1Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, Rm 14:1; Gl 6:2; 1Th 5:14 and not to please ourselves.

2Each one of us must please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 1Co 9:22; 10:24,33; 2Co 13:9

3For even the Messiah did not please Himself. 2Co 8:9 On the contrary, as it is written, The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me. Ps 69:9 Ps 69:9

4For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, Rm 4:23; 2Tm 3:16 so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.

5Now may the God who gives Lit God of endurance and encouragement 2Co 1:3 allow you to live in harmony with one another, Rm 12:16 according to the command of Christ Jesus,

6so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Rv 1:6 with a united mind and voice.

7Therefore accept one another, Rm 14:1 just as the Messiah also accepted you, to the glory of God.

8For I say that the Messiah became a servant of the circumcised The Jews on behalf of God’s truth, Mt 15:24; Ac 3:26 to confirm the promises to the fathers, Rm 4:16; 2Co 1:20

9and so that Gentiles Rm 3:29; 11:30 may glorify God for His mercy. Mt 9:8 As it is written:

13Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him Rm 14:17 so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 1Co 2:4; 1Th 1:5

14My brothers, I myself am convinced about you that you also are full of goodness, Eph 5:9; 2Th 1:11 filled with all knowledge, 1Co 1:5; 8:1,7,10; 12:8; 13:2 and able to instruct one another.

15Nevertheless, I have written to remind you more boldly on some points Other mss add brothers because of the grace given me by God Rm 12:3

16to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, Ac 9:15; Rm 11:13 serving as a priest of God’s good news. Rm 1:1 My purpose is that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, Rm 12:1; Eph 5:2; Php 2:17 sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

17Therefore I have reason to boast in Christ Jesus Php 3:3 regarding what pertains to God. Heb 2:17; 5:1

18For I would not dare say anything except what Christ has accomplished through me Ac 15:12; 21:19; Rm 1:5; 2Co 3:5 to make the Gentiles obedient by word and deed,

19by the power of miraculous signs and wonders, Jn 4:48 and by the power of God’s Spirit. As a result, I have fully proclaimed the good news about the Messiah from Jerusalem Ac 22:17-21 all the way around to Illyricum. A Roman province northwest of Greece on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea Ac 20:1

20My aim is to evangelize where Christ has not been named, Rm 1:15; 10:15 so that I will not build on someone else’s foundation, 1Co 3:10; 2Co 10:15-16

21but, as it is written:

22That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to you. Rm 1:13; 1Th 2:18

23But now I no longer have any work to do in these provinces, Lit now, having no longer a place in these parts and I have strongly desired for many years to come to you Ac 19:21; Rm 1:10

24whenever I travel to Spain. Other mss add I will come to you. For I hope to see you when I pass through, and to be assisted by you for my journey there, Ac 15:3 once I have first enjoyed your company Rm 1:12 for a while.

25Right now I am traveling to Jerusalem Ac 19:21 to serve the saints, Ac 24:17

26for Macedonia Ac 16:9; 1Co 16:5; 2Co 1:16; 2:13; 7:5; 8:1; 9:2,4; 11:9; Php 4:15; 1Th 1:7; 4:10; 1Tm 1:3 and Achaia The churches of these provinces Ac 18:12; 19:21 were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

27Yes, they were pleased, and indeed are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual benefits, 1Co 9:11 then they are obligated to minister to Jews in material needs.

28So when I have finished this and safely delivered the funds Lit delivered this fruit to them, Jn 3:33 I will visit you on the way to Spain.

29I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing Other mss add of the gospel of Christ.

30Now I appeal to you, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, Gl 5:22; Col 1:8 to join with me in fervent prayers to God on my behalf. 2Co 1:11; Col 4:12

31Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, 2Co 1:10; 2Th 3:2; 2Tm 3:11; 4:17 that the gift I am bringing to Lit that my service for Jerusalem 2Co 8:4; 9:1 may be acceptable to the saints, Ac 9:13; Rm 15:15

32and that, by God’s will, Ac 18:21; Rm 1:10 I may come to you with joy Rm 15:23 and be refreshed together with you.

33The God of peace be with all of you. Rm 16:20; 2Co 13:11; Php 4:9; 1Th 5:23; 2Th 3:16; Heb 13:20 Amen.