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Romans 15:30
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Paul’s Travel Plans
29I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.30Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.31Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there,
Sermons
Jonathan Edwards
Michael L. Brown
Gardiner SpringSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the love of the Spirit - By that love of God which the Holy Spirit sheds abroad in your hearts. That ye strive together - Συναγωνισασθαι That ye agonize with me. He felt that much depended on the success of his present mission to the Christians at Jerusalem, and their acceptance of the charitable contribution which he was bringing with him, in order to conciliate them to the reception of the Gentiles into the Church of God without obliging them to submit to circumcision.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit--or, "by the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit"--not the love which the Spirit bears to us, but that love which He kindles in the hearts of believers towards each other; that is "By that Saviour whose name is alike dear to all of us and whose unsearchable riches I live only to proclaim, and by that love one to another which the blessed Spirit diffuses through all the brotherhood, making the labors of Christ's servants a matter of common interest to all--I beseech you." that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me--implying that he had his grounds for anxious fear in this matter.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now I beseech you, brethren,.... Having declared his intention of coming to them, and his confidence of it, he entreats an interest in their prayers; and which he urges from the consideration of their mutual relation as "brethren"; and therefore should love one another, and show it, among other things, by praying for each other to their common parent, in whom they have a joint interest, saying, as directed by Christ, "our Father which art in heaven", Mat 5:45; thereby signifying, that they prayed not for themselves only, but for all the brethren, all the children of God: and this the apostle further urges, for Christ's sake; whose servant he was, and in whose cause he was engaged, whose Gospel he preached, and whose glory he sought; and therefore, if they had any regard for Christ, and the good of his interest, he beseeches them that they would pray for the continuance of his life and usefulness; since for him to live was for the good of the churches of Christ, though for him to die would be his own personal gain: and which he also stirs them up to, for the love of the Spirit; meaning either the love of the Father, and of the Son, which was shed abroad in their hearts by the Spirit, which he had directed them into, and they had a comfortable sensation of; or that love to God, to Christ, and one another, which the Spirit of God had wrought in them in regeneration; or that love with which the Spirit of God equally loved them, as the Father, and the Son; and which he had shown in their conversion and sanctification, in applying all grace unto them, and indwelling in them as the Spirit of adoption, and as the earnest and pledge of the heavenly inheritance. That ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me. The apostle prayed for himself, as he had been wont to do ever since he was a converted man; but knowing well the force of united social prayer, he desires the assistance of others. He represents prayer as an agony, an holy conflict, and striving with God, a wrestling with him, as Jacob did, who held him, and would not let him go without the blessing, and had power with him, and prevailed. The phrase denotes the fervency of prayer, the strength, labour, and energy of it; see Col 4:12; and also intimates, that the apostle foresaw he should have a combat with many enemies where he was going, and should be in great danger by them; and therefore desires they would join him in the use of their spiritual armour, and in that particular part of it, prayer, which has been often used to good purpose against the enemies of the Gospel: he does not desire these Romans to beg the assistance of their senate or emperor: but to pray to God for him, and join with him in their prayers to him, who is a God hearing prayer, and able to save. The petitions he would have them put up to him, are as follow:
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have, I. St. Paul's desire of a share in the prayers of the Romans for him, expressed very earnestly, Rom 15:30-32. Though Paul was a great apostle, yet he begged the prayers of the meanest Christians, not here only, but in several other of the epistles. He had prayed much for them, and this he desires as the return of his kindness. Interchanging prayers is an excellent token of the interchanging of loves. Paul speaks like one that knew himself, and would hereby teach us how to value the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous. How careful should we be lest we do any thing to forfeit our interest in the love and prayers of god's praying people! 1. Observe why they must pray for him. He begs it with the greatest importunity. He might suspect they would forget him in their prayers, because they had no personal acquaintance with him, and therefore he urges it so closely, and begs it with the most affectionate obtestations, by all that is sacred and valuable: I beseech you, (1.) "For the Lord Jesus Christ's sake. He is my Master, I am going about his work, and his glory is interested in the success of it: if you have any regard to Jesus Christ, and to his cause and kingdom, pray for me. You love Christ, and own Christ; for his sake then do me this kindness." (2.) "For the love of the Spirit. As a proof and instance of that love which the Spirit works in the hearts of believers one to another, pray for me; as a fruit of that communion which we have one with another by the Spirit though we never saw one another. If ever you experienced the Spirit's love to you, and would be found returning your love to the Spirit, be not wanting in this office of kindness." 