Romans 15 25

Romans 15:25 kjv

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

Romans 15:25 nkjv

But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.

Romans 15:25 niv

Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord's people there.

Romans 15:25 esv

At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.

Romans 15:25 nlt

But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there.

Romans 15 verses

Romans 15 25 Meaning

Paul declares his immediate intention to travel to Jerusalem, not to pursue his broader missionary ambitions to the West, but to fulfill a specific purpose: to personally deliver financial aid gathered from the Gentile churches to the impoverished Jewish believers there. This journey is understood as an act of dedicated service and an expression of unity within the early Christian community.

Romans 15 25 Context

Romans 15:25 is embedded within Paul's explanation of his travel plans and the broader theological theme of unity between Jewish and Gentile believers. Prior to this verse, Paul articulates his longing to visit Rome on his way to Spain (v. 22-24), indicating his future missionary objectives. However, verse 25 presents an immediate and pressing priority: a detour to Jerusalem. This trip is critical because it concerns the collection, a significant undertaking mentioned in earlier epistles (1 and 2 Corinthians), where Gentile churches raised funds for the financially struggling Jewish believers in Jerusalem. This act was not merely humanitarian aid; it was a profound symbol of reciprocal spiritual and material blessing, solidifying the unity of the nascent Christian church across ethnic and geographic lines, affirming the gospel's power to create one new humanity.

Romans 15 25 Word analysis

• But (Δέ - De) now (Νυνὶ - Nynì):

  • The conjunction de signifies a transition, moving from Paul's long-term aspirations (Rome, Spain) to his immediate, current priority. It acts as a pivot.
  • Nynì strongly emphasizes the present moment, creating a sense of urgency and direct action, "right at this moment," despite other grand plans. It contrasts sharply with future intentions, marking a significant temporal shift.

• I am going (πορεύομαι - poreúomai):

  • This Greek verb is present tense and often functions as an active deponent verb, signifying a deliberate and committed journey or course of action. It's not just "I plan to go," but "I am in the process of going" or "I am setting out to go." It denotes movement toward a fixed objective.

• to Jerusalem (εἰς Ἱερουσαλὴμ - eis Hierousalēm):

  • "Into Jerusalem." This specifies the immediate, critical destination. Jerusalem was the birthplace of the church, the center of Jewish Christianity, and culturally significant, but also fraught with potential opposition for Paul. The journey carries spiritual and historical weight.

• serving (διακονῶν - diakonō̃n):

  • A present active participle of diakonéō. This crucial word means "to serve, minister, attend, carry out service." It implies practical and often humble assistance, here specifically the act of delivering financial aid. The term is the root for "deacon" and signifies a posture of selfless ministry rather than mere delivery. It emphasizes the active, ongoing nature of this service as Paul journeys. This isn't just a transactional act, but an expression of ministry.

• the saints (τοῖς ἁγίοις - toīs hagíois):

  • Dative plural, "to the holy ones." In the New Testament, hagioi is the common designation for all believers in Christ, emphasizing their set-apartness by God. Here, it specifically refers to the economically struggling Jewish Christians in Jerusalem who were experiencing poverty and hardship. It underscores a spiritual kinship and a shared identity in Christ that transcends economic disparities.

• "But now I am going": This phrase powerfully conveys Paul's immediate, decided, and underway journey, contrasting it with his expressed desires for further mission work in the West. It highlights a divine appointment or a pressing, non-negotiable obligation.

• "going to Jerusalem serving": These two phrases are intimately linked, describing a single, purposeful journey. The act of "going" is not just travel, but travel for the purpose of service. Paul is not merely a messenger but an active minister, deeply involved in the welfare of his fellow believers.

• "serving the saints": This phrase encapsulates the purpose and beneficiaries of Paul's mission. "Serving" highlights the nature of Christian love in action, involving tangible support and ministry. "The saints" reinforces the concept of the unified body of Christ, where believers are responsible for caring for one another regardless of background. This particular service demonstrates the love and solidarity of the predominantly Gentile churches towards the Jerusalem Jewish believers, acknowledging their mutual belonging to God's set-apart people.

Romans 15 25 Bonus section

The journey to Jerusalem described in this verse was not without considerable personal risk for Paul. While this verse only states his immediate intention to serve the saints, Paul explicitly asks for prayers for his deliverance from unbelievers in Judea and that his service might be favorably received by the saints (Rom 15:30-31). The Book of Acts chronicles the dangers Paul faced upon his arrival in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-36), leading to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment. This adds a significant layer of sacrificial commitment to Paul's stated purpose; he knowingly embarked on a mission that held significant personal peril, driven by his devotion to Christ and his profound love for the unified church. The term diakonōn here therefore reflects a deep and potentially costly ministry, encompassing both the provision of material aid and the spiritual well-being of the church, even in the face of hostility.

Romans 15 25 Commentary

Romans 15:25 offers a snapshot of Paul's apostolic priorities, demonstrating how his lofty theological pronouncements translate into tangible action. His immediate redirection from grand missionary plans to a service trip to Jerusalem underscores the intrinsic link between theology and practical charity. The "collection" was more than just financial relief; it was a potent symbol of the unified, diverse body of Christ. Gentile believers, having received the spiritual riches of the Gospel originating from Jerusalem, were now providing material support to their Jewish brethren. This act solidified the spiritual unity of the church, bridging the cultural and social divide between Jewish and Gentile Christians, fulfilling the reciprocal relationship inherent in the Gospel. Paul's personal involvement, signified by "I am going" and "serving," exemplifies dedicated Christian leadership and practical compassion, despite the known dangers of the journey. It's a testament to putting the welfare of other believers before personal comfort or even long-term ministry goals, manifesting the self-giving love of Christ within the community of faith. This verse thus serves as a model for holistic Christian engagement, integrating mission, mercy, and communal solidarity.

• A local church postpones expansion plans to organize substantial relief efforts for members facing hardship or a struggling sister church, exemplifying prioritizing immediate, practical service.
• A Christian leader, despite having grand visions for their ministry, personally ensures that practical needs within the community (e.g., food drives, financial assistance) are met, demonstrating active, humble service beyond teaching alone.