The fourteenth and fifteenth (at least through verse 13) chapters of Romans deals with the practical side of Christianity. Prior, Paul dealt with the theological issue of unity between Jews and Gentiles. They were both in sin; they both needed salvation. There is only one Savior; both are baptized into that one Savior. But at 14:1, Paul begins the practical side of unity and that begins with renewing our minds (12:2) and pursuing the path of love (13:8-10). Chapter 14 begins with the admonition to “accept the one who is weak.”
Chapter 15 begins with a similar admonition, addressed to the same sub-group of Christians: the strong: “We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those who are without strength, and not just please ourselves” (vs 1). Clearly, there are strong and weak Christians, based on their maturity in Christ and their knowledge and understanding of the word of God. Here, Paul challenges strong Christians not just to tolerate the weak, but to accept the weak. Be patient. Be kind. Be loving. Be tolerant as they grow in their knowledge.
We ought to seek to “please” our neighbor for his own good, to build him up (vs 2). Christ is the supreme example of one who sought to please others and not himself (vs 3). In support of that statement, Paul quotes from Psalm 69:9. Why would Paul quote from the Old Testament? Because it provides us with instruction (vs 4) so that we can be encouraged to persevere and find hope.
This perseverance and encouragement come from God (vs 5) and Paul wishes that God would grant the Christians in Rome to be united, to speak with one mind, just as Christ sought to please others. The end result of living a Christ-like life, when it comes to pleasing others, is that we will be in “one accord” and, through “one voice,” glorify the God and Father of Jesus Christ (vs 6). Do you see the emphasis on unity in this verse?
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Having said all of this, in verse 7, Paul commands us to “accept one another, just as Christ has accepted us.” For the second time, Paul points out that our behavior ought to have as its goal, the glory of God. Christ accepted us because He is a servant (vs 8). This verse points out that Christ was a servant to the Jew, in order to bring to completion the promised covenant God made to the patriarchs. But in verse 9, Paul points out that Christ is also a servant to the Gentile, again, for the glorification of God.
To support this latter point, Paul gives a series of quotations spanning the breadth of the Old Testament. Do not let ignorant brethren convince you that “proof-text preaching” is wrong! That’s exactly what Paul does here in verses 9-12. Understandably, Paul is not quoting these passages out of context and neither should we. But the abuse of “proof-text preaching” does not nullify its advantages. Paul gives a catena of passages, from 2 Samuel 22 to Deuteronomy 32, Psalm 117, and Isaiah 11, which have as their key word: “Gentiles.” The Jews’ Scriptures had predicted that Jews would sing among the Gentiles. The Gentiles would rejoice with the Jews. Also, the Jews and Gentiles would serve a common Messiah. Paul uses four proof-texts to prove his point. Let it be understood that we can preach the same way.
In verse 13, we have a desire by Paul expressed on behalf of the Roman Christians that the “God of hope” will fill the Christians with joy and peace in believing in Jesus Christ. Living that way, they will abound in hope as they understand and respond to the message provided by the Holy Spirit of God.
Paul Holland