2. How they must pray for him: That you strive together. (1.) That you strive in prayer. We must put forth all that is within us in that duty; pray with fixedness, faith, and fervency; wrestle with God, as Jacob did; pray in praying, as Elias did (Jam 5:17), and stir up ourselves to take hold on God (Isa 64:7); and this is not only when we are praying for ourselves, but when we are praying for our friends. True love to our brethren should make us as earnest for them as sense of our own need makes us for ourselves. (2.) That you strive together with me. When he begged their prayers for him, he did not intend thereby to excuse his praying for himself; no, "Strive together with me, who am wrestling with God daily, upon my own and my friends' account." He would have them to ply the same oar. Paul and these Romans were distant in place, and likely to be so, and yet they might join together in prayer; those who are put far asunder by the disposal of God's providence may yet meet together at the throne of his grace. Those who beg the prayers of others must not neglect to pray for themselves. 3. What they must beg of God for him. He mentions particulars; for, in praying both for ourselves and for our friends, it is good to be particular. What wilt thou that I shall do for thee? So says Christ, when he holds out the golden sceptre. Though he knows our state and wants perfectly, he will know them from us. He recommends himself to their prayers, with reference to three things: - (1.) The dangers which he was exposed to: That I may be delivered from those that do not believe in Judea. The unbelieving Jews were the most violent enemies Paul had and most enraged against him, and some prospect he had of trouble from them in this journey; and therefore they must pray that God would deliver him. We may, and must, pray against persecution. This prayer was answered in several remarkable deliverances of Paul, recorded Acts 21, 22, 23, and 24. (2.) His services: Pray that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints. Why, was there any danger that it would not be accepted? Can money be otherwise than acceptable to the poor? Yes, there was some ground of suspicion in this case; for Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles, and as the unbelieving Jews looked spitefully at him, which was their wickedness, so those that believed were shy of him upon that account, which was their weakness. He does not say, "Let them choose whether they will accept it or no; if they will not, it shall be better bestowed;" but, "Pray that it may be accepted." As God must be sought unto for the restraining of the ill will of our enemies, so also for the preserving and increasing of the good will of our friends; for God has the hearts both of the one and of the other in his hands. (3.) His journey to them. To engage their prayers for him, he interests them in his concerns (Rom 15:32): That I may come unto you with joy. If his present journey to Jerusalem proved unsuccessful, his intended journey to Rome would be uncomfortable. If he should not do good, and prosper, in one visit, he thought he should have small joy of the next: may come with joy, by the will of God. All our joy depends upon the will of God. The comfort of the creature is in every thing according to the disposal of the Creator. II. Here is another prayer of the apostle for them (Rom 15:33): Now the God of peace be with you all, Amen. The Lord of hosts, the God of battle, is the God of peace, the author and lover of peace. He describes God under this title here, because of the divisions among them, to recommend peace to them; if God be the God of peace, let us be men of peace. The Old Testament blessing was, Peace be with you; now, The god of peace be with you. Those who have the fountain cannot want any of the streams. With you all; both weak and strong. To dispose them to a nearer union, he puts them altogether in this prayer. Those who are united in the blessing of God should be united in affection one to another.
Romans 15:30
Paul’s Travel Plans
29I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.30Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.31Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there,
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The Life of David Brainerd - Part. 2
By Jonathan Edwards4.6K1:10:23Audio BooksEXO 3:20EXO 4:14EXO 15:1JOB 14:14MAT 6:33ROM 15:301TH 4:8In this sermon transcript, the preacher reflects on their own feelings of unworthiness and insufficiency. They express a desire for a close and constant devotion to God and a fear of being without Him even for a moment. The preacher also discusses their concern for the state of religion and the false appearance of piety that hinders true spiritual growth. They share their experiences of preaching and feeling inadequate, yet still being assisted by God's presence and spirit. The transcript also includes entries from Brainerd's private diary, where he expresses his struggles with inward trials and doubts about his mission among the heathen. Despite his feelings of vileness, he is grateful for the opportunity to preach and is blessed with God's presence and power in his preaching.
