qualities:

No matter how well taught, they still need a bold reminder of the truth.
They still need a “priestly ministry” — someone to speak to them about God and remind them of the truth.

17In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience–by word and deed, 19by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God–so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” 22This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected, I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. – Romans 15:17-29 ESV

Now Paul speaks of his own ministry:

His boast and worth stem from what Christ has accomplished through him.
He is delighted to be who he is. He is so confident because he has seen Christ at work.
He has finished his work in the east and is looking west toward Rome and Spain.
Paul planned ahead, but his plans were flexible, he was persistent and he involved a team.

30I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33May the God of peace be with you all. Amen. – Romans 15:30-33 ESV

Paul’s three prayer requests were granted in a surprising way.

He was rescued from the unbelievers in Judea by being placed in Roman custody after being beaten.
His service to Jerusalem was acceptable but stirred up a lot of trouble.
He did go to Rome but it was over 2 years later and involved prison and a shipwreck.

For more detail and explanation please listen to the podcast