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 two fervent prayer requests to the Roman believers concerning his upcoming journey and ministry. Firstly, he prays for divine deliverance and protection from hostile opposition, specifically from those in Judaea who reject the Christian faith. Secondly, he requests that his offering and ministry (likely the financial collection gathered from Gentile churches for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem) be graciously received and accepted by the Christian saints there, fostering unity and acknowledging the generosity of the Gentile believers.

Romans 15 31 Context

Romans 15:31 concludes a section (Rom 15:22-33) where Paul details his missionary plans. He expresses a long-held desire to visit Rome on his way to Spain. However, before embarking on this journey, he must first go to Jerusalem. His primary purpose in Jerusalem is to deliver a substantial financial collection, gathered from the Gentile churches in Macedonia and Achaia, to the impoverished Christian saints there (Rom 15:25-26). This collection was significant both practically, to alleviate the suffering of the Jerusalem believers, and symbolically, to demonstrate the unity and solidarity between Gentile and Jewish Christians. Recognizing the potential dangers in Judaea—given the significant hostility from non-believing Jews—and the cultural sensitivities around an offering from Gentiles, Paul earnestly asks the Roman believers to join him in prayer concerning these two crucial aspects of his mission. His request highlights the perils and the importance of both his physical safety and the acceptance of his spiritual and practical ministry.

Romans 15 31 Word analysis

• that I may be delivered (ἵνα ῥυσθῶ - hina rhysthō): The Greek word rhysthō (from rhyomai) means "to rescue, snatch away, draw out from danger or evil." It denotes divine intervention and active preservation from an imminent threat. Paul, throughout his ministry (2 Cor 11:23-28), frequently faced physical dangers and persecution, and he knew Jerusalem would be particularly perilous. This phrase signifies a plea for protection from active opposition and harm, relying on God's sovereign power.
• from them that do not believe (ἀπειθούντων - apeithountōn): This term, from apeitheō, literally means "those who are disobedient" or "those who refuse to be persuaded," especially concerning God's call or revelation. In the context of Judaea, this refers to non-Christian Jews who vehemently opposed Paul's gospel, which broke down the barrier between Jew and Gentile, and his mission to the Gentiles (Acts 13:45, 14:2, 18:6). Their opposition was often aggressive and physically violent.
• in Judaea (ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ - en tē Ioudaia): Specifically identifies the geographical region where the hostile "unbelievers" resided and where the danger was most acute. Paul had a well-documented history of persecution in Jewish territories (Acts 21).
• and that my service (καὶ ἡ διακονία μου - kai hē diakonia mou): Diakonia generally means "ministry" or "service." Here, it specifically refers to the practical act of ministering to the Jerusalem saints through the financial collection gathered from Gentile churches. It was not merely a physical offering but a spiritual service, demonstrating love and unity.
• which I have for Jerusalem (ἡ εἰς Ἱερουσαλὴμ - hē eis Hierousalēm): Specifies the destination and recipients of this diakonia. It underscores the strategic importance of this gesture to the spiritual capital of Judaism and early Christianity.
• may be accepted (εὐπρόσδεκτος γένηται - euprosdektos genētai): The Greek euprosdektos means "well-received," "acceptable," "pleasing," or "welcome." It goes beyond mere reception of money; it implies a positive, willing, and grateful embrace by the recipients, recognizing the spirit of love and fellowship behind the gift, not merely its material value. It suggests overcoming any potential prejudices or misgivings some Jewish Christians might have had about gifts from Gentile believers (due to historical or legalistic differences).
• of the saints (τοῖς ἁγίοις - tois hagiois): Refers to the Christian believers in Jerusalem. The term hagios ("holy ones") is a common biblical designation for God's consecrated people, here specifically meaning fellow believers in Christ.

• "that I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea": This phrase reveals Paul's clear awareness of imminent danger and the specific nature of the opposition he anticipated—religious animosity from non-Christian Jews. It is a humble admission of human vulnerability coupled with reliance on divine protection for the successful continuation of his apostolic ministry. The prayer underscores the spiritual battle and physical threats inherent in spreading the Gospel.
• "and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints": This part of the prayer highlights Paul's concern for both the practical efficacy and the spiritual impact of his ministry. The "service" (the collection) was not merely financial aid; it was a bridge-building act, meant to foster unity and love between Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul understood that genuine acceptance was crucial for validating the work of reconciliation accomplished in Christ and for demonstrating the mutual fellowship within the global church. Rejection of the gift could undermine years of work towards Jew-Gentile unity.

Romans 15 31 Bonus section

Paul's anxiety concerning the "unbelievers in Judaea" (Rom 15:31a) points to the historical and theological tensions of the early church. Judaea, particularly Jerusalem, was a hub of intense Jewish religious fervor, where adherence to the Mosaic Law was paramount. For many, Paul's message of salvation by grace through faith apart from the Law, and his mission to include Gentiles without requiring circumcision, was seen as an apostasy from Judaism and a direct affront to God's covenant with Israel. This opposition was not just ideological but often incited physical violence, as witnessed in the book of Acts (e.g., Acts 21:27-36).

His concern that his "service... may be accepted of the saints" (Rom 15:31b) also delves into nuanced ecclesial dynamics. The "saints" in Jerusalem, while believers, may have harbored lingering suspicions or legalistic tendencies toward Gentile Christians. The collection itself, while a genuine act of love and solidarity from Gentile churches, needed to be perceived as such, not as an attempt to "buy" acceptance or a condescending handout. The euprosdektos (accepted/well-received) nature of the offering was critical for solidifying the theological reality that both Jewish and Gentile believers were equally part of God's one church, united in Christ. Paul's two-part prayer therefore, reveals his strategic thinking in ministry—addressing both external dangers and internal unity challenges.

Romans 15 31 Commentary

Romans 15:31 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's dual-edged prayer requests born from the practical realities and spiritual tensions of his ministry. The first plea, for deliverance from unbelievers in Judaea, reflects his deep understanding of the persistent, often violent, opposition he faced, particularly from non-Christian Jewish factions. This was not a request to avoid hardship altogether, but for God's protective hand to ensure his survival and freedom to complete his divinely appointed tasks, underscoring that physical safety can be crucial for mission effectiveness. The second prayer, concerning the acceptance of his service (the collection) by the saints in Jerusalem, reveals profound wisdom and foresight. Paul knew the collection, while financially necessary for the impoverished Jewish Christians, also held immense symbolic weight for Jew-Gentile reconciliation. Acceptance would validate the unity in Christ across ethnic lines and affirm the generous, loving spirit of the Gentile churches. This verse serves as a potent reminder for believers today to pray fervently not only for safety in ministry but also for the acceptance and fruitfulness of their acts of service, particularly those aimed at fostering unity within the body of Christ.