Romans 15 16

Romans 15:16 kjv

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.

Romans 15:16 nkjv

that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:16 niv

to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:16 esv

to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:16 nlt

I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15 verses

Romans 15 16 Meaning

Paul here declares himself to be acting as a priest or minister to the Gentiles, offering them as an acceptable sacrifice to God through the work of the Holy Spirit. This ministry is made acceptable and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, through whom believers themselves are also sanctified.

Romans 15 16 Context

This verse is situated within Romans chapters 14 and 15, where Paul addresses issues of weaker and stronger faith within the Roman church, particularly concerning matters like dietary laws and the observance of special days. Paul's overarching theme is unity in Christ and mutual consideration for one another. He demonstrates his apostolic authority and his dedication to serving the Gentiles, particularly in spreading the gospel and presenting them to God. The context emphasizes the practical outworking of faith in love and unity, transcending cultural and religious differences, all under the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15 16 Word Analysis

• kaὶ (kai): "and." A common conjunction.
• ēmis (ēmis): "I may be." The subjunctive mood indicates purpose.
• HIEREUS (hiereus): "priest." Refers to one who performs sacred rites.
  • Significance: Paul sees his ministry to the Gentiles as a priestly one.
  • Cross-reference: 1 Peter 2:5 ("living stones") refers to believers as a spiritual priesthood. Revelation 1:6 calls believers priests.
• ergázōn (ergazōn): "working" or "ministering." From ergon, "work."
  • Significance: Highlights the active nature of his service.
  • Online scholars emphasize that "working" here speaks of an ongoing process of God's grace at work.
• TOU EVANGELLIOU TOU THEOU (tou euangelion tou Theou): "of the gospel of God."
  • Significance: Identifies the substance and source of his ministry.
• EIS (eis): "unto" or "for." A preposition indicating direction or purpose.
• TO PROSEInaI (to proseInai): "that the offering... may be acceptable." The infinitive expresses purpose.
  • From proserchomai: "to come near," "to approach," often used for presenting offerings.
• TAS ETHNŌN (tas ethNōn): "of the Gentiles." The accusative plural of ethnos.
  • Significance: The focus of his apostolic mission.
• EUProSDEKTOS (euprosdEktos): "well-pleasing" or "acceptable."
  • Significance: The Gentiles are acceptable to God as a spiritual offering.
  • Cross-reference: Ephesians 5:10 speaks of discerning what is pleasing to the Lord.
• genomēnēn (genomEnEn): "having been made" or "having become." Aorist passive participle of ginomai.
• EN (en): "in." A preposition indicating sphere or means.
• PNEUMATI HAGIO (Pneumati hagio): "the Holy Spirit."
  • Significance: The Holy Spirit is the agent and means of this acceptable offering.
  • Cross-reference: Sanctification (hagiazō) is a key work of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:11, 2 Thes 2:13).

Word Group Analysis

• Minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles: This phrase underscores Paul's specific calling and mission, distinct yet complementary to Peter's ministry to the Jews. The language echoes the Old Testament prophets who were sent to the nations.
• Serving the gospel of God: Paul portrays his work not as a mere job but as a form of worship and sacred duty. The "gospel of God" emphasizes its divine origin and content.
• The offering of the Gentiles: This is a profound metaphor. The Gentiles, once alienated, are now presented to God as a spiritual sacrifice, brought into unity with Jewish believers through Christ. This fulfills prophecies in the Old Testament (e.g., Isaiah 60:3-6).
• Sanctified by the Holy Spirit: The acceptance of this offering is not based on human merit but on the divine work of the Spirit who purifies and sets apart believers.

Romans 15 16 Bonus Section

The metaphor of offering Gentiles as a sacrifice is rich. It parallels Christ's ultimate sacrifice for humanity. The sanctification by the Spirit highlights that God's work in the Gentiles' lives is a process of making them holy, holy individuals and a holy community, suitable for God's presence. This spiritual priesthood of all believers is a core New Testament doctrine, initiated and sustained by the Spirit. This contrasts sharply with exclusive religious systems that might have considered Gentiles inherently impure or outside of God's favor. The entire concept speaks of radical inclusion and transformation through divine grace.

Romans 15 16 Commentary

Paul describes his apostolic ministry as a priestly act of offering the Gentiles to God. This offering is not ritualistic but spiritual, rendered acceptable and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. His goal is that the Gentile believers, transformed by the gospel, might be presented to God as a holy and living sacrifice. This reflects a fulfillment of Old Testament promises concerning the nations coming to God and is enabled solely by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, who consecrates believers for God's purpose. His entire life and ministry are poured out in service for the sanctification of these believers, who are themselves made priests by God.