Self-denial in behalf of Others
1Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just please ourselves.
2Each of us is to please his neighbor
3For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “THE TAUNTS OF THOSE WHO TAUNT YOU HAVE FALLEN ON ME.”
4For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5Now may the God
6so that with one purpose and one
7Therefore,
8For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision in behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises given to the fathers,
9and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written:
10Again he says,
11And again,
12Again Isaiah says,
13Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
14And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.
15But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given to me
16to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God.
18For I will not presume to speak of anything
19in the power of
20And in this way I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already known by name, so that I would not build on another person’s foundation;
21but just as it is written:
22For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you;
23but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you
24whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company
25but now, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the
26For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the
27For they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to do them a service also in material things.
28Therefore, when I have finished this, and have
29I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
30Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
31that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the
32so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and relax in your company.
33Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.