Romans – Chapter 15

New Testament33 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Now, we that are stronger ought to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please ourselves." — so begins Romans 15. The chapter centers on Isaiah and Jesse. Across its 33 verses, two threads run through the text: hope in God's promises and holiness. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Now, we that are stronger ought to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please ourselves.

2Let every one of you Please his neighbour unto good, to edification.

3For Christ did not please himself: but, as it is written: The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell upon me.

4For what things soever were written were written for our learning: that, through patience and the comfort of the scriptures, we might have hope.

5Now the God of patience and of comfort grant you to be of one mind, one towards another, according to Jesus Christ:

6That with one mind and with one mouth you may glorify God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7Wherefore, receive one another, as Christ also hath received you, unto the honour of God.

8For I say that Christ Jesus was minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

9But that the Gentiles are to glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: Therefore will I confess to thee, O Lord, among the Gentiles and will sing to thy name.

10And again he saith: rejoice ye Gentiles, with his people.

11And again: praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles: and magnify him, all ye people.

12And again, Isaias saith: There shall be a root of Jesse; and he that shall rise up to rule the Gentiles, in him the Gentiles shall hope.

13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing: that you may abound in hope and in the power of the Holy Ghost.

14And I myself also, my brethren, am assured of you that you also are full of love, replenished with all knowledge, so that you are able to admonish one another.

15But I have written to you, brethren, more boldly in some sort, as it were putting you in mind, because of the grace which is given me from God,

16That I should be the minister of Christ Jesus among the Gentiles: sanctifying the gospel of God, that the oblation of the Gentiles may be made acceptable and sanctified in the Holy Ghost.

17I have therefore glory in Christ Jesus towards God.

18For I dare not to speak of any of those things which Christ worketh not by me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed,

19By the virtue of signs and wonders, in the power of the Holy Ghost, so that from Jerusalem round about, as far as unto Illyricum, I have replenished the gospel of Christ.

20And I have so preached this gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man a foundation.

21But as it is written: They to whom he was not spoken of shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

22For which cause also, I was hindered very much from coming to you and have been kept away till now.

23But now, having no more place in these countries and having a great desire these many years past to come unto you,

24When I shall begin to take my journey into Spain, I hope that, as I pass, I shall see you and be brought on my way thither by you: if first, in part, I shall have enjoyed you.

25But now I shall go to Jerusalem, to minister unto the saints.

26For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a contribution for the poor of the saints that are in Jerusalem.

27For it hath pleased them: and they are their debtors. For, if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they ought also in carnal things to minister to them.

28When therefore I shall have accomplished this and consigned to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

29And I know that when I come to you I shall come in the abundance of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

30I beseech you therefore, brethren, through our Lord Jesus Christ and by the charity of the Holy Ghost, that you help me in your prayers for me to God,

31That I may be delivered from the unbelievers that are in Judea and that the oblation of my service may be acceptable in Jerusalem to the saints.

32That I may come to you with joy, by the will of God, and may be refreshed with you.

33Now the God of peace be with, you all. Amen.

Important Verses in Romans 15

But that the Gentiles are to glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: Therefore will I confess to thee, O Lord, among the Gentiles and will sing to thy name.

Romans 15:9

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing: that you may abound in hope and in the power of the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:13

I beseech you therefore, brethren, through our Lord Jesus Christ and by the charity of the Holy Ghost, that you help me in your prayers for me to God,

Romans 15:30

Now the God of peace be with, you all. Amen.

Romans 15:33

Historical Context

As a New Testament book, Romans was written with the Christian community in Rome, both Jewish and Gentile believers in view. Chapter 15 of 16 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 33 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Isaiah and Jesse, the principal figures named in this chapter. The passage starts with these words: "Now, we that are stronger ought to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please ourselves." The chapter ends with: "Now the God of peace be with, you all. Amen. " In terms of historical background, Paul's longest and most systematic letter, written to prepare his visit to the capital of the empire. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius

When It Was Written

About AD 57-58, from Corinth

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 9: "But that the Gentiles are to glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: Therefore will I confess to thee, O Lord, among the Gentiles and will sing to thy…" The passage repeatedly touches on hope in God's promises.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2215). Here, Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize hope in God's promises as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Christian hope rests not on circumstances but on the unfailing promises of God.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Christian hope rests not on circumstances but on the unfailing promises of God.
  • 'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

People in This Chapter

Isaiah1 mentionJesse1 mention

Reflection for Today

Romans Chapter 15 belongs to the New Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. Romans grounds Catholic teaching on grace and salvation (CIC 1987-1995). Here the believer is invited to ponder poverty of spirit and detachment.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 2632) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Romans Chapter 15 about?

Romans 15 contains 33 verses. It opens with "Now, we that are stronger ought to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please ourselves." and closes with "Now the God of peace be with, you all. Amen. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Romans 15?

One of the most significant verses is verse 9: "But that the Gentiles are to glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: Therefore will I confess to thee, O Lord, among the Gentiles and will sing to thy name." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Romans Chapter 15?

This chapter mentions Isaiah, Jesse.

Who wrote Romans and when?

The Apostle Paul, written through the scribe Tertius. About AD 57-58, from Corinth.

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