Prayer, the Holy Spiirt and Boldness and David Platt
By Francis Chan1.9K07:02MAT 18:19ACT 4:31ROM 15:30EPH 6:19COL 4:21TH 5:112TI 1:7HEB 10:24JAS 5:161PE 4:8
This sermon emphasizes the importance of believers coming together in prayer to seek supernatural courage and boldness to share the gospel, drawing inspiration from the early church's practice of praying for one another's boldness. It highlights the need for believers to support and pray for each other's spiritual growth, encouraging a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit for empowerment in evangelism and disciple-making.
Developing a Warrior Mentality
By Michael L. Brown1.3K49:38EXO 15:3JOS 1:9MAT 5:39MAT 5:44ROM 15:302TI 2:3REV 19:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the spiritual battle that believers are engaged in. He highlights the urgency of sharing the gospel and interceding for those who are suffering and oppressed. The preacher encourages listeners to embrace the burden of the Lord and to pray fervently, even for seemingly unrelated situations. The sermon also references the book of Revelation, highlighting the ongoing war between good and evil and the ultimate triumph of God. The preacher cautions against being complacent or unaware of the spiritual forces at work and emphasizes the importance of staying anchored in holiness and devotion to God.
Resting and Wrestling for the Cause of Christ—together
By John Piper1.3K43:30PSA 133:1MAT 11:28LUK 13:24JHN 12:25ACT 20:28ROM 15:30EPH 4:12HEB 10:24
This sermon emphasizes the importance of healthy biblical doctrine and loving relationships within the body of Christ. It highlights the significance of small groups in fostering these relationships and the need for believers to strive together in prayer, wrestle against spiritual battles, and find rest and refreshment in community. The message encourages participation in small groups for mutual encouragement, sharing burdens, and multiplying joys in the journey of faith.
Fulfilling the Mystery of Israel - Part 2
By Art Katz92518:00IsraelROM 9:3ROM 11:33ROM 11:36ROM 15:9ROM 15:30ROM 15:32In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of showing mercy to others, especially in times of persecution. He highlights that this mercy should be given sacrificially, both physically and emotionally. The speaker also discusses the concept of the mystery of God's plan, which is fulfilled through the glory of God. He urges the listeners to make their minds completely dependent on Christ, recognizing that without Him, they are devoid of anything and unable to perform religious acts. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God to impart His jealousy for His glory upon the listeners and to sustain them in the challenges that lie ahead.
Skyland Conference 1980-11 Christian Stewardship
By Stan Ford37030:35MAT 16:24JHN 13:34JHN 13:37ROM 8:17ROM 12:1ROM 15:302CO 4:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and selflessness in the Christian life. He references the example of Jesus washing the disciples' feet as a demonstration of love and service. The speaker also highlights the need for believers to die to self and endure suffering for the sake of Christ. He encourages listeners to show empathy, forgiveness, and offer supplication in their relationships with one another. The sermon is based on the Gospel of John, particularly chapter 13, and includes references to other biblical passages.
A Plea to Pray for Pastors
By Gardiner Spring0PSA 102:17ROM 15:301CO 9:27EPH 5:16COL 4:31TH 5:252TH 3:1HEB 13:18JAS 5:16Gardiner Spring emphasizes the vital role of prayer in shaping and supporting ministers of the Gospel. He highlights the need for congregations to fervently pray for their ministers, as their prayers can empower and uplift them to effectively carry out their divine calling amidst the challenges and temptations they face. Spring underscores the importance of ministers being upheld by the prayers of their people, as neglecting this duty can lead to spiritual declension and ineffectiveness in ministry. He urges believers to engage in a concert of prayer for ministers, recognizing the significant impact of consistent intercession on the spiritual well-being and effectiveness of those who proclaim God's truth.
Prayer and Fervency
By E.M. Bounds0Spiritual PassionFervent PrayerPSA 42:1ROM 15:30COL 4:12JAS 5:16E.M. Bounds emphasizes the necessity of fervency in prayer, arguing that without it, prayer is lifeless and ineffective. He illustrates that true prayer must be filled with heart, soul, and passion, drawing on examples from the Apostle Paul and the Psalms to demonstrate the power of earnest supplication. Bounds warns against the coldness of spirit that can hinder prayer, asserting that fervent prayer is essential for reaching God and receiving His blessings. He encourages believers to cultivate a fervent spirit, as it is the key to effective communication with God and the fulfillment of their desires. Ultimately, Bounds calls for a passionate pursuit of God through prayer, highlighting that fervency is rooted in the heart and is vital for a vibrant faith.
