Romans 15:14-33

Thank you, Paul, for your tireless efforts in spreading the gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  I’ve just finished reading your letter to our church and understand why you have not been able to make it here personally.  You’ve been busy!  Isn’t this your third missionary journey?  Be careful with your plans to come soon as you travel to Spain.  It being 57 A.D., I would hate to see you get crossways in Jerusalem with the Jews from Asia, because your teachings do tend to get under their skin.  If they do seize you, I pray that your Roman citizenship will work to your advantage in escaping.  Perhaps Roman soldiers could help you eventually get to Rome.

When I read verse 15:16, I am so encouraged!  I understand your purpose as a minister to the Gentiles through your analogy of offering us as a perfect sacrifice to God. The older scriptures talk about priests coming into the presence of God bringing pure, sanctified offerings in the Temple on behalf of the people.  Now, your imagery drives home the point that all of us can be brought before the throne of God and be fully acceptable, even sanctified, in His eyes.  I rejoice with you and see the same “glory in Christ Jesus” you proclaim in v.17.

You have been so consistent in your writings about God including Gentiles in the plan for salvation.  You opened your letter “To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints (1.7)” and “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all (1.8).”  In your note to the Colossians, you called us to “present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Col 1.28).  And the best of all, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek…the just shall live by faith (1.16, 17).”  I hope someday all your letters will be together in one roll.  Wouldn’t that be something if everyone had the chance to read it together?

I will take to heart your words regarding sharing the gospel where it hasn’t been yet revealed (15:20, 21). You certainly have been an example to follow in taking the gospel far and wide with all your traveling, but I think I can find ways to spread the Word right here in my own town.  In fact, when you say how encouraged you are by our good works (15:14) and prayers (15:30), it makes me want to become even more active with the body of believers here.  I’m even going to recommend that we take the next few months and really study your letter – I’ll let you know how it goes.

Your servant friend.