December 9, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Romans Chapter 15
1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:
21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
27 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 unto them in carnal things.
28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Romans 15 is a chapter that highlights the practice of Christian community. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of unity, mutual acceptance, and the joy that springs from the hope in Christ. Additionally, he provides insights into his personal mission and the universal dimension of the Gospel. This chapter invites us to reflect the love of Christ in our interactions with one another and to testify to our faith through our actions.
Commentary
Romans 15 begins with a call to care for the weak. Paul urges the strong in the community not to seek their own advantage but to consider the well-being of their neighbors. This aligns with the example of Christ, who lived selflessly and took on the suffering of humanity (verses 1–3). Such an attitude requires patience and comfort derived from the Scriptures, which provide us with hope (verse 4).
A central theme of the chapter is unity among believers. Paul describes the harmony and mutual understanding that should arise from following Christ, so that God may be glorified (verses 5–6). This unity extends to both Jews and Gentiles, as Christ was faithful to the promises made to the patriarchs while also revealing God’s mercy to the Gentiles (verses 7–13). The scriptures Paul cites underscore the prophetic significance of this universal dimension.
In the second part of the chapter, Paul reflects on his calling and his mission to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles (verses 14–21). He describes his ministry as priestly, viewing the proclamation of the Gospel as an offering acceptable to God. He emphasizes that his work was not accomplished through his own strength but through Christ’s power and the Holy Spirit’s guidance (verses 18–19). Paul is dedicated to preaching the Gospel in places where Christ’s name was previously unknown, ensuring he builds on no other foundation (verses 20–21).
In the final section, Paul shares his travel plans and expresses his willingness to serve the needy in Jerusalem (verses 25–28). He sees the financial support provided by the Gentile Christians for the poor believers in Jerusalem as a sign of unity and gratitude. Paul asks the church in Rome to pray for his ministry and expresses his hope to visit them soon (verses 30–33).
Summary
Romans 15 is an appeal to the Christian community to live in unity and mutual care. Paul illustrates how Christ’s selfless service serves as a model for our actions, calling believers to live in harmony and praise God together. The chapter emphasizes the universal grace of God, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles. Through his travel plans and ministry to the needy, Paul exemplifies dedication, humility, and faithfulness to the Gospel. Finally, he encourages the church to be strengthened in the hope and joy of faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 79—“It is Finished”
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter “It Is Finished!” describes the climax of Christ’s work of redemption, completed with His final breath on the cross. This victory over sin and death deeply impacted not only humanity but also heaven and the unfallen worlds. Jesus’ cry, “It is finished!” proclaimed the triumph over Satan and his rebellion. This chapter highlights how Christ perfectly revealed God’s love, justice, and mercy and how the cross established the foundation for the eternal security of the universe.
Commentary
The chapter emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ victory on the cross. His declaration, “It is finished!” signals that the work of redemption is complete and that God’s love and justice have triumphed.
Satan, once a highly exalted angel, was finally exposed at the cross. Through his betrayal and the execution of Christ, his true character was revealed to heaven and the unfallen worlds. God allowed Satan to fully develop his principles to make the nature of sin visible. This revelation was necessary to affirm the inviolability of God’s law and the inseparability of grace and justice.
Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrated that grace does not nullify justice but fulfills it completely. His life was the ultimate example of obedience, and through His death, Christ proved that God’s law is righteous and can be upheld. Satan claimed that justice and mercy were incompatible. However, the cross showed that both principles are harmoniously united in God.
The chapter also illustrates how Christ remained steadfast despite Satan’s relentless attacks from His birth to His crucifixion. His faithfulness and obedience to God surpassed all attempts by the enemy to overcome Him. In doing so, He refuted Satan’s claims and secured humanity’s redemption.
Summary
Chapter 79: “It Is Finished!” reveals the depth and completeness of Christ’s victory on the cross. His sacrifice fully displayed God’s love, justice, and mercy, refuting all of Satan’s accusations. The cross demonstrated that sin and rebellion inevitably lead to destruction, while God’s law and principles provide the foundation for eternal security. Through His obedience and triumph over death, Christ brought salvation to humanity and the assurance that sin and Satan will be defeated once and for all. This chapter reminds us that redemption in Christ is the central event in the history of creation and conveys an eternal message of hope and love.
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