Introduction: Paul’s majestic letter has taken us from the gospel (1:1-17) to sin (1:18-3:20) and from sin to salvation (3:21-5:21) and from salvation to sanctification (6:1-8:39) and from sanctification to Israel/Gentiles (9:1-11:36) and from Israel/Gentiles to a new kind of community (12:1-15:13). The last major section of Romans highlights Paul’s ministry (15:14-16:27). 

Paul’s ministry included three elements. First, Paul was called by God to be the Apostle to the Gentiles (15:14-33). Reflecting on the significance of his Damascus conversion experience, Paul testified to being called to preach the gospel and plant churches among the Gentiles (Acts 22:21; Galatians 1:15-16; 2:9; Ephesians 3:7-9). 

Second, Paul had many gospel partnerships (16:1-16). In Paul’s letter to individuals and churches, he includes brief comments to those who have faithfully served with him in ministry (1 Corinthians 16:10-24; Ephesians 6:21-22; Philippians 2:19-30; 4:18; Colossians 4:7-18; 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13; 2 Timothy 4:9-22; Titus 3:12-15; Philemon 23-25). 

Third, Paul’s final words provide a fitting conclusion to his letter (16:17-27). Paul highlights the importance of unity, identifies his close companions with him, and pens a brief doxology centering on the gospel and God’s glory. 

In Romans 15:14-33, we learn three things about Paul’s calling to the Gentiles: (1) Paul’s calling is sacred (15:14-16), (2) Spirit-empowered (15:17-21), and (3) service (15:22-33).     

Paul’s Calling: Sacred (15:14-16)

15:14-15: Stott identifies five terms used by Paul that connects the idea of ministry with a priestly (sacred) calling. (1) The word translated “minister” is also applied with the priesthood and Jesus our high priest. (2) “Priestly service” was especially used for temple sacrifices. (3) “Offering” has a direct correlation to the ministry of a priest. (4) “Acceptable” refers to the pleasing aroma (see 15:16) of sacrifices. (5) “Sanctified” probably refers to sacrifices that were consecrated to God (379).  

Paul commends the Christians in Rome (satisfied about you) because they are “full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” (15:14) Paul also notes that “on some points” (15:15) he had to remind them to return to the truth. Perhaps, he’s referring to his exhortation to pursue unity (14:1-23) and follow Jesus’ example (15:1-13).  

15:16: Paul sees his ministry among the Gentiles (by God’s grace) as a form of “priestly service” for the gospel. Drawing from Romans 12:1-2, proclaiming the gospel, teaching the body of Christ, and encouraging brothers and sisters are acts of worship. As a “priest,” Paul offered the Gentiles to God as a living and holy sacrifice.  

The Old Testament sacrifices gave a pleasing aroma to God (not literally in how they smelled but what’s represented by the smell: holiness, grace, purity, forgiveness; cf. Leviticus 1:9; 2:2; 3:5; 4:31; 6:15; 8:21; 23:13; Numbers 18:17; 28:2; 29:2; Ezekiel 20:41). In the New Testament, living holy lives is a pleasing aroma to God (2 Corinthians 2:15-16; Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 4:18). 

So, what is Paul saying? Gospel proclamation is a sacred! It’s not only for full-time vocational workers (church, Christian organizations), but rather, gospel proclamation is a sacred calling for all Christians. 

The Spirit has sanctified—made us holy in two ways. First, the Spirit has sanctified us (past)—set us apart for God to worship and serve Him. Second, the Spirit sanctifies us (present)—empowers us to live holy lives and develop Christ-like character (Galatians 5:22-23). Paul’s emphasis on the Spirit lays the foundation for Romans 15:17-21 (Spirit-empowered ministry). 

Paul’s Calling: Spirit-Empowered (15:17-21)

15:17-18: We should not take Paul to mean that he’s boasting or feeling proud in an arrogant way. As he recalls his ministry to the Gentiles (15:18: “by word and deed”: church planting, teaching, discipleship), Paul boasts about “what Christ has accomplished through” him. 

In other words, Paul was bragging about our justification, spiritual union, security, and sanctification in Christ. Boasting in Christ is a good practice because it stops us from boasting about ourselves or others. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.  

When is the last time that you boasted about Christ? Perhaps, we’ve been doing ministry with too much emphasis on our own reason, strength, and perseverance.  

15:19: The work of the Spirit is another reason why Paul can’t boast in his own efforts. The “signs and wonder” performed by Jesus and the apostles were due to the Spirit’s work (Acts 2:22; 43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8; 8:6, 13; 14:3; 15:12; 2 Corinthians 12:2; Hebrews 2:4). While people are drawn to “signs and wonders” it’s important for us to point them to Christ and the Spirit so that God receives all the glory, honor, and praise.

Concerning Jerusalem and Illyricum, we are confronted with two issues. First, was Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles launched from Jerusalem? Although Paul’s first missionary journey with Barnabas and Mark began in Antioch (Acts 13:4), Jerusalem was probably mentioned because it’s the place from where the gospel was originally disseminated. 

Second, did Paul ever visit Illyricum in the book of Acts? Stott explains that Luke (the author of Acts) “leaves room for it [Illyricum], since there is a gap in his narrative of the best part of two years between his [Paul] leaving Ephesus and his embarking for Jerusalem [Acts 20:1ff]. While in Macedonia at that time he may well have walked west…to the borders of Illyricum.” (382) 

More importantly than these two geographical locations, Paul claims that he has “fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ.” What an amazing statement! What God had called Paul to accomplish, he believed that he has fulfilled God’s plan for his life (up to this moment). 

Paul, by the grace of God, fulfilled his destiny! As the Apostle to the Gentile, Paul fulfilled his calling with his three missionary journeys. How many of us can say that we’ve fulfilled God’s destiny for us? Paul’s calling was not only sacred, but it was Spirit-empowered too!  

15:20-21: As the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul did not plant churches where the foundation for Christ had already been laid. Citing Isaiah 52:15, Paul’s desire was to tell “those who have never been told” and proclaim to “those who have never heard” in order that they will “see” and “understand” the gospel (15:21).  

Whether you follow Paul’s literal strategy or not, the primary point is that we should proclaim the gospel to those who need to “see” and “understand” the gospel. When we measure our lives with Scripture (and consider Paul’s example) we will begin to come to grips with the significance of gospel proclamation. 

Paul’s Calling: Service (15:22-33)

15:22-24: Paul explains that his ministry of church planting, teaching, and discipleship was the primary reason for him not being able to visit the Christians in Rome (15:22). Having fulfilled his destiny (15:23: no longer have any room for work in these regions), Paul wants to visit Rome as he makes his way to Spain (15:24). 

We’re not sure if Paul ever made it to Spain (some have suggested that he visited Spain after his release from prison and before his final trial and martyrdom). Regardless, Paul wanted to use Rome as a strategic place of ministry for Spain. The church in Rome not only offered him fellowship (enjoyed your company for a while), but could also provide assistance for his journey (probably a reference to financial and ministry support for Spain) as well. 

15:25-29: Paul must first make a stop in Jerusalem before he comes to Rome (15:25). Paul was “bringing [financial] aid to the saints” (15:25) in Jerusalem from the churches in Macedonia and Achaia, who were “pleased to make some contribution for the poor.” (15:26) 

The Christians in Jerusalem were experiencing poverty due to a famine. (The decision by some to give away property and financially assist others in need may have also contributed to their economic condition; cf. Acts 2:44-45.)

Paul notes that these Gentiles Christians were “pleased” to generously give to their Jewish Christian brothers and sisters because they “have come to share in their spiritual blessings.” (15:27) Although Paul’s wording is different, Macedonia and Achaia’s financial contribution is an excellent example of God’s grace leading to gratitude and generosity. 

Guilt. Grace. Gospel. Gratitude. Generosity. 

 

In 15:28-29, Paul repeats his plan to deliver the contribution to the Jerusalem Church and to visit them in Rome. “The fullness of the blessing of Christ” may refer to several things. First, Paul’s completion of the ministry that he was commissioned has an aspect of “fullness.” 

Second, as the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul’s life, teaching, and ministry would be a blessing to Rome. Third, Paul and the Christians in Rome would become partners in their ministry to Spain. Fourth, the Church in Rome would bless Paul with their fellowship.    

15:30-31: Paul asks the Church in Rome to pray for him. He based this request for prayer on Jesus and “the love of the Spirit.” They should pray for him because Paul and the church in Rome have been brought together (spiritually united) by Jesus’ life, teachings, death, resurrection, and intercession. Moreover, the Spirit’s love also unites Paul and these Christians (the Spirit places them into the universal body of Christ). 

Paul then asks them to intercede for him. Again, he provides two reasons. First, Paul needed protection from “the unbelievers in Judea.” (15:30) Second, Paul realized how “tricky” financial issues could become in light of distributing the financial funds (15:31: acceptable to the saints).  

15:32-33: Here lies one of the mysteries of prayer. On the one hand, Paul is asking for prayer (for a particular result), and on the other hand, prayer is premised “by God’s will.” (15:32; cf. 1 John 5:14-15). If all goes well in Jerusalem (safety, financial distribution acceptable) Paul will arrive in Rome “with joy and [will] be refreshed” by their fellowship. 

Paul ends chapter 15 highlighting God’s peace for the saints in Rome (15:33). Peace could refer to several truths. First, we have peace because we have been forgiven from our sins. Second, we have peace because we are becoming more spiritually whole. Third, we have peace because we are pursuing unity with one another. 

1. How does Paul relate his ministry to the Gentiles as a “priestly service?” (15:14-16) Which words or phrases highlight this sacred calling? How can this view of “sacred ministry” impact the way we presently share the gospel and serve others?

2. To what extent does Paul boast? (15:17-18) When’s the last time you boasted about Christ? Why is it important to “be proud” of God’s work in and through us? Identify someone with whom you will boast about Jesus this week? Explain.

3. How does the Spirit empower Paul’s ministry? (15:16-19) Give 2-3 practical suggestions for creating space for the Spirit to empower your ministry.

4. Paul makes a bold claim in 15:19: “I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ.” What’s the significance of this statement? How can it apply to us? Share.

5. Paul’s church planting and gospel proclamation did not focus on places “where Christ has already been named lest [he] build on someone else's foundation.” (Romans 15:20). Why do you think Paul used this strategy?

6. Paul writes about being delayed in visiting the church in Rome (15:22-33). What are some lessons we can learn about God’s sovereign plan, our present situation (relationships, careers, finances, non-Christian family/friends), and being faithful to Him?

7. What’s the relationship between guilt, grace, gospel, gratitude, and generosity? To what extent do you live a life of gratitude and generosity? How does a biblical (and proper) understanding of guilt, grace, and gospel transform us to become people of gratitude and generosity? Explain.