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 25 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 15:25 | But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. | Rom 15:26 (Purpose of the collection) |
| Rom 15:26 | For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. | 1 Cor 16:1-2 (Instructions for Corinthian collection) |
| 1 Cor 16:3-4 | And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by your letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem. | Acts 20:2-3 (Paul's route to Jerusalem) |
| Acts 24:17 | Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. | Acts 11:29-30 (Collection for Judea) |
| Acts 11:29 | So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers abiding in Judea. | Gal 2:10 (Remembering the poor) |
| Gal 2:10 | only they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. | 2 Cor 8:1-7 (Generosity of the Macedonian churches) |
| 2 Cor 8:1 | We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia | Eph 4:11-12 (Unity in Christ) |
| Eph 4:12 | to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ | John 13:34-35 (New commandment of love) |
| John 13:35 | By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. | Col 1:24 (Suffering for the church) |
| Col 1:24 | Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, | 1 Cor 12:12-27 (The Body of Christ) |
| 1 Cor 12:27 | Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. | John 17:20-21 (Unity of believers) |
| John 17:21 | that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. | Phil 2:5-8 (Mind of Christ) |
| Phil 2:5 | Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, | Isa 52:13-53:12 (Suffering Servant) |
| Isa 53:10 | Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him; he has put him to grief; if his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. | Matt 20:28 (Son of Man did not come to be served) |
| Matt 20:28 | just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. | Mark 10:45 (Service and Ransom) |
| Mark 10:45 | For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. | Luke 12:48 (To whom much is given) |
| Luke 12:48 | But the ignorant servant and his master will be beaten with many blows. | 1 Tim 6:17-19 (Rich are not to be haughty) |
| 1 Tim 6:18 | They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, | 1 Pet 4:10 (Each use gifts) |
| 1 Pet 4:10 | Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. | Acts 1:8 (Witnesses) |
| Acts 1:8 | But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. | Rom 1:11-13 (Longing to see them) |
| Rom 1:13 | I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I might have some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. | Rom 15:30-33 (Paul's plans) |
| Rom 15:32 | so that I may come to you with joy by the will of God and with you be refreshed. |
Romans 15 verses
Romans 15 25 Meaning
Paul, after stating his intention to visit Rome, informs the Roman believers that he is currently on his way to Jerusalem. His purpose in going to Jerusalem is to minister to the saints there. This act of bringing financial aid to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem from the Gentile churches is a significant demonstration of unity within the early church, bridging the ethnic and cultural divide.
Romans 15 25 Context
Romans chapter 15 transitions from addressing the differences between Jewish and Gentile believers to the unity and mutual responsibility that should characterize the church. Paul has been encouraging the stronger believers to bear with the scruples of the weaker ones, especially concerning dietary laws and special days. He emphasizes that Christ also pleased no one but is the God of all, a model for believers to emulate.
The preceding verses (Rom 15:22-24) express Paul's long-held desire to visit Rome and preach the gospel there. He explains that he has been prevented from doing so but now sees an opportunity to come to them on his way to Spain. Verse 25, however, provides a more immediate focus: his upcoming journey to Jerusalem. This journey is not a diversion but a crucial mission rooted in his ministry of love and reconciliation.
Historically, tensions existed between Jewish and Gentile Christians, particularly regarding the adherence to Jewish customs and laws. The collection from the Gentile churches for the Jerusalem church was a tangible expression of unity and solidarity, addressing a period of hardship in Judea. Paul viewed this mission as a vital way to strengthen the bonds between the two groups and demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel.
Romans 15 25 Word Analysis
- Nyni (νυνὶ): "Now" or "at the present time." This temporal conjunction highlights the current situation and Paul's immediate plans, shifting from his future desires for Rome to his present commitment.
- Hypoagō (ὑπάγω): "I am going," "I am going down." This verb indicates a present, active movement towards a destination. In the context of Jerusalem, often located at a lower altitude than some other parts of Judea or Galilee, "going down" is literal.
- eis (εἰς): "Into," "to." A preposition indicating direction and destination.
- Hierousalēm (Ἱερουσαλήμ): "Jerusalem." The holy city, the spiritual and religious center of Judaism. This signifies the destination of Paul's mission.
- litourgiazein (λειτουργεῖν): "To minister," "to perform service." This word carries significant religious connotations, referring to priestly or sacred service. Paul uses it to describe his mission to Jerusalem, equating the charitable act with a divine service. This reflects a concept found in the Old Testament where giving to the poor was seen as serving God.
- tois hagiois (τοῖς ἁγίοις): "To the saints," "to the holy ones." This refers to believers, both Jewish and Gentile, set apart by God. It underscores the familial and spiritual relationship within the church that prompts this act of support. The term "saints" highlights their consecrated status in Christ.
Word Groups Analysis:
- "Nyni hypagō eis Hierousalēm": This phrase clearly states Paul's current directional movement and specific destination. It establishes the immediate priority of his journey despite his desire to visit Rome.
- "litourgiazein tois hagiois": This powerful combination frames the collection as a sacred duty and a divine service rendered to fellow believers. It elevates the act of giving from mere charity to an expression of spiritual worship and obedience to God's command to care for His people.
Romans 15 25 Bonus Section
The "ministry to the saints" in Jerusalem held significant theological weight for Paul. It was an opportunity to solidify the newfound unity between Jewish and Gentile believers in the Church. This was crucial given the historical and theological debates about the role of the Mosaic Law for Gentiles. The collection represented the Gentile churches' acknowledgment of their spiritual debt to Israel (Rom 1:16; 11:17-18) and a concrete demonstration of their integration into the people of God, the true Israel in Christ. This act also echoed Old Testament principles of charity and temple offerings, reframing them within the new covenant context of serving the spiritual body of Christ. It was a critical component in Paul's broader strategy to establish peace and reconciliation within the burgeoning Church.
Romans 15 25 Commentary
Paul's declaration in Romans 15:25 reveals a crucial aspect of his apostolic ministry: practical love and concern for the welfare of other believers, particularly those facing hardship. His trip to Jerusalem with financial aid from the Gentile churches was a testament to the unifying power of the gospel, transcending ethnic barriers. It was a "ministry to the saints," a divine service that embodied the command to love one's neighbor and reflect Christ's servant-heartedness. This act of solidarity demonstrated that unity in Christ meant sharing resources and supporting one another in need, forging a visible expression of the church as one body. Paul saw this mission as an essential part of fulfilling the Great Commission and manifesting the "fellowship" of the gospel (Rom 15:26). It was a tangible outflow of God's grace, mirroring the unity he prayed for (John 17:21) and the mutual support that strengthens the Body of Christ.
- Practical expression of love: Giving tangible help to those in need.
- Unity of the Church: Bridging divides between Jewish and Gentile believers.
- Servanthood: Following Christ's example of serving others.
- Apostolic mission: Demonstrating gospel principles through actions.