Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 15
Romans 1:16 to 15:13 seems to be one continuous sermon or speech. Paul wrote it at a time when he was unable to visit the church in Rome. He probably intended that one of the church leaders there would read it at a church meeting.
Paul wanted to end this long passage in a joyful manner. He has written much in the Book of Romans about the gospel (the good news about Christ). So, Rome’s Christians have much to thank God for. God showed them his love in a wonderful way when Christ died for them (5:6-8). When they accepted Christ, God placed his Holy Spirit in their lives, to guide and to help them (8:9-11). God will do even more wonderful things for them in the future: he will adopt them fully as his children (8:18-21).
Paul also wanted to bring together the two groups in the church at Rome. Some of the Christians there were Jews (Israel’s people), and some were Gentiles (people from other nations). God’s promises to Israel have not ended (11:25-26); and God’s love for people from the other nations has not ended (11:12-15). Therefore, all God’s people should join together to give God thanks.
So, Paul ends the speech with a series of Bible passages that urge God’s people to praise him. The first of these comes from David’s song, when he praises God after the defeat of his enemies. It appears both in 2 Samuel 22:50 and Psalm 18:49. God had saved David from his enemies. We might think that David only praised God for the defeat of those nations. However, Paul reminds us that David praised God ‘among the nations’. In other words, people from those other nations joined with David to praise God. We can see that from such passages as 2 Samuel 15:18-21.
Next part: Joy for the people from every nation who trust Israel's God (Romans 15:10)
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© 2022, Keith Simons.