Romans 15

Chapter Summary

In Romans 15, Paul discusses his ministry to the Gentiles and his plans to visit Rome. He explains that he has been called to be a minister of Christ to the Gentiles, and that he has fulfilled his ministry in the regions of Illyricum and Macedonia. Paul requests prayer from the Roman Christians for his upcoming visit to Jerusalem, where he will deliver a collection for the poor. He also expresses his desire to preach the gospel in Spain and to visit the Roman Christians on his way there. The chapter concludes with Paul's greeting to the Roman Christians and his warning against those who cause divisions and offenses.

Context for the Chapter

Romans 15 is part of Paul's epistle to the Romans, which was written to a church that was predominantly Gentile. The chapter is a conclusion to Paul's discussion of his ministry and mission, and it provides a transition to his final greetings and warnings. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it reflects Paul's calling as an apostle to the Gentiles and his role in the spread of the gospel.

Heart Application

This chapter challenges us to be humble and recognize our role as servants of Christ. It also emphasizes the importance of unity among believers and encourages us to pray for one another. As we reflect on Paul's passion for mission, we are reminded of the importance of sharing the gospel with others and building on the foundation laid by Christ.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Romans 15 is about Paul's ministry to the Gentiles and his plans to visit Rome. He wants the Roman Christians to be united and to support one another. Paul also asks for prayer for his journey to Jerusalem and his mission to preach the gospel in Spain. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of humility, unity, and prayer in our own lives.

Voices from the Church

“Paul's ministry was not his own, but Christ's, and he was merely an instrument in the hands of his Lord.”

— John Calvin

“The gospel is not a mere doctrine, but a living power, which ought to be felt in the heart and seen in the life.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Paul's Ministry (Romans 15:1-4) — Paul explains his ministry to the weak and his desire to please his neighbors for their good to edification.
2. Paul's Plans to Visit Rome (Romans 15:14-16) — Paul expresses his desire to visit the Roman Christians and to preach the gospel in Spain.
3. Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles (Romans 15:17-21) — Paul discusses his ministry to the Gentiles and his desire to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named.
4. Paul's Request for Prayer (Romans 15:22-24) — Paul requests prayer from the Roman Christians for his journey to Jerusalem and his ministry to the Gentiles.
5. Conclusion and Greetings (Romans 15:25-33) — Paul concludes the chapter with a greeting to the Roman Christians and a warning against those who cause divisions and offenses.

Core Doctrines

The importance of humility in ministry

This chapter teaches that humility is essential for effective ministry, as seen in Paul's recognition of his role as a servant of Christ.

The power of prayer in mission

The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer in supporting missionaries and ministry, as seen in Paul's request for prayer from the Roman Christians.

The unity of the church

The chapter teaches that unity among believers is essential, and that it is rooted in their shared faith in Christ.

The gospel as a living power

The chapter emphasizes that the gospel is not just a doctrine, but a living power that ought to be felt in the heart and seen in the life.

Lessons from Romans 15

1. The importance of humility in ministry — This chapter teaches that humility is essential for effective ministry, as seen in Paul's recognition of his role as a servant of Christ.
2. The power of prayer in mission — The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer in supporting missionaries and ministry, as seen in Paul's request for prayer from the Roman Christians.
3. The unity of the church — The chapter teaches that unity among believers is essential, and that it is rooted in their shared faith in Christ.
4. The gospel as a living power — The chapter emphasizes that the gospel is not just a doctrine, but a living power that ought to be felt in the heart and seen in the life.
5. The warning against divisions — The chapter warns against those who cause divisions and offenses, and encourages believers to promote unity and mutual support.

Themes from Romans 15

1. Ministry and Mission — This chapter is about Paul's ministry to the Gentiles and his plans to visit Rome.
2. Unity and Mutual Support — The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among believers and encourages them to support one another.
3. The Power of Prayer — The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer in supporting missionaries and ministry.
4. The Gospel as a Living Power — The chapter emphasizes that the gospel is not just a doctrine, but a living power that ought to be felt in the heart and seen in the life.
5. The Warning against Divisions — The chapter warns against those who cause divisions and offenses, and encourages believers to promote unity and mutual support.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is Paul's role as a minister of Christ, and how does he fulfill this role?
2. What is the importance of unity among believers, and how can we promote unity in our own churches?
3. What is Paul's passion for mission, and how can we share this passion in our own lives?
4. What is the power of prayer in supporting missionaries and ministry, and how can we use prayer to support those in ministry?
5. What is the warning against those who cause divisions and offenses, and how can we avoid causing divisions in our own churches?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Romans 15

	Sermon	Description
	Be Filled With the Holy Spirit - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger	In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of preaching the gospel in a challenging environment. He talks about how he spent time with gangsters and criminals, sharing the
	A Man on the Go by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the criticisms that the Apostle Paul faced in his ministry. Paul was criticized for constantly moving around, changing his plans, and preachin
	A Time to Do Nothng but Trust by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, lea
	The Grace of Yielding - Part 1 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of yielding and recognizing one's weaknesses. He refers to a verse from Acts chapter 17, where Paul speaks about God overlooking t
	Esther #1 Ch. 1-2 by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the strange events and rules in the Bible as examples, warnings, instructions, and admonitions for believers.
	How Much Is Your-Bible Worth? by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of treasuring and prioritizing the Word of God. He shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of waking up in the morning
	How to Get on Fire for God by Ray Comfort	In this sermon, the preacher discusses three keys to getting on fire for God. The first key is faith, which is described as believing in the promises of God and finding joy and pea
	(1986 Prairie Series) 9 - David Forgot to Remember by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of abiding in the word of God and recognizing it as the divine principle and truth that sets us free. He shares a personal st
	(1 Corinthians) ch.6:7-6:20 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of avoiding not only sinful things but also unprofitable things in the Christian life. He specifically mentions the area of fo
	Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Omnipresence and Immanence by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the distance between humanity and God. He shares a personal experience of praying with a friend on a hill, feeling both the darkness and the

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans 15

In this chapter, Paul expresses his desire to visit the Roman Christians and to preach the gospel in Spain. He also requests prayer from them for his journey to Jerusalem and his ministry to the Gentiles. Matthew Henry notes that Paul's ministry was not his own, but Christ's, and that he was merely an instrument in the hands of his Lord. Henry also emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, and encourages them to pray for one another. As Henry says, "The gospel is not a mere doctrine, but a living power, which ought to be felt in the heart and seen in the life." Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?