Fare Ye Well in the Lord Jesus Christ, Our Common Hope
By Ignatius of Antioch0ROM 15:301CO 1:42CO 13:141TH 5:231TI 2:4Ignatius of Antioch expresses gratitude for Philo the deacon, Gaius, and Agathopus, commending their faithful service and testimony. He gives thanks to God for the believers who have received them, assuring that the Lord will also receive them. Ignatius prays for forgiveness for those who dishonored these faithful men, emphasizing the grace of Jesus Christ and His desire for repentance. He conveys greetings from the brethren at Troas and sends well wishes in the Lord Jesus Christ, the common hope, and the Holy Ghost.
The Devil's Opposition to Prayer
By F.J. Perryman0DAN 10:12LUK 18:1ROM 15:30EPH 6:10EPH 6:18COL 4:2COL 4:12HEB 5:7JAS 5:161PE 4:7F.J. Perryman preaches about the challenges and importance of prayer, emphasizing the spiritual battle that occurs when we engage in prayer. The difficulty in praying can be attributed to the opposition of the Devil, who hinders and opposes effective prayer. The Scriptures highlight the necessity of fervent, persevering, and fervent prayer, indicating a dire urgency and the need for undaunted courage in prayer. Prayer is a powerful tool in administering the victory of Calvary, but it requires vigilance, cooperation with God, and a deep understanding of the spiritual warfare involved.
2 Corinthians 13:10
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 20:6DEU 10:12MAT 5:3ROM 15:301CO 1:91CO 6:111CO 7:121CO 12:112CO 13:11John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of love, reconciliation, and unity among believers, urging them to rejoice, be perfected, comforted, be of the same mind, and live in peace, knowing that God's love and peace will be with them. He highlights the significance of showing love through deeds, as God Himself demonstrated through His actions of reconciliation and mercy towards us. Chrysostom encourages believers to imitate God's love and to strive for a pure conscience, unity, and peace among each other, knowing that God delights in these virtues and that they lead to salvation and blessings.
Your Prayers Requested
By Ignatius of Antioch0ROM 15:30EPH 6:18PHP 1:9COL 4:21TH 5:25Ignatius of Antioch urges the believers to remember him in their prayers as he desires to attain to God. He humbly acknowledges his unworthiness to be called bishop of the Church in Syria and emphasizes the importance of unity in prayer and love among believers for the edification of the Church in Christ.
Praying Always . . . for All Saints
By A.B. Simpson0IntercessionUnselfish PrayerMAT 7:7LUK 11:9JHN 15:7ROM 15:30EPH 6:18PHP 2:4COL 1:91TH 5:171TI 2:1JAS 5:16A.B. Simpson emphasizes the transformative power of unselfish prayer, encouraging believers to shift their focus from personal concerns to praying for others and the world. He suggests that by seeking God's intervention for the needs of others, one can cultivate a stronger faith and experience divine support for their own burdens. Simpson highlights the importance of praying for significant and glorious things that honor Christ and contribute to the salvation of mankind. He calls for a heart aligned with Christ's compassion, urging believers to let go of selfish prayers and embrace a life dedicated to intercession for others. Ultimately, this practice not only relieves personal cares but elevates one's spiritual life.
The Ember Days
By J.H. Newman0ROM 15:30J.H. Newman emphasizes the importance of praying for ministers of the Gospel, following the example set by St. Paul in his epistles. He highlights the duty of continuous prayer for the spread of the Gospel, the protection of ministers from opposition, and the empowerment of their ministry through the prayers of the Church. Newman stresses the significance of specific times of prayer, such as during ordinations, as a means of seeking God's grace and guidance for those entering the ministry. He encourages the revival of the practice of observing Ember days for focused intercession for clergy members, acknowledging the power of united prayer in bringing blessings and protection to the Church.
