Romans 15:14 – 21 – Be encouraging

Having given instruction to the believers on peaceful and harmonious existence among themselves, Paul then began to sell himself to the Romans. He gave us a close-up look into his own life and mission. Bear in mind that the church in Rome was not started by him. As he spoke about himself, we see an intimate side of his life. From Romans 15:14 onward, Paul explained his ministry’s philosophy, his plans and his reliance on prayer.

In verses 14-15, he openly evaluated the Roman believers. He wanted to bring the very best out of them. He acknowledged positively that they were full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to admonish one another. In other words, he recognized their maturity and told them they were well disposed, equipped and competent to counsel each other. However, Paul also knew that they too, like many others, had the tendency to forget some of the basic truths concerning faith and practice. He wrote by way of reminder and not with the intent to chide them. What is said here also reminds us that obedience is more valuable than merely pursuing deep teachings.  

Having evaluated the Roman believers, Paul went on from verses 16-21 to share about his own calling and ministry. He reminded them of his apostleship. He was called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. He offered himself to God as an act of reasonable worship, presenting himself as a priest to the ministry of the Gospel to the Gentiles. His task in the calling to the Gentiles was to present them to God as an acceptable offering. In reading what Paul had said about himself, we can see a humble man. He knew that by himself there would not be any fruit in the ministry to offer to God and that it was the grace of God that marked his work. He attributed the works he did as the Lord’s enablement. That’s what accounted for the signs and wonders in the power of the Spirit.

Paul’s ministry was not only characterized by power alone, but also by great vision. He had an unquenchable vision and desire to pioneer the ministry. He did not want to build upon other men’s foundations. As far as his desire went, he wanted to be a trail-blazer. Thus, he saw his life as fulfilling what the prophet Isaiah said in Chapter 52 and verse 15 of the Book of Isaiah.

How we perceive ourselves often determines how we live our lives. Note how Paul’s self-perception did for him. He saw his work and task as a sacred mission from God. As a result what anyone would deem mundane became a sacred task. Everything he did, he did it to please God. If we can also see in a similar direction, we will also be motivated to act thus. Let’s do everything to please God!