Romans 15

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

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.

And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

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,

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.

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

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.

But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

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.

When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

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;

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;

That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

What does Romans 15:6 mean?

Explanation

Romans 15:6 is an exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome, urging them to unity in worship and glorification of God.

The verse suggests the ultimate goal of Christian unity is to honor God in a unified manner.

It speaks to the community being of "one mind and one mouth," which implies agreement in both thought and expression.

The deeper meaning here touches on the idea that despite the diversity within the Christian community, there should be a harmonious testimony to the character and work of God, particularly focusing on the recognition of Jesus as Lord.

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

When Paul wrote the Letter to the Romans, around 57 A.D., he was addressing a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome.

There were tensions between these groups, partly due to cultural and religious differences, and partly due to the recent return of Jewish Christians who had previously been expelled by the Emperor Claudius.

This historical backdrop is significant because it informs the imperative for unity amongst believers from different backgrounds, as Paul sought to create cohesion within the early Church.

Theological Insights

The verse reflects several theological points.

Firstly, it affirms the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, highlighting God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Secondly, there's an ecclesiological aspect, emphasizing the need for unity within the body of Christ.

Varied theological perspectives might interpret the "one mind" aspect in terms of spiritual unity (from a more mystical standpoint) or doctrinal agreement (from a more dogmatic perspective).

Practical Applications

The practical takeaway from Romans 15:6 is the encouragement for modern believers to actively seek unity despite differences.

This could apply to diverse situations ranging from interpersonal church relations to ecumenical efforts among different denominations.

The call is to focus on shared beliefs and the common goal of glorifying God as a unified body.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:3-6: "[Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;"

1 Corinthians 1:10: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
Philippians 2:2: "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind."

Language Study

In Romans 15:6, the phrase "one mind" is translated from the Greek "hen auto phronountes", which conveys being united in one's thought or purpose.

"One mouth" comes from "hen stomati", suggesting a collective voice in praise. Together, they emphasize a comprehensive unity that encompasses thought, purpose, and expression.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of communal worship is also found in other religious traditions.

For instance, in Judaism, the 'Shema' ("Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.") is a communal affirmation of the oneness of God.

In many indigenous cultures, community and the collective expression of beliefs are deeply ingrained, with group ceremonies and rituals being central to religious life.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific concepts, the idea of 'one mind' can metaphorically relate to the concept of emergent properties in complex systems, where a collective behavior arises from the interactions among individuals, much like how a group of believers can unify to represent a higher purpose beyond individual expression.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various insights into Romans 15:6.

Many agree on its call for unity and the principle of glorifying God with a singular purpose.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the spiritual harmony and agreement in worship essential for the Christian community.

John Calvin comments on the verse's demonstration of true Christian charity, manifesting in harmonious glorification of God.

Contemporary commentaries continue to discuss the implications for church unity and the practical outworking of this scripture in modern Christian fellowship.

Romans 15

Romans 15

What does Romans 15:6 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 15:6 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?