Romans 15
1 We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not please ourselves.
2 Let each of us please our neighbor for their good, to build them up.
3 For Christ did not please himself either; but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”
4 For everything written in earlier times was written to teach us, so that through the endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think the same way toward one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus,
6 so that together, with one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ welcomed us, for the glory of God.
8 For I say that Christ became a servant to the circumcised on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,
9 and so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will praise you among the nations and sing to your name.”
10 And again it says: “Rejoice, nations, with his people.”
11 And again: “Praise the Lord, all nations; let all peoples praise him.”
12 And again Isaiah says: “The root of Jesse will come, and the one who rises to rule the nations; in him the nations will place their hope.”
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
14 I myself am convinced about you, my brothers and sisters, that you too are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to advise one another.
15 But I have written to you more boldly in part, as a reminder, because of the grace God gave me
16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest of God's gospel, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, made holy in the Holy Spirit.
17 So I have reason to boast in Christ Jesus in matters concerning God.
18 For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience, by word and deed,
19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Holy Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and the surrounding region as far as Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
20 In this way I made it my ambition to announce the good news where Christ had not yet been named, so that I would not build on someone else's foundation.
21 But, as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”
22 That is why I was often prevented from coming to you.
23 But now I have no more place to work in these regions, and for many years I have greatly longed to come to you.
24 When I go to Spain, I hope to see you on my way and to be sent on there by you, after first enjoying your company for a while.
25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to serve the saints.
26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
27 They were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them; for if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to serve them with material blessings.
28 So after I have finished this and handed over this fruit to them, I will leave for Spain by way of you.
29 And I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of Christ's blessing.
30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive with me in prayers to God for me,
31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who disobey, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32 and that, by the will of God, I may come to you with joy and find rest with you.
33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
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