The Spirit of Love
By Andrew Murray0The Love of the SpiritDiscipleshipJHN 13:34ROM 15:30GAL 5:22COL 1:8Andrew Murray emphasizes that the Spirit of God is fundamentally the Divine Love that dwells within believers, asserting that true love is the primary evidence of the Spirit's presence in our lives. He explains that love is not merely one of the graces of the Spirit but the essence of God Himself, and that believers must yield to the Spirit to overcome selfishness and embody Christlike love. Murray highlights the importance of denying self to allow the Spirit's love to flow through us, which is essential for genuine discipleship. He calls for a deeper understanding of the Spirit's role in our lives, urging Christians to recognize and cultivate the love that has been poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he prays for believers to be filled with this love, which is the true mark of a follower of Christ.
The Spirit of Love
By Samuel Chadwick0JHN 16:7ROM 5:5ROM 15:30GAL 5:22COL 1:82TI 1:7JAS 4:51JN 4:13Samuel Chadwick preaches on the significance of love in religion, emphasizing that love completes the revelation of God and encapsulates the entire duty of man. The Spirit of God is identified as the 'Spirit of Love,' which is the foundational quality that gives value to all other attributes. Love, as a fruit of the Spirit, is considered the chief and most prominent result when the Spirit of Love resides in believers, manifesting as God's own love shed in their hearts through the Holy Ghost.
Rev. 3:1. the Fullness of the Holy Spirit
By Horatius Bonar0The Holy SpiritSpiritual EmpowermentMAT 5:14JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 15:301CO 12:7EPH 4:30HEB 9:14REV 3:1REV 4:5REV 5:6Horatius Bonar emphasizes the fullness of the Holy Spirit as depicted in Revelation, highlighting His roles as the Spirit of light, power, wisdom, spirituality, completeness, variety, and universality. He reminds us that the Holy Spirit is essential for understanding Christ and living a fruitful Christian life, as a religion without the Spirit is lifeless. Bonar warns against quenching the Spirit, urging the Church to embrace His gifts and presence to illuminate the world and fulfill the mission of spreading the gospel. The sermon calls for a recognition of the Spirit's love and the necessity of His work in our lives and the Church. Ultimately, Bonar encourages believers to welcome the Holy Spirit to restore the Church to its original power and glory.
The Spirit Also Loves You!
By Theodore Epp0The Love of the Holy SpiritSpiritual TransformationJHN 3:16ROM 15:30GAL 5:22PHP 2:5Theodore Epp emphasizes the profound love of the Holy Spirit, illustrating that He is a Person with emotions who actively loves and influences us. Romans 15:30 highlights the Spirit's love, urging believers to pray together, while the sermon connects this love to the love of the Father and the Son, as seen in John 3:16 and Philippians 2:5-8. Epp points out that the Holy Spirit not only seeks us in our sin but also regenerates and transforms us upon our acceptance of Christ. The sermon concludes by affirming that our spiritual salvation is deeply rooted in the love of the Holy Spirit, alongside the love of the Father and the Son. Ultimately, the fruit of the Spirit is love, as stated in Galatians 5:22.
Remember Me, as Jesus Christ Also Remembers You
By Ignatius of Antioch0ROM 15:302CO 13:14PHP 1:3HEB 10:341PE 3:14Ignatius of Antioch expresses gratitude and love to the recipients of his letter, urging them to remember him in prayer as he faces persecution and imprisonment for the sake of God. He asks for prayers for the Church of Antioch and sends his blessings in the name of God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Ignatius acknowledges the honor of suffering for God and encourages the believers to hold on to their common hope in Christ.
The Prayers of Paul for the Christian Converts
By Thomas Reade0ACT 20:18ROM 15:302CO 8:9GAL 6:91TH 5:23Thomas Reade preaches about the prayers of Paul for the Christian converts, emphasizing his labor to promote stability, the love of Christ as his governing principle, and his benevolent exertions for the poor saints in Judea. Paul's fervent prayers for the spiritual growth and understanding of believers serve as a beautiful example of ministerial faithfulness and affectionate care for the churches. His prayers, filled with wisdom and love, seek to impart spiritual blessings and strengthen believers in their faith, showcasing a deep desire for their well-being and growth in grace.
