Before Reading.
- Centering prayer— Pray for illumination, “Lord, open my heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit,” and remain in silence.
Reading.
- Read slowly, keeping any words or phrase that come to your mind, and mark on them.
- Close eyes and meditate on what you read.
- Take a note if you have question, inspiration.
Read Romans 15
Commentary.
Chapter 15 is divided into three section by contents.
Please others, not yourselves (1-13) — Apostle Paul exhorted to accept the weak. “We”, “strong,” indicates the people, Jews including himself, and those who were accepted by Christ. His exhortation is the result of the example of Christ who accepts each by his grace. The unity of both Jews and Gentiles are called for the glory of God that the prophets in the Old Testaments prophesied it. (2 Samuel 22-50, Psalm 18:49; 117:1, Deuteronomy 32:43, Isaiah 11:10; 52:15). This series of Old Testament quotations attests to the inclusion of Gentiles in salvation as the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Apostle Paul’s reason for writing the book of Romans (14-22) —- He had strong passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ and he wanted to remind of them that he was called to witness it to Gentiles. “Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done.” (v18).
Apostle Paul’s plan to visit Rome (23-33) — He wrote his personal plan and missionary endeavors before he concluded his letter with list of greetings in chapter 16. He planned to visit Rome on his way to Spain but he postponed it because he wanted to finish his missionary work for Jerusalem church, delivering a financial contribution from Gentile churches to impoverished church in Jerusalem. And he appealed for earnest prayer to God in his behalf.
After Reading —- Reflection and prayer.
- Reflect on this question, “What does God speak to me today in this chapter?
- Pray that God’s word today be the way, the life, and the truth to you.
- Live it out through the day.
