Romans chapters fifteen through sixteen contain the salutation of Paul to the Romans.  This is where Paul is summing up his last argument and saying goodbye to the church in Rome.

Written for our Learning: (Romans 15:1-4)

           In the first verse Paul is transitioning his argument from chapter fourteen.  "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves" (Rom. 15:1).  This is concerning the doubtful disputations discussed in the article on chapter fourteen regarding fast days and eating meat offered to idols.  Neither of these are sins, but those who are strong ought to bear these weaknesses, in other words not participate or participate in these things for a time, for the benefit of the weaker brother.  "Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification" (Rom. 15:2).  We are to put our neighbor before ourselves.  Why?  "For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me" (Rom. 15:3).  The Messiah has taken upon Himself the sins of man, we should be willing to take upon ourselves the weaknesses (or struggles) of our brothers.  After all, the Messiah was our example for us to follow (1 Pet. 2:21).  Just as the things, "written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Rom. 15:4).

          The end result of us bearing our brothers weaknesses is that we will be, "likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus" (Rom. 15:5).  When we act with our neighbor's welfare in mind, we become like the Messiah who did the same for us.  The importance of being like minded is to, "glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 15:6).  Therefore we should, "receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God" (Rom. 15:7).  Again, the Messiah is our example that we should follow.  Just as He received us with all of our sins and weaknesses, so we should receive our brethren who are weak in the faith.

Rejoice ye Gentiles: (Romans 15:8-17)

          Paul now reminds the Romans where they came from.  "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.  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" (Rom. 15:8-9).  The Messiah came to the circumcision to confirm the promises made unto their fathers, but through these promises came mercy for the Gentiles.  The result is that the Gentiles glorified God for His mercy.  Just as was foretold by the prophets; "Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people" (Rom. 15:10, Deut. 32:43), and, "Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people" (Rom. 15:11, Psalms 117:1), and finally, "There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust" (Rom. 15:12, Is. 11:1, 10).  God made it clear that His plan of salvation has always been for the Gentiles as well as the Israelites.

          "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" (Rom. 15:13).  Paul encourages the Romans to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  "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" (Rom. 15:14).  Paul is convinced of their ability to follow his instructions and admonish one another as he has explained.  "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, 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" (Rom. 15:15-16).

Paul's Desire to come to Rome: (Romans 15:18-33)

          Paul has not held anything back from the Gentiles (Rom. 15:18).  He has used, "mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God ... [to] ... fully preached the gospel of Christ" (Rom. 15:19).  Paul has not preached where the Messiah has already been preached.  He does not want to build upon another's foundation (Rom. 15:20).  "But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand" (Rom. 15:21).  As a result, Paul has been hindered to come to Rome, but now has the opportunity to do so (Rom. 15:22-23).  Paul promises to come to Rome whenever he makes a trip to Spain, but he will journey to Jerusalem first (Rom. 15:24-25).  Paul assures them, when he comes, he will, "come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ" (Rom. 15:29).

          Paul then encourages them to pray for his mission in Judea.  He wants them to, "strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;  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" (Rom. 15:30-31).  Paul seems to have concern for his trip to Jerusalem and wants the church in Rome to pray for him.  The result of a blessed trip to Jerusalem is, "That [he] may come unto [them] with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed" (Rom. 15:32).  He concludes with, "Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen" (Rom. 15:33).

Chapter 16:

          Paul adds another chapter after his conclusion regarding some final thoughts.  He asks them to receive Phebe and to assist her in any business she might have with them (Rom. 16:1-2).  He sends personal greetings to several members of the church body (Rom. 16:3-16).  He warns them to be cautious of divisive members of their church (Rom. 16:17-20).  Paul's final salutation is from many members who are with Paul (Rom. 16:21-24).  Paul ends his letter with a reminder of the power of God establishes them in the faith, which was foretold by the prophets.  "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,  But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea" (Rom. 16:25-27).

By Steve Siefken

 
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Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth

not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV