15 Así que, nosotros los que somos fuertes, debemos sobrellevar las flaquezas de los débiles(A) y no agradarnos a nosotros mismos. Cada uno de nosotros agrade a su prójimo en lo que es bueno para su edificación[a](B). Pues ni aun Cristo se agradó a sí mismo(C); antes bien, como está escrito: Los vituperios de los que te injuriaban cayeron sobre mi(D). Porque todo lo que fue escrito en tiempos pasados, para nuestra enseñanza se escribió(E), a fin de que por medio de la paciencia[b] y del consuelo de las Escrituras tengamos esperanza. Y que el Dios de la paciencia[c] y del consuelo(F) os conceda tener el mismo sentir los unos para con los otros(G) conforme a Cristo Jesús, para que unánimes, a una voz[d], glorifiquéis al Dios y Padre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo(H).

El evangelio a los gentiles

Por tanto, aceptaos los unos a los otros(I), como también Cristo nos[e] aceptó para gloria de Dios. Pues os digo que Cristo se hizo servidor de la circuncisión(J) para demostrar la verdad de Dios, para confirmar las promesas dadas a los padres(K), y para que los gentiles(L) glorifiquen a Dios(M) por su misericordia; como está escrito:

Por tanto, te confesaré entre los gentiles,
y a tu nombre cantaré(N).

10 Y vuelve a decir:

Regocijaos, gentiles, con su pueblo(O).

11 Y de nuevo:

Alabad al Señor todos los gentiles,
y alábenle todos los pueblos(P).

12 Y a su vez, Isaías dice:

Retoñará[f] la raíz de Isaí(Q),
el que se levanta a regir a los gentiles;
los gentiles pondrán en Él su esperanza(R).

13 Y el Dios de la esperanza os llene de todo gozo y paz(S) en el creer, para que abundéis en esperanza por el poder del Espíritu Santo(T).

14 En cuanto a vosotros, hermanos míos, yo mismo estoy también convencido de que vosotros estáis llenos de bondad(U), llenos de todo conocimiento(V) y capaces también de amonestaros los unos a los otros. 15 Pero os he escrito con atrevimiento sobre algunas cosas[g], para así hacer que las recordéis otra vez, por la gracia que me fue dada por Dios(W), 16 para ser ministro de Cristo Jesús a los gentiles(X), ministrando a manera de sacerdote[h] el evangelio de Dios(Y), a fin de que la ofrenda que hago de los gentiles sea aceptable(Z), santificada por el Espíritu Santo. 17 Por tanto, en Cristo Jesús he hallado razón para gloriarme(AA) en las cosas que se refieren a Dios(AB). 18 Porque no me atreveré a hablar de nada sino de lo que Cristo ha hecho[i] por medio de mí(AC) para la obediencia de los gentiles, en palabra y en obra, 19 con el poder de señales[j] y prodigios(AD), en el poder del Espíritu(AE) de Dios; de manera que desde Jerusalén(AF) y por los alrededores hasta el Ilírico(AG) he predicado en toda su plenitud[k] el evangelio de Cristo. 20 De esta manera me esforcé en anunciar el evangelio(AH), no donde Cristo ya era conocido[l], para no edificar sobre el fundamento de otro(AI); 21 sino como está escrito:

Aquellos a quienes nunca les fue anunciado acerca de Él, verán,
y los que no han oído, entenderán(AJ).

Anhelo de Pablo de visitar Roma

22 Por esta razón muchas veces me he visto impedido de ir a vosotros(AK), 23 pero ahora, no quedando ya[m] más lugares[n] para mí en estas regiones, y puesto que por muchos años he tenido un gran deseo de ir a vosotros(AL), 24 cuando vaya a España(AM) iré a vosotros. Porque espero veros al pasar y que me ayudéis a continuar hacia allá(AN), después de que haya disfrutado un poco[o] de vuestra compañía(AO). 25 Pero ahora voy a Jerusalén(AP) para el servicio de los santos(AQ), 26 pues Macedonia(AR) y Acaya(AS) han tenido a bien hacer una colecta para los pobres de entre los santos que están en Jerusalén. 27 Sí, tuvieron a bien hacerlo, y a la verdad que están en deuda con ellos. Porque si los gentiles han participado de sus bienes espirituales, también están obligados a servir a los santos[p] en los bienes materiales(AT). 28 Así que cuando haya cumplido esto y les haya entregado esta ofrenda[q](AU), iré a España llegando de paso a veros(AV). 29 Y sé que cuando vaya a vosotros(AW), iré en la plenitud de la bendición de Cristo.

30 Os ruego, hermanos, por nuestro Señor Jesucristo y por el amor del Espíritu(AX), que os esforcéis juntamente conmigo en vuestras oraciones a Dios por mí(AY), 31 para que sea librado(AZ) de los que son desobedientes[r] en Judea, y que mi servicio a Jerusalén(BA) sea aceptable a los santos(BB), 32 y para que con gozo llegue a vosotros(BC) por la voluntad de Dios(BD), y encuentre confortante reposo con vosotros. 33 El Dios de paz sea con todos vosotros(BE). Amén.

Footnotes

  1. Romanos 15:2 Lit., para lo que es bueno para edificación
  2. Romanos 15:4 O, perseverancia
  3. Romanos 15:5 O, perseverancia
  4. Romanos 15:6 Lit., con una boca
  5. Romanos 15:7 Muchos mss. dicen: os
  6. Romanos 15:12 Lit., Estará
  7. Romanos 15:15 O, sobre algunos puntos
  8. Romanos 15:16 I.e., oficiar, ejercer el culto sagrado
  9. Romanos 15:18 O, de nada que Cristo no haya logrado
  10. Romanos 15:19 O, milagros
  11. Romanos 15:19 Lit., he cumplido
  12. Romanos 15:20 Lit., nombrado
  13. Romanos 15:23 Lit., no teniendo
  14. Romanos 15:23 Lit., lugar
  15. Romanos 15:24 Lit., en parte
  16. Romanos 15:27 Lit., a ellos
  17. Romanos 15:28 Lit., les haya sellado este fruto a ellos
  18. Romanos 15:31 O, incrédulos

Exhortation for the Strong to Help the Weak

15 But we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not just please ourselves.[a] Let each of us please his neighbor for his good to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself, but just as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”[b] For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope. Now may the God of endurance and comfort give you unity with one another[c] in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Exhortation to Mutual Acceptance

Receive one another, then, just as Christ also received you, to God’s glory. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised[d] on behalf of God’s truth to confirm the promises made to the fathers,[e] and thus the Gentiles glorify God for his mercy.[f] As it is written, “Because of this I will confess you among the Gentiles, and I will sing praises to your name.”[g] 10 And again it says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”[h] 11 And again, “Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him.”[i] 12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, and the one who rises to rule over the Gentiles, in him will the Gentiles hope.”[j] 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him,[k] so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s Motivation for Writing the Letter

14 But I myself am fully convinced about you, my brothers and sisters,[l] that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. 15 But I have written more boldly to you on some points so as to remind you, because of the grace given to me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. I serve[m] the gospel of God[n] like a priest, so that the Gentiles may become an acceptable offering,[o] sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

17 So I boast[p] in Christ Jesus about the things that pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in order to bring about the obedience[q] of the Gentiles, by word and deed, 19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem even as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And in this way I desire to preach where Christ has not been named, so as not to build on another person’s foundation, 21 but as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”[r]

Paul’s Intention of Visiting the Romans

22 This is the reason I was often hindered from coming to you. 23 But now there is nothing more to keep me[s] in these regions, and I have for many years desired[t] to come to you 24 when I go to Spain. For I hope to visit you when I pass through and that you will help me[u] on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.

25 But now I go to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia are pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do this, and indeed they are indebted to the Jerusalem saints.[v] For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are obligated also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore after I have completed this and have safely delivered this bounty to them,[w] I will set out for Spain by way of you, 29 and I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of Christ’s blessing.

30 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters,[x] through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to join fervently with me in prayer to God on my behalf. 31 Pray[y] that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea and that my ministry in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 Now may the God of peace be with all of you. Amen.[z]

Footnotes

  1. Romans 15:1 tn Grk “and not please ourselves.” NT Greek negatives used in contrast like this are often not absolute, but relative: “not so much one as the other.”
  2. Romans 15:3 sn A quotation from Ps 69:9.
  3. Romans 15:5 tn Grk “grant you to think the same among one another.”
  4. Romans 15:8 tn Grk “of the circumcision”; that is, the Jews.
  5. Romans 15:8 tn Or “to the patriarchs.”
  6. Romans 15:9 tn There are two major syntactical alternatives which are both awkward: (1) One could make “glorify” dependent on “Christ has become a minister” and coordinate with “to confirm” and the result would be rendered “Christ has become a minister of circumcision to confirm the promises…and so that the Gentiles might glorify God.” (2) One could make “glorify” dependent on “I tell you” and coordinate with “Christ has become a minister” and the result would be rendered “I tell you that Christ has become a minister of circumcision…and that the Gentiles glorify God.” The second rendering is preferred.
  7. Romans 15:9 sn A quotation from Ps 18:49.
  8. Romans 15:10 sn A quotation from Deut 32:43.
  9. Romans 15:11 sn A quotation from Ps 117:1.
  10. Romans 15:12 sn A quotation from Isa 11:10.
  11. Romans 15:13 tn Grk “in the believing” or “as [you] believe,” with the object “him” supplied from the context. The referent could be God (15:13a) or Christ (15:12).
  12. Romans 15:14 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:13.
  13. Romans 15:16 tn Grk “serving.” This is a continuation of the previous sentence in the Greek text, but in keeping with contemporary English style, a new sentence was started here in the translation.
  14. Romans 15:16 tn The genitive in the phrase τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ θεοῦ (to euangelion tou theou, “the gospel of God”) could be translated as either a subjective genitive (“the gospel which God brings”) or an objective genitive (“the gospel about God”). Either is grammatically possible. This is possibly an instance of a plenary genitive (see ExSyn 119-21; M. Zerwick, Biblical Greek, §§36-39). If so, an interplay between the two concepts is intended: The gospel which God brings is in fact the gospel about himself.
  15. Romans 15:16 tn Grk “so that the offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable.” This could be understood to refer to an offering belonging to the Gentiles (a possessive genitive) or made by the Gentiles (subjective genitive), but more likely the phrase should be understood as an appositive genitive, with the Gentiles themselves consisting of the offering (so J. D. G. Dunn, Romans [WBC 38], 2:860). The latter view is reflected in the translation “so that the Gentiles may become an acceptable offering.”
  16. Romans 15:17 tc ‡ After οὖν (oun), several significant Alexandrian and Western mss (B C D F G 81 365) have τήν (tēn). The article is lacking in א A Ψ 33 1175 1241 1505 1739 1881 M however. P46 supplies a relative pronoun and has a different reading entirely (“which I have [as a] boast”). Articles were frequently introduced to clarify the meaning of the text. In this instance, since the word modified (καύχησιν, kauchēsin) is third declension, a visual oversight (resulting in omission) is less likely. Hence, the shorter reading is probably earlier. The difference in translation between these first two options is negligible (“I have the boast” or “I have a boast”). NA28 puts the article in brackets, indicating some doubt as to its authenticity.tn Grk “Therefore I have a boast.”
  17. Romans 15:18 tn Grk “unto obedience.”
  18. Romans 15:21 sn A quotation from Isa 52:15.
  19. Romans 15:23 tn Grk “now no longer having a place…I have.”
  20. Romans 15:23 tn Grk “but having a desire…for many years.”
  21. Romans 15:24 tn Grk “and to be helped by you.” The passive construction was changed to an active one in the translation.
  22. Romans 15:27 tn Grk “to them”; the referent (the Jerusalem saints) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  23. Romans 15:28 tn Grk “have sealed this fruit to them.”
  24. Romans 15:30 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:13.
  25. Romans 15:31 tn Verses 30-31 form one long sentence in the Greek but have been divided into two distinct sentences for clarity in English.
  26. Romans 15:33 tc Some mss lack the word “Amen” here, one of them (P46) also inserting 16:25-27 at this point. See the tc note at 16:25 for more information.

15 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

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

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

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

11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

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

14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

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

22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

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

24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

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

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

27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

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

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

Bearing Others’ Burdens

15 We (A)then who are strong ought to bear with the [a]scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (B)Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to [b]edification. (C)For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, (D)“The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” For (E)whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the [c]patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (F)Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may (G)with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Glorify God Together

Therefore (H)receive one another, just (I)as Christ also received [d]us, to the glory of God. Now I say that (J)Jesus Christ has become a [e]servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, (K)to confirm the promises made to the fathers, and (L)that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:

(M)“For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles,
And sing to Your name.”

10 And again he says:

(N)“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!”

11 And again:

(O)“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles!
Laud Him, all you peoples!”

12 And again, Isaiah says:

(P)“There shall be a root of Jesse;
And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,
In Him the Gentiles shall hope.”

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all (Q)joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

From Jerusalem to Illyricum

14 Now (R)I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, (S)filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish [f]one another. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, (T)because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that (U)I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the (V)offering [g]of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus (W)in the things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things (X)which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, (Y)to make the Gentiles obedient— 19 (Z)in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, (AA)lest I should build on another man’s foundation, 21 but as it is written:

(AB)“To whom He was not announced, they shall see;
And those who have not heard shall understand.”

Plan to Visit Rome

22 For this reason (AC)I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and (AD)having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, [h]I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, (AE)and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may (AF)enjoy your company for a while. 25 But now (AG)I am going to Jerusalem to [i]minister to the saints. 26 For (AH)it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For (AI)if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, (AJ)their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them (AK)this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 (AL)But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing [j]of the gospel of Christ.

30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and (AM)through the love of the Spirit, (AN)that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 (AO)that I may be delivered from those in Judea who [k]do not believe, and that (AP)my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 (AQ)that I may come to you with joy (AR)by the will of God, and may (AS)be refreshed together with you. 33 Now (AT)the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Romans 15:1 weaknesses
  2. Romans 15:2 building up
  3. Romans 15:4 perseverance
  4. Romans 15:7 NU, M you
  5. Romans 15:8 minister
  6. Romans 15:14 M others
  7. Romans 15:16 Consisting of
  8. Romans 15:24 NU omits I shall come to you and joins Spain with the next sentence.
  9. Romans 15:25 serve
  10. Romans 15:29 NU omits of the gospel
  11. Romans 15:31 are disobedient