Romans 15:1-13 - Go for unity

In Paul’s mind, unity was a crucial element for the Christians’ witness to be effective. He had spent time calling on the spiritually mature to refrain from behaviors that would stumble the weaker, and to do so in the spirit of love and unity. Now in the first 13 verses of Romans 15, he turned to show what the responsibility of the stronger ones have, toward their weaker brethren. And here he gave reasons why they should not insist on their rights for the sake of the weaker.

Referring to his readers and himself as those stronger in faith, he urged them in verse 1 to have consideration on those weaker brethren and not to focus merely on themselves. The main cause of the conflict between the two groups of people was selfishness. So Paul admonished the stronger brethren to consider the weaker ones and to bear with them. He admonished the stronger ones to set aside their personal liberties that would hinder the weak. Here he was in effect calling for the use of one’s right to help and edify the weak.

Here Paul provided several motivations for believers to consider the position of the weak. In verse 3, the motivation is in the example seen in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord lived His life not to please Himself but He chose a life of reproach for the sake of others. Here we see Paul quoting a Messianic prophecy from Psalm 69:9. He was calling on all believers to consider a life of self-denial for the sake of the weaker brethren.

Secondly, in verses 4-6, Paul continued to talk about the purpose of the exhortation of the Old Testament Scriptures. It is a source for the believers’ instruction. Through it believers receive encouragement and find hope. With that thought, Paul then offered a prayer in verses 5-6. He prayed that God Who is the source of perseverance and encouragement would glorify Himself by the unison praise brought forth by both the strong and the weak.

From verses 7-12, Paul gave another reason why the weaker brethren should be given due consideration. He cited the existence of God’s people from among the Jews and the Gentiles. Verse 7 serves to bring us back to focus on the issue at hand: the acceptance of one another regardless of their maturity. It could well be that the conflict in this church arose between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile believers. It could also be possible that Gentiles, without any of the Jewish scruples about certain days or foods, were exercising their liberties and offended the Jewish believers. Spiritual pride together with racial pride then created a potential danger against Christian unity.

In verses 8-12, Paul in dealing with the salvation of the Gentiles had only one purpose in mind. He wanted to evoke gratitude in the hearts of the Gentile believers. And in so doing he also reminded them of God’s purpose for the Jews. In this he was calling for an attitude of humility. Here Paul concluded with another prayer. He prayed for hope, joy and peace from God through the Holy Spirit.

Unity between brethren is serious enough for the Lord to spend time praying for it before He went to Calvary. Hence, it should also be our concern. It’s important to the Lord, it ought to be for us as well. Let’s make unity a goal in our fellowship!