Romans 15 26

Romans 15:26 kjv

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

Romans 15:26 nkjv

For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.

Romans 15:26 niv

For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord's people in Jerusalem.

Romans 15:26 esv

For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.

Romans 15:26 nlt

For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem.

Romans 15 verses

Romans 15 26 Meaning

Romans 15:26 details that the Gentile churches of Macedonia and Achaia had willingly decided to gather a financial contribution to assist the impoverished believers among the Christian community in Jerusalem. This act signified not just an economic transfer, but a profound expression of solidarity and spiritual fellowship between these geographically distinct and ethnically diverse branches of the early Church. It underlined their shared identity in Christ, bridging the historical divide between Jewish and Gentile believers.

Romans 15 26 Context

Romans 15:26 appears in the concluding section of Paul's letter to the Romans, where he outlines his missionary plans and encourages unity within the Roman church. This verse is part of his explanation for his delayed visit to Rome, as he prioritizes delivering the "collection for the saints" to Jerusalem. The historical context involves significant poverty among the believers in Jerusalem, possibly exacerbated by famine (as mentioned in Acts 11) or the financial implications of early communal living and various persecutions. Paul strategically organized this collection from the predominantly Gentile churches of Macedonia (e.g., Philippi, Thessalonica) and Achaia (e.g., Corinth), seeing it as a crucial demonstration of the organic unity and reciprocal love between Gentile and Jewish believers in the one body of Christ. This collection served as a tangible expression of fellowship, designed to alleviate physical need while also strengthening the bonds and mutual acceptance between Jewish and Gentile segments of the nascent church. It also implicitly stood against any narrow ethnocentric views, demonstrating that Christ unites all peoples in practical love and shared identity, effectively subverting distinctions that were once barriers.

Romans 15 26 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): Introduces a reason or explanation, linking this verse to Paul's prior statements about his travel plans and desire to preach the gospel where Christ has not been named (Rom 15:20-25).
• Macedonia (Μακεδονία - Makedonia): A Roman province north of Achaia in ancient Greece, home to churches like Philippi and Thessalonica, renowned for their exemplary generosity (2 Cor 8:1-5).
• and (καὶ - kai): A simple conjunction connecting two entities.
• Achaia (Ἀχαΐα - Akhaïa): A Roman province in southern Greece, where Corinth, a major recipient of Paul's letters (1 and 2 Corinthians), was located. Its zeal in giving is also highlighted (2 Cor 9:2).
• have been pleased (εὐδόκησαν - eudokēsan): Literally "it seemed good to them" or "they decided to approve." This verb carries the connotation of a free, willing, and intentional decision, often with an element of divine favor or pleasure (like God "well-pleased"). It emphasizes that the gift was not compelled but arose from sincere goodwill and conviction, an act of grace.
• to make (ποιήσασθαι - poiēsasthai): To effect, produce, perform, bring about. When paired with koinonia, it means to establish or manifest fellowship through an act.
• some contribution (κοινωνίαν - koinōnian): This is a pivotal term. While often translated as "contribution" or "financial gift," its semantic range is far richer: fellowship, partnership, sharing, communion. It signifies more than mere charity; it expresses deep solidarity, participation, and a mutual bond in the Spirit. The act of giving money is a means of demonstrating koinonia, rather than simply a transaction.
• for (εἰς - eis): Expresses purpose or direction, "into," "unto," indicating the recipient or object of the action.
• the poor (τοὺς πτωχοὺς - tous ptōkhous): Specifically refers to the financially destitute, the truly needy. It implies a condition of economic distress, distinguishing them from merely less wealthy.
• among (τῶν - tōn, here partitive genitive): Indicates a subset or belonging "of the."
• the saints (ἁγίων - hagiōn): Refers to the consecrated ones, believers, those set apart for God's purposes. In Christian parlance, this is a common designation for members of the Church. Here it specifically refers to fellow Christians in Jerusalem.
• in Jerusalem (ἐν Ἱερουσαλήμ - en Hierousalem): Specifies the location of the recipients, the central and original church of Christianity, predominantly Jewish believers.

Word-groups analysis:

• "Macedonia and Achaia": Represents the broader Gentile church, geographically diverse yet united in faith and generosity. Their joint participation underscores the pan-church effort led by Paul.
• "have been pleased to make some contribution": This phrase highlights the voluntary, joyful, and divinely prompted nature of their giving. It speaks to a profound decision stemming from genuine faith and love, rather than compulsion or mere duty. The choice to translate koinonia as "contribution" here simplifies a deeper theological reality: that they were effecting fellowship or shared participation through their financial giving, emphasizing relational solidarity.
• "for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem": This precisely defines the beneficiaries. It was targeted aid within the specific community of believers in the mother church. This directed care underscores the bond between diverse Christian communities, and the practical application of love within the Body of Christ. The emphasis on "saints" indicates a theological understanding of family in faith, not merely humanitarian aid to any poor.

Romans 15 26 Bonus section

The "collection for the saints" in Jerusalem was a major component of Paul's missionary strategy and a litmus test for his Gentile mission's legitimacy within the Jewish-Christian establishment. Its successful delivery was critical to affirm the unity of the church. Furthermore, the willingness of churches like Macedonia, often suffering economic hardship themselves (as seen in 2 Cor 8:2), to contribute exemplifies profound grace. The very act of Paul carrying this offering risked personal danger (Rom 15:30-31), indicating its immense theological and practical importance in unifying the nascent global church and authenticating the saving power of Christ across all ethnic barriers.

Romans 15 26 Commentary

Romans 15:26 reveals a deeply significant moment in early Christian history. The collection was not merely a benevolent act but a powerful theological statement about Christian unity and mutual dependence. Paul strategically frames the Gentile contribution to the Jerusalem poor as an act of koinonia, transcending simple financial giving to symbolize shared life and spiritual partnership. This counters potential divisions between Jewish and Gentile believers by demonstrating a tangible expression of love and obligation. Paul understood that as Gentiles had partaken in the spiritual blessings originating from Jerusalem (the Gospel, the Messiah, the apostles), they were now obligated to minister in return through material aid (Rom 15:27). The generosity of Macedonia and Achaia, willingly given from their own resources, exemplified grace and demonstrated that the unity forged in Christ was strong enough to overcome deep cultural and historical divides, solidifying the idea of one Body of Christ.