The Holy Spirit, Our Loving Friend
By John R. Rice0MAT 12:31ROM 15:30EPH 4:301TH 5:19HEB 10:29John R. Rice preaches about the importance of honoring the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need to view Him as a beloved Person equal with the Father and the Son, rather than reducing Him to mere manifestations like speaking in tongues. He highlights the love, care, and work of the Holy Spirit, including His role in dwelling within Christians, guiding them into truth, and helping them in prayer. Rice discusses the significance of the Holy Spirit's indwelling in believers, the promise of His presence, and the transformation that occurs when Christians are filled with His power for soul-winning. He also warns about sins that can grieve, quench, and insult the Holy Spirit, urging both believers and non-believers to honor and respond to His leading.
The Key to Being Carefree - Philippians 4:4-7
By Jon Courson0ISA 30:1LUK 11:11ROM 15:30PHP 4:6Jon Courson delivers a sermon on the story of Hezekiah facing the threat of the Assyrian army, highlighting the importance of turning to God in times of crisis rather than seeking worldly solutions. He emphasizes the power of prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving in Philippians 4:6, encouraging believers to trust in God's answers even if they differ from our desires. Through the example of Hezekiah's faith and surrender, Courson illustrates the transformative impact of resting in God's peace and leaving our burdens at His feet.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the love of the Spirit - By that love of God which the Holy Spirit sheds abroad in your hearts. That ye strive together - Συναγωνισασθαι That ye agonize with me. He felt that much depended on the success of his present mission to the Christians at Jerusalem, and their acceptance of the charitable contribution which he was bringing with him, in order to conciliate them to the reception of the Gentiles into the Church of God without obliging them to submit to circumcision.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit--or, "by the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit"--not the love which the Spirit bears to us, but that love which He kindles in the hearts of believers towards each other; that is "By that Saviour whose name is alike dear to all of us and whose unsearchable riches I live only to proclaim, and by that love one to another which the blessed Spirit diffuses through all the brotherhood, making the labors of Christ's servants a matter of common interest to all--I beseech you." that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me--implying that he had his grounds for anxious fear in this matter.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now I beseech you, brethren,.... Having declared his intention of coming to them, and his confidence of it, he entreats an interest in their prayers; and which he urges from the consideration of their mutual relation as "brethren"; and therefore should love one another, and show it, among other things, by praying for each other to their common parent, in whom they have a joint interest, saying, as directed by Christ, "our Father which art in heaven", Mat 5:45; thereby signifying, that they prayed not for themselves only, but for all the brethren, all the children of God: and this the apostle further urges, for Christ's sake; whose servant he was, and in whose cause he was engaged, whose Gospel he preached, and whose glory he sought; and therefore, if they had any regard for Christ, and the good of his interest, he beseeches them that they would pray for the continuance of his life and usefulness; since for him to live was for the good of the churches of Christ, though for him to die would be his own personal gain: and which he also stirs them up to, for the love of the Spirit; meaning either the love of the Father, and of the Son, which was shed abroad in their hearts by the Spirit, which he had directed them into, and they had a comfortable sensation of; or that love to God, to Christ, and one another, which the Spirit of God had wrought in them in regeneration; or that love with which the Spirit of God equally loved them, as the Father, and the Son; and which he had shown in their conversion and sanctification, in applying all grace unto them, and indwelling in them as the Spirit of adoption, and as the earnest and pledge of the heavenly inheritance. That ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me. The apostle prayed for himself, as he had been wont to do ever since he was a converted man; but knowing well the force of united social prayer, he desires the assistance of others. He represents prayer as an agony, an holy conflict, and striving with God, a wrestling with him, as Jacob did, who held him, and would not let him go without the blessing, and had power with him, and prevailed. The phrase denotes the fervency of prayer, the strength, labour, and energy of it; see Col 4:12; and also intimates, that the apostle foresaw he should have a combat with many enemies where he was going, and should be in great danger by them; and therefore desires they would join him in the use of their spiritual armour, and in that particular part of it, prayer, which has been often used to good purpose against the enemies of the Gospel: he does not desire these Romans to beg the assistance of their senate or emperor: but to pray to God for him, and join with him in their prayers to him, who is a God hearing prayer, and able to save. The petitions he would have them put up to him, are as follow:
