Romans 15 30

Romans 15:30 kjv

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;

Romans 15:30 nkjv

Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,

Romans 15:30 niv

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.

Romans 15:30 esv

I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,

Romans 15:30 nlt

Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15 verses

Romans 15 30 Meaning

Paul makes an earnest and solemn appeal to the Roman believers, grounding his request in their shared spiritual union through Jesus Christ and the powerful, unifying love empowered by the Holy Spirit. He urges them to engage with him in a focused and strenuous effort of prayer to God on his behalf, indicating a deep reliance on their intercession for his impending ministry and journey. This request highlights prayer as an active, collaborative, and intense spiritual labor.

Romans 15 30 Context

This verse is situated at the conclusion of Paul's letter to the Romans, specifically within his explanation of his apostolic ministry to the Gentiles and his future travel plans. In Romans 15:1-13, Paul has called for unity and mutual acceptance between Jewish and Gentile believers within the Roman church. From Romans 15:14-29, he details his God-given mission to evangelize the Gentiles, his financial aid journey to Jerusalem, and his desire to visit Rome on his way to Spain. Romans 15:30-32, the verses immediately following, articulate the specific prayer requests arising from these dangerous travel and ministry plans. Paul anticipates significant opposition in Jerusalem from "unbelieving" Jews and potential skepticism from Jewish Christians regarding his Gentile offering. Therefore, this call for intense, corporate prayer underscores his deep awareness of the spiritual battles and physical perils ahead, and his profound reliance on God's divine intervention accessed through the faithful intercession of his spiritual family.

Romans 15 30 Word analysis

• I appeal (παρακαλῶ - parakalō): This is a strong, earnest plea, an entreaty. It's a common Pauline word used for exhorting, encouraging, or consoling. It conveys urgency and deep sincerity, more than a casual request, highlighting a shared purpose.
• to you, brothers (ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί - hymas, adelphoi): "Brothers" signifies a familial bond in Christ, addressing fellow believers. This shared spiritual identity forms the relational foundation for Paul's heartfelt appeal.
• by our Lord Jesus Christ (διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ - dia tou Kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou): The Greek preposition διὰ (dia) indicates the grounds or basis for the appeal. Paul is solemnizing his request by invoking the authority and person of Christ, who unites them all and empowers their mission. It signifies that the appeal is made in accordance with Christ's will and purpose.
• and by the love of the Spirit (καὶ διὰ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Πνεύματος - kai dia tēs agapēs tou Pneumatos): This refers to the love that the Holy Spirit either produces in believers (fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22) or the Spirit's own divine love poured into hearts (Rom 5:5), motivating unity and fervent concern for others. It emphasizes the spiritual bond and compassionate unity that should drive their intercession.
• to strive together with me (συναγωνίσασθαί μοι - synagōnisasthai moi): This is a powerful, unique verb (from synagonizomai). The prefix συν- (syn-) means "with" or "together." ἀγωνίσασθαι (agōnisasthai) means "to contend, struggle, wrestle, agonize." It evokes an intense, laborious, and persistent effort, like an athlete striving for victory in a contest or a soldier in battle. Paul is not asking for mere well-wishing but for active, engaged participation in a shared spiritual struggle through prayer.
• in your prayers (ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς - en tais proseuchais): Specifies the medium through which their joint struggle will occur. Προσευχαῖς refers to specific petitions or acts of worship and supplication directed towards God.
• to God (τὸν Θεόν - ton Theon): The ultimate recipient of their united and earnest petitions. Prayer is always directed to the Father.
• on my behalf (ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ - hyper emou): Clearly states the direct object or focus of their strenuous, intercessory efforts – Paul's own person and his ministry needs.

Romans 15 30 Bonus section

• Communal Aspect of Spiritual Warfare: Paul understands his ministry not as a solo endeavor but as one deeply intertwined with and dependent upon the communal effort of the church, especially in prayer. The call to "strive together" emphasizes that believers are co-laborers in spiritual warfare, confronting obstacles to the Gospel collectively.
• Theological Underpinnings of Intercession: The dual appeals by "our Lord Jesus Christ" and "the love of the Spirit" provide robust theological grounds for mutual intercessory prayer. It's not based on human sentiment alone, but on the profound union with Christ and the indwelling, unifying work of the Holy Spirit.
• Anticipation of Apostolic Trials: The intense verb "strive together" strongly suggests that Paul foresaw significant, even life-threatening, challenges and opposition in his impending journey to Jerusalem and his mission to Spain. He saw these struggles as spiritual battles requiring powerful spiritual weaponry, namely fervent, united prayer.
• Model for Christian Leaders: This verse is a timeless model for spiritual leadership. Paul, despite his divine commissioning and apostolic authority, humbles himself and acknowledges his absolute need for the church's intercession, demonstrating dependence on God through His people, rather than relying on his own strength or authority.

Romans 15 30 Commentary

Romans 15:30 encapsulates Paul's humble reliance on the collaborative spiritual power of the body of Christ, even as an apostle. His appeal is rooted in the highest spiritual motivations: the shared Lordship of Jesus Christ and the unifying, enabling love of the Holy Spirit. By urging believers to "strive together" in prayer, Paul transforms prayer from a passive act of petition into an intense, collective spiritual battle or shared labor. This "agony" in prayer highlights its crucial role in advancing God's kingdom and protecting His servants in the face of very real dangers and oppositions, as elaborated in the subsequent verses. The verse not only serves as a specific request but also models Christian interdependence and the essential nature of fervent, corporate intercession in the life of the church and the spread of the Gospel.