Romans Chapter 15:1-13

If you've read my previous post for chapter 14 then the first few verses of Chapter 15 can certainly be read with that in mind and so I won't be going down that path. I will however look at the Old Testament (hereafter Tanach) passages Paul uses in support of his escatalogical position regarding the inclusion of Gentiles.

I believe that this letter was circulated throughout Rome and was read at the believing fellowships, and in some cases in Synagogues. It is with this in mind that he chastises those strong- and weak-faithed Jews while encouraging the Gentiles in what I would call an undercurrent.

Rom 15:8-13 ESV (8) For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, (9) and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name." (10) And again it is said, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people." (11) And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him." (12) And again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope." (13) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Paul uses the example of HIS Master Y'shua the Messiah to illustrate how the strong-faithed ones should seek to honor and defer to the opinions of the weak-faithed ones in order to 1) show G-D's truthfulness, 2) confirm the patriarchal promises and to 3) cause the Gentiles to glorify G-D for HIS mercy.

Paul then quotes Genesis, Psalms and Isaiah. In essence, he surveys the Tanach and illustrates how the scriptures have always made room for the Gentiles to be attached and to Israel by the Messiah and through the mercy of G-D.

I believe this is easily understood as a way to speak the truth about the inclusion of Gentiles so as to speak the truth to the Jewish weak-faith-ers, correction (regarding attitudes toward the weaker) to the Jewish strong-faith-ers, and encouragement for the marginalized Gentiles.

His final prayer sums up his exhortation: He prays that G-D will fill each with joy, peace and hope. I think Paul desires the joy, peace and hope of G-D for all of them, but it is interesting to note what may or may not have been parallelism on Paul's part or by inspiration:

1. Weak in faith: May G-D of hope fill you with all joy... (salvation by faith)
2. Strong in faith: May G-D of hope fill you with all ... peace (unity by faith)
3. Gentiles: May the G-D of hope fill you with all ... hope (assurance by faith)

For sure, a believer - whether Jew or Gentile - today needs all of these. The cynical seeker needs to receive the Joy of salvation. The maturing believer who is seeking to do all that G-D commands needs to fully receive and understand the Peace that is now given between G-D and himself so that he, like Messiah, will seek that peace between he and his brother regarding debatable issues. The downcast person with a checkered past needs the assurance of the scriptures which when believed give him hope. You may need one or more of these today. May He richly bless you in accordance with your needs. Bless His Name!