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have, I. St. Paul's desire of a share in the prayers of the Romans for him, expressed very earnestly, Rom 15:30-32. Though Paul was a great apostle, yet he begged the prayers of the meanest Christians, not here only, but in several other of the epistles. He had prayed much for them, and this he desires as the return of his kindness. Interchanging prayers is an excellent token of the interchanging of loves. Paul speaks like one that knew himself, and would hereby teach us how to value the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous. How careful should we be lest we do any thing to forfeit our interest in the love and prayers of god's praying people! 1. Observe why they must pray for him. He begs it with the greatest importunity. He might suspect they would forget him in their prayers, because they had no personal acquaintance with him, and therefore he urges it so closely, and begs it with the most affectionate obtestations, by all that is sacred and valuable: I beseech you, (1.) "For the Lord Jesus Christ's sake. He is my Master, I am going about his work, and his glory is interested in the success of it: if you have any regard to Jesus Christ, and to his cause and kingdom, pray for me. You love Christ, and own Christ; for his sake then do me this kindness." (2.) "For the love of the Spirit. As a proof and instance of that love which the Spirit works in the hearts of believers one to another, pray for me; as a fruit of that communion which we have one with another by the Spirit though we never saw one another. If ever you experienced the Spirit's love to you, and would be found returning your love to the Spirit, be not wanting in this office of kindness." 2. How they must pray for him: That you strive together. (1.) That you strive in prayer. We must put forth all that is within us in that duty; pray with fixedness, faith, and fervency; wrestle with God, as Jacob did; pray in praying, as Elias did (Jam 5:17), and stir up ourselves to take hold on God (Isa 64:7); and this is not only when we are praying for ourselves, but when we are praying for our friends. True love to our brethren should make us as earnest for them as sense of our own need makes us for ourselves. (2.) That you strive together with me. When he begged their prayers for him, he did not intend thereby to excuse his praying for himself; no, "Strive together with me, who am wrestling with God daily, upon my own and my friends' account." He would have them to ply the same oar. Paul and these Romans were distant in place, and likely to be so, and yet they might join together in prayer; those who are put far asunder by the disposal of God's providence may yet meet together at the throne of his grace. Those who beg the prayers of others must not neglect to pray for themselves. 3. What they must beg of God for him. He mentions particulars; for, in praying both for ourselves and for our friends, it is good to be particular. What wilt thou that I shall do for thee? So says Christ, when he holds out the golden sceptre. Though he knows our state and wants perfectly, he will know them from us. He recommends himself to their prayers, with reference to three things: - (1.) The dangers which he was exposed to: That I may be delivered from those that do not believe in Judea. The unbelieving Jews were the most violent enemies Paul had and most enraged against him, and some prospect he had of trouble from them in this journey; and therefore they must pray that God would deliver him. We may, and must, pray against persecution. This prayer was answered in several remarkable deliverances of Paul, recorded Acts 21, 22, 23, and 24. (2.) His services: Pray that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints. Why, was there any danger that it would not be accepted? Can money be otherwise than acceptable to the poor? Yes, there was some ground of suspicion in this case; for Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles, and as the unbelieving Jews looked spitefully at him, which was their wickedness, so those that believed were shy of him upon that account, which was their weakness. He does not say, "Let them choose whether they will accept it or no; if they will not, it shall be better bestowed;" but, "Pray that it may be accepted." As God must be sought unto for the restraining of the ill will of our enemies, so also for the preserving and increasing of the good will of our friends; for God has the hearts both of the one and of the other in his hands. (3.) His journey to them. To engage their prayers for him, he interests them in his concerns (Rom 15:32): That I may come unto you with joy. If his present journey to Jerusalem proved unsuccessful, his intended journey to Rome would be uncomfortable. If he should not do good, and prosper, in one visit, he thought he should have small joy of the next: may come with joy, by the will of God. All our joy depends upon the will of God. The comfort of the creature is in every thing according to the disposal of the Creator. II. Here is another prayer of the apostle for them (Rom 15:33): Now the God of peace be with you all, Amen. The Lord of hosts, the God of battle, is the God of peace, the author and lover of peace. He describes God under this title here, because of the divisions among them, to recommend peace to them; if God be the God of peace, let us be men of peace. The Old Testament blessing was, Peace be with you; now, The god of peace be with you. Those who have the fountain cannot want any of the streams. With you all; both weak and strong. To dispose them to a nearer union, he puts them altogether in this prayer. Those who are united in the blessing of God should be united in affection one to another.