Romans 15: “Christ’s Example and the Mission to the Nations”
1. “We Who Are Strong Ought to Bear with the Failings of the Weak”
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Rom 15:1)
Paul continues the teaching of chapter 14: Christian maturity is measured not by self-assertion but by patience.
The strong are called to carry, not criticise, the weak.
St John Chrysostom explains:
“Strength is not for domination but for support; the strong are physicians, not judges, of the weak.”
(Homilies on Romans XXVII)
Explanation: “Bear with the Weak”
To “bear with” (bastazein) means literally to carry a burden.
Christian charity does not merely tolerate weakness; it helps shoulder it.
This is the imitation of Christ, who bore our sins (Isa 53:4).
2. “Let Each of Us Please His Neighbour for His Good”
“To build him up.” (v. 2)
Paul replaces self-pleasing with service.
The goal is edification (oikodomē) — building the neighbour’s faith.
St Ambrose:
“To please another is not flattery but mercy, when the purpose is to make him better.”
(On the Duties of the Clergy II.28)
3. “For Christ Did Not Please Himself”
“But, as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.’” (v. 3; Ps 69:9)
Christ’s self-emptying is the model for all Christian conduct.
He accepted insult and pain to save others.
This verse connects charity with the Cross.
St Augustine comments:
“He pleased not Himself who alone could rightly please Himself, that we who cannot please ourselves might be saved by Him.”
(Enchiridion 33)
4. “Whatever Was Written in Former Days Was Written for Our Instruction”
“That by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (v. 4)
Paul shows how the Old Testament remains vital for Christians — it reveals God’s faithfulness and nourishes perseverance.
St Bede:
“The Scriptures are the food of the pilgrim soul: by them faith is strengthened, hope sustained, and love enkindled.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, I.42)
Explanation: “Encouragement of the Scriptures”
Scripture gives paraklēsis — comfort and exhortation.
To read the Bible in faith is not only to learn but to be strengthened by God’s living word.
This is why the Church reads the Old Testament in every liturgy: to remind us that the same God who spoke to Israel still acts in Christ.
5. “May the God of Endurance and Encouragement Grant You to Live in Harmony”
“That together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (vv. 5–6)
Unity is the goal: one heart, one mouth, one worship.
Harmony in the Church reflects the Trinity itself.
St John Chrysostom:
“He asks not merely for peace but for symphony — that our many voices may form one hymn to God.”
(Homilies on Romans XXVII)
6. “Welcome One Another, Therefore, as Christ Has Welcomed You”
“For the glory of God.” (v. 7)
The welcome we offer others must mirror Christ’s welcome to us.
Every act of hospitality becomes a liturgical act when done for God’s glory.
St Ambrose:
“He who receives his brother in charity receives Christ in truth.”
(On the Duties of the Clergy II.20)
7. “Christ Became a Servant to the Circumcised”
“In order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy.” (vv. 8–9)
Here Paul unites the whole history of salvation.
Christ came as a Jew, fulfilling Israel’s covenant, and through that fulfilment brought salvation to all nations.
St Augustine:
“The truth to Israel, the mercy to the Gentiles: in one Christ justice and kindness have met.”
(Sermon 131)
Explanation: “Servant to the Circumcised”
Christ accepted the Law (circumcision, obedience, the Cross) to prove God’s fidelity.
His service as the Messiah of Israel is the bridge to universal redemption.
Thus, Christianity does not replace Judaism but fulfils it.
8. “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His People”
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol Him.” (vv. 10–11)
Paul quotes a chain of Old Testament prophecies (Deut 32:43; Ps 117:1; Isa 11:10) showing that Gentile inclusion was always part of God’s plan.
St Bede:
“From the first covenant the call was written: the nations were not strangers to mercy but heirs by promise.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, I.42)
9. “The Root of Jesse Shall Come”
“Even He who rises to rule the Gentiles; in Him shall the Gentiles hope.” (v. 12; Isa 11:10)
Christ, the “Root of Jesse,” is David’s Son and the world’s King.
His kingship is universal — He reigns through mercy, not conquest.
St Ambrose:
“He rises as a branch to Israel, as a sun to the nations — one light shining upon both.”
(On the Faith IV.12)
10. “May the God of Hope Fill You with All Joy and Peace in Believing”
“So that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (v. 13)
This verse is often called Paul’s benediction of hope.
Joy, peace, and hope are the fruit of faith in the Spirit.
St John Chrysostom:
“Hope is the breath of the Spirit in the heart; where faith is, there joy and peace follow.”
(Homilies on Romans XXVIII)
11. “I Myself Am Satisfied about You”
“That you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” (v. 14)
Paul praises the Roman Church — not flattery, but pastoral affirmation.
He recognises their maturity even as he exhorts them.
St Bede:
“He praises the virtue he would perfect; commendation sharpens zeal.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, I.42)
12. “On Some Points I Have Written Boldly by Way of Reminder”
“Because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles.” (vv. 15–16)
Paul defines his priestly mission.
The word leitourgos (“minister”) means liturgical servant.
He presents his preaching as a sacrifice: the offering of the Gentiles to God.
St Augustine observes:
“The preacher is a priest, not with hands of blood but with words of faith, offering souls as living victims.”
(City of God X.6)
Explanation: “Priest of the Gospel”
This does not refer to ordained priesthood in the sacramental sense but to the spiritual priesthood of apostolic ministry.
