Romans 15:25-27 - Exposition

But now I go to Jerusalem ministering unto the saints. For it hath pleased ( εὐδόκησανα , implying good will ) Achaia and Macedonia to make a certain contribution ( κοινωνίαν , intimating the communion of Christians with each other, evinced by making others partakers of their own blessings; of Romans 12:13 ; 2 Corinthians 9:13 ; 1 Timothy 6:18 ; Hebrews 13:16 ) to the poor of the saints which are at Jerusalem. As to this collection for the poor Christians at Jerusalem, which St. Paul seems to have been intent on during his journeys, and which he was now on the point of carrying to its destination, of. Acts 19:21 ; Acts 24:17 ; 2Co 8:1-9:15. It hath 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 ( λειουργῆσαι ; here in the general sense of ministry; see on Romans 13:6 ) to them in carnal things . Here we have the same idea of salvation being derived to the Gentiles from the Jews as is prominent in Romans 11:17 , Romans 11:18 , and apparent in Romans 15:7 , seq .