A. Paul’s ministry 15:14-33The apostle first gave information concerning his past labors (Romans 15:14-21). Then he explained his present program (Romans 15:22-29). Finally he shared his future plans (Romans 15:30-33). read more
Paul drew attention to the great need he felt for his readers’ prayers by using the same term he did when appealing for them to dedicate themselves to God (Romans 12:1). He exhorted them on the basis of their relationship with Jesus Christ and the love that the Holy Spirit inspires. He realized that in view of the spiritual forces antagonistic to his ministry energetic praying was necessary (cf. Ephesians 6:18-20; 2 Corinthians 1:10-11).". . . our praying must not be a casual experience that... read more
3. Future plans 15:30-33 read more
Paul identified two immediate prayer requests. One was safety from the opposition of hostile unbelieving Jews (cf. Acts 9:29-30) and the distrust of Jewish Christians. The other was that the Jewish Christians would receive the monetary gift of their Gentile brethren. If they did not, the unity of the body would be in jeopardy. read more
The granting of these two requests would hopefully contribute to the realization of a third goal. This goal was Paul’s joyful arrival in Rome in God’s will (Romans 1:10) and his refreshment in the fellowship of the Roman saints. read more
Jew and Gentile alike the Object of God’s Love. The Apostle’s Plans1-13. The subject of Romans 14 is continued. ’Strength’ should be displayed in helping the ’weak’ after Christ’s example (Romans 15:1-4). Let both sections be united in God’s praise, welcoming one another as Christ welcomed them (Romans 15:5-7). As the divergence of views originated in the difference between Jew and Gentile, let both remember that Christ became a Jew for the salvation of both (Romans 15:8-13).Paraphrase. ’(1)... read more
(30) The love of the Spirit—i.e., the love inspired in them by the Spirit—flowing from the Spirit.Strive together with me.—Second my own earnest entreaties. read more
(31) From them that do not believe.—This prayer of the Apostle was, perhaps, it may be said, partially granted. He escaped with his life from his unbelieving countrymen (Acts 23:27), but only to be delivered over to the Romans. He was naturally in fear of the party to which he had himself once belonged, and who would regard him as one of the worst of apostates. But it is to be observed that he expresses no apprehension of the Judaising Christians, as might have been expected if their antagonism... read more
(32) The way in which he was received at Jerusalem would make a great difference to the feelings with which the Apostle would arrive in Rome. A favourable reception in Jerusalem would add much to his enjoyment and benefit from intercourse with the Roman Christians.With you be refreshed.—The Greek word is a rare compound, which is found besides in the LXX. version of Isaiah 11:6, “the leopard shall lie down with the kid.” The whole phrase (“and may with you be refreshed”) is wanting in the... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Romans 15:32
32. That I may come unto you with—"in" joy by the will of God— (Acts 18:21; 1 Corinthians 4:19; 1 Corinthians 16:7; Hebrews 6:3; James 4:15) and may with you be refreshed—rather, "with you refresh myself," after all his labors and anxieties, and so be refitted for future service. read more