Yet it prefigures the sacramental priesthood, in which the offering of souls becomes united with the Eucharistic sacrifice.
13. “In Christ Jesus, Then, I Have Reason to Be Proud of My Work for God”
“For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me.” (vv. 17–18)
Paul’s “boasting” is paradoxical — he glories not in his achievement but in what Christ has done through him.
St Ambrose:
“He glories as a trumpet, not as a victor; the sound is Christ’s, not his own.”
(On the Duties of the Clergy II.38)
14. “By the Power of Signs and Wonders”
“So that from Jerusalem and as far round as Illyricum I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ.” (v. 19)
Miracles accompany Paul’s mission, confirming the Gospel’s truth.
His travels span from Palestine to the western Balkans — the known world of his time.
St Bede:
“The signs followed the word as fruit follows the seed.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, I.42)
15. “I Make It My Ambition to Preach Where Christ Has Not Been Named”
“Lest I build on another man’s foundation.” (v. 20)
Paul’s vocation is pioneer evangelisation.
He longs to take Christ to unreached places, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy (v. 21).
St John Chrysostom:
“He was not jealous of others’ harvest but eager for new fields.”
(Homilies on Romans XXVIII)
16. “This Is the Reason I Have So Often Been Hindered from Coming to You”
“But now, since I no longer have room for work in these regions…” (vv. 22–23)
Paul’s missionary zeal kept him from visiting Rome earlier; his heart is always outward-facing.
St Bede:
“The Apostle’s rest is not idleness but readiness for the next labour.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, I.42)
17. “I 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.” (v. 24)
Spain symbolises the Gospel’s reach to the ends of the earth.
Paul hopes Rome will become his new missionary base.
St Ambrose:
“The Apostle’s love is measured by his longing to evangelise to the world’s borders.”
(On the Faith IV.13)
18. “At Present, However, I Am Going to Jerusalem”
“Bringing aid to the saints.” (v. 25)
Paul’s practical charity accompanies his preaching.
He collects offerings from Gentile churches for the poor in Jerusalem — a sign of unity between Jewish and Gentile believers.
St Augustine:
“He who carried alms carried love; the Gospel is not preached by words alone.”
(Sermon 179)
19. “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 in material blessings.” (v. 27)
The Gentiles, enriched spiritually by Israel, now repay materially in gratitude.
Charity completes the circle of grace.
St Bede:
“He who receives the word owes bread; spiritual debt is paid with earthly thanks.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, I.42)
20. “When Therefore I Have Completed This”
“I will leave for Spain by way of you.” (v. 28)
Paul’s plans are both spiritual and practical — but providence will soon lead him to Rome in chains, not as a free missionary.
St John Chrysostom:
“He planned as man, but God directed as Lord; the prisoner’s chains became the preacher’s platform.”
(Homilies on Romans XXIX)
21. “I Know That When I Come to You I Will Come in the Fullness of the Blessing of Christ”
(v. 29)
Paul’s confidence rests not on circumstance but on grace.
Even suffering can carry the blessing of Christ.
St Ambrose:
“He brings not gold or letters of recommendation, but the abundance of grace.”
(On the Duties of the Clergy II.40)
22. “I Appeal to You, Brethren, 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.” (v. 30)
Paul ends with a request for intercession — showing how deeply the early Church believed in the communion of prayer.
St Augustine:
“He who asks prayers from others confesses that grace works in the whole body, not in one member alone.”
(Sermon 216)
23. “That I May Be Delivered from the Unbelievers in Judea”
“And that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints.” (v. 31)
Paul foresees danger and asks for protection and fruitful reception.
His humility is pastoral: he knows mission depends on God’s help and others’ goodwill.
St Bede:
“He seeks prayer, not applause; for he who prays fights with him though far away.”
(Homilies on the Gospels, I.42)
24. “May the God of Peace Be with You All”
(v. 33)
This simple blessing concludes the main letter before Paul’s final greetings in chapter 16.
God is called the God of peace — for the aim of all doctrine and discipline is harmony with Him.
St John Chrysostom:
“Peace is the crown of charity and the fruit of faith.”
(Homilies on Romans XXIX)
25. Theological Summary
| Theme | Explanation |
| Forbearance | The strong bear the weak as Christ bore all. |
| Scripture and hope | The Old Testament nourishes perseverance and joy. |
| Universal salvation | Christ fulfils Israel’s promises and opens mercy to all nations. |
| Apostolic priesthood | Ministry as spiritual sacrifice, offering souls to God. |
| Mission and charity | Preaching joined with practical care for the poor. |
| Prayer and peace | Mutual intercession unites the Church under God’s mercy. |
26. Moral and Spiritual Application
Imitate Christ’s patience. Bear others’ burdens gladly.
Read Scripture for hope. Let the Word renew your courage.
Serve in unity. Welcome all as Christ welcomes you.
Live as a missionary. Support and share in the Church’s universal mission.
Pray for the labourers. Join your intercession to those in the field.
Seek the peace of God. Let His harmony govern every relationship.
27. Closing Prayer
O God of endurance, encouragement, and peace,
who in Christ have united Jew and Gentile in one faith,
grant us patience to bear one another’s burdens,
wisdom to build up the weak,
and zeal to proclaim Your mercy to every nation.
Make us ministers of hope,
offering our lives as living sacrifices of love.
Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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