Romans 15 31

Romans 15:31 kjv

That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

Romans 15:31 nkjv

that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,

Romans 15:31 niv

Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord's people there,

Romans 15:31 esv

that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,

Romans 15:31 nlt

Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem.

Romans 15 verses

Romans 15 31 Meaning

The Apostle Paul expresses his earnest desire and prayer for the Jewish believers in Rome. He wishes for them to be delivered from those in Judea who are disobedient to the gospel. Paul's hope is that their reception of his ministry among them would be acceptable to God and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, leading to genuine fellowship and shared faith.

Romans 15 31 Context

Chapter 15 of Romans deals with themes of reconciliation, particularly between Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul recounts his intention to visit Rome and his work as the apostle to the Gentiles. He emphasizes unity and mutual encouragement within the body of Christ, based on the example of Christ himself. Paul is preparing to travel to Jerusalem to deliver an offering from the Gentile churches to the poor believers there. This verse expresses Paul's concern and prayer that his mission to Jerusalem would be successful, even in the face of potential opposition from some Jewish factions who did not accept his ministry to the Gentiles. He seeks the prayers of the Roman believers for his safety and for the acceptance of his offering, hoping it would lead to further unity.

Romans 15 31 Word Analysis

• ἵνα (hina): So that, in order that. This conjunction introduces a purpose clause, explaining the reason behind his prayer.
• εὐαρεστήσῃ (euarestēsē): Might be well-pleasing. From the verb euaresteō, meaning to please well or be acceptable. This refers to the acceptability of his ministry to God.
• τοῖς (tois): The (dative plural).
• ἀγαθοῖς (agathois): Good. Referring to the believers, who are "good" or "good ones" in Christ.
• ἐν (en): In.
• αὐτοῖς (autois): Them. Referring to the saints in Jerusalem.
• δοῦναι (dounai): To give. From didōmi, meaning to give, to offer. Refers to his purpose of delivering the collection.
• αἷμα (haima): Blood. Not present in this verse.
• ἔργον (ergon): Work. Referring to his service or ministry.
• τοῦ (tou): Of the (genitive singular).
• δissaientou (dissaientou): To serve. Not present in this verse.
• δεσμοῖς (desmois): Bonds, chains.
• ὑπακούειν (hypakouein): To obey.
• ἐξ (ex): From, out of.
• ἀπειθείας (apeitheias): Disobedience. From apeithēs, meaning disobedient, intractable. This highlights the resistance he faced.
• ἀπὸ (apo): From.
• τῆς (tēs): The (genitive singular).
• αἵματος (haimatos): Blood. Not present in this verse.
• ἀπειθούσης (apeithousēs): Disobedient (feminine genitive participle). Referring to the disobedience of the people.
• Ἰουδαίας (Ioudaias): Judea (feminine genitive). Refers to the geographical region.
• δεσμῶν (desmōn): Bonds, chains.
• Λειτουργία (leitourgia): Ministry, service. Here referring to the offering and Paul's service in bringing it.
• ὑμῖν (hymin): You (plural). The Roman believers.
• ἀπολαύω (apolaūō): To enjoy, receive profit from.
• ἐπιτελέσω (epitelēsō): I might finish, accomplish.
• χρηστοῖς (chrēstois): Kind, good. Not present in this verse.
• φάγων (phagōn): Having eaten. Not present in this verse.
• ἐξολοθρευθεῖν (exolothreuthein): To be exterminated, destroyed.
• ἐστὶν (estin): Is.
• παρακαλῶ (parakalō): I beseech, implore.
• ἀπέδωκα (apedōka): I have given.
• προθέσεως (protheseōs): Purpose, intention.
• στέφανος (stephanos): Crown. Not present in this verse.
• ἔπαινον (epainon): Praise.
• σπουδή (spoudē): Haste, earnestness.
• προθύμως (prothymōs): Readily, eagerly.
• εὐοδόω (euodōō): To prosper, have a good journey, succeed.
• σκόλοψ (skolops): Thorn in the flesh. Not present in this verse.
• αὐτῶν (autōn): Their.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea": This phrase ("hina rhusōmai apo tōn apeithountōn en Ioudaiā") expresses a plea for deliverance from individuals within Judea who are resistant to the Gospel message Paul preaches. The term apeithountōn carries a strong sense of stubborn refusal to heed or believe.
• "that my ministry to the saints may be acceptable": ("hina euarestēsē tois hagiois tēs leitourgias mou") This highlights Paul's deep concern for the reception of his service among the believers in Jerusalem. The word euarestēsē signifies more than mere acceptance; it implies being pleasing and well-favored in God's sight and to the people of God.
• "and that by the will of God I may come to you with joy": This part of Paul's prayer ("kai houtōs ean thelē to thelēma tou theou elthō pros hymas meta charas") indicates a desire for divine enablement for his travel, hoping to arrive with gladness, signifying a successful completion of his Jerusalem mission. Elthō suggests arrival, and meta charas emphasizes the joyful outcome.
• "and with you be refreshed": ("kai syn' hymin anapsychō") Anapsychō implies a mutual refreshment and revitalization of spirit that comes from fellowship among believers.

Romans 15 31 Bonus Section

The phrase "disobedient in Judea" likely refers to Jewish Christians or even Jewish leaders who were hindering the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles or were skeptical of Paul's apostleship. This opposition created a potential threat to Paul, hence his prayer for deliverance. The offering mentioned, alluded to in the desire to "give" to the saints, is detailed more in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 and 2 Corinthians 8-9, where Paul mobilizes the Gentile churches to support the "poor saints" in Jerusalem. This act was a crucial bridge-building effort to foster unity and demonstrate love across cultural and ethnic divides within the early church. The spiritual refreshment (anapsychō) anticipated by Paul from his intended visit to Rome highlights the mutual dependence and shared spiritual life that characterized the New Testament church. Paul saw his anticipated arrival in Rome not just as a personal visit but as an opportunity for shared spiritual strengthening.

Romans 15 31 Commentary

Paul articulates his prayer and purpose in Romans 15:31. He specifically asks for deliverance from disobedient individuals in Judea, likely those who were hostile to his gentile ministry. This reveals the challenges and opposition he faced. He desires that his service, which included collecting funds from gentile churches for the Jerusalem church, be well-pleasing to God and accepted by the believers there. This offering was not just financial aid but a visible demonstration of unity and reconciliation between Jewish and gentile believers. Paul’s hope is that his journey to Jerusalem would culminate in a joyous reunion with the Roman believers, wherein both he and they would find spiritual refreshment and encouragement through their shared faith and obedience to God's will. This verse underscores the importance of prayer, faithful ministry, and the pursuit of unity within the Christian community, even amidst external pressures.

Practical Usage:

• Pray for believers facing opposition in their witness.
• Strive for our ministries to be God-honoring and accepted by fellow saints.
• Desire God's will to guide our journeys and bring us together in joy.
• Seek opportunities for mutual spiritual refreshment and encouragement.