Romans 15:25

But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. BUT NOW I GO UNTO JERUSALEM TO MINISTER ('MINISTERING') UNTO THE SAINTS - in the sense immediately to be explained....

25._But I am going now, etc. _Lest they should expect his immediate coming, and think themselves deceived, if he had not come according to their expectation, he declares to them what business he had then in hand, which prevented him from going soon to them, and that was, — that he was going to Jerusalem to bear the alms which had been gathered in Macedonia and Achaia. Availing himself at the same time of this opportunity, he proceeds to commend that contribution; by which, as by a kind of intimation, he stirs them up to follow this example: for though he does not openly ask them, yet, by saying that Macedonia and Achaia had done what they ought to have done, he intimates, that it was also the duty of the Romans, as they were under the same obligation; and that he had this view, he openly confesses to the Corinthians, — “I boast,” he says, “of your promptitude to all the Churches, that th...

22-29 The apostle sought the things of Christ more than his own will, and would not leave his work of planting churches to go to Rome. It concerns all to do that first which is most needful. We must not take it ill if our friends prefer work which is pleasing to God, before visits and compliments, which may please us. It is justly expected from all Christians, that they should promote every good work, especially that blessed work, the conversion of souls. Christian society is a heaven upon earth, an earnest of our gathering together unto Christ at the great day. Yet it is but partial, compared with our communion with Christ; for that only will satisfy the soul. The apostle was going to Jerusalem, as the messenger of charity. God loves a cheerful giver. Every thing that passes between Christians should be a proof and instance of the union they have in Jesus Christ. The Gentiles received...

Verse 25. _NOW I GO UNTO JERUSALEM_] From this and the two following verses we learn that the object of his journey to Jerusalem was, to carry a contribution made among the Gentile Christians of Macedonia and Achaia for the relief of the poor Jewish Christians at Jerusalem. About this affair he had taken great pains, as appears from 1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Corinthians 8, and 2 Corinthians 9:1. His design in this affair is very evident from 2 Corinthians 9:12, where he says: _The administration of this service not only supplieth the_ want of the saints, but is abundant also by many th...

BUT NOW I GO ... - I am about to go now. The mention of this intended journey to Jerusalem is introduced in several other places, and is so mentioned that Dr. Paley has derived from it a very strong argument for the genuineness of this Epistle. This intended journey is mentioned in Acts 19:21, “Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying after I have been there, I must also see Rome;” see also Acts 20:2. That he “went” to Jerusalem according to his purpose is recorded in his defense before Felix Acts 24:17, “Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings.” To minister to the saints -

EXPOSITION ROMANS 16:1 IV. SUPPLEMENTARY. Questions have been raised and much discussed as to the connection of the last two chapters, 15. and 16., with the rest of the Epistle. The facts and the opinions founded on them may be summarized as follows. (1) There is sufficient proof that in early times copies of the Epistle existed without these two chapters. The evidence is this— (A) Origen (on Romans 16:25) speaks of some copies in his time being without the concluding doxology, and also without any part of these two chapters, attributing the omission to Marcion, for his own purposes, having mutilated the Epistle. His words are, "Caput hoc (_i.e._...

BUT NOW I GO UNTO JERUSALEM,.... Whither he was bound in spirit, not knowing what should befall him there, from which he could not be dissuaded by his friends, and thither he did go: TO MINISTER UNTO THE SAINTS; not to preach the Gospel, though doubtless he did that when he was there; but to distribute among the poor saints what had been raised for them by the Greek churches; who had entreated him to take upon him this service, even the fellowship of ministering to the saints; and though this might seem below his office as an apostle, and as what more became an inferior officer, a deacon in a church; yet the apostle's heart was so much in it, and he was so bent upon it, and so diligent to execute it, that he postponed his journey to Spain and visit to Rome for the sake of it, and assigns this as a reason why he could not come at present....

Romans 15:13. 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,...

CHAPTER 15 _ 1. The Example of Christ. (Romans 15:1 .)_ 2. The Ministry of Christ. (Romans 15:8 .) 3. Paul's Personal Ministry. (Romans 15:14 .) Romans 15:1 An additional motive is brought in why the strong should bear the infirmities of the weak and not please themselves. It is Christ. He did not please Himself, but bore in great meekness and patience the reproaches with which men reproached God, and these reproaches fell on Christ Himself. It was the reproach of God He bore in perfect meekness. We are therefore to be likeminded one to another according to Christ Jesus. Wherefore receive ye one another

THE PROSPECT OF COMING TO ROME. Romans 15:22. This long task repeatedly detained the writer; but now that he has evangelised the Eastern Provinces, he may realise the yearning toward Rome he had cherished for a good many yearsas, he adds, I may be taking my way to Spain. Being a pioneer missionary, Paul cannot make Rome, where Christ has long been named, his objective: I hope to visit you as I travel through, and by you to be sent forward, etc. Calling by the way, he will not see all he desires of his Roman friends; the taste of their company will help him forward (_cf. Romans 1:11_). Events turned out far otherwise (see Acts 25-28, Ephesians 6:20;...