Introduction
Romans 15:1–13: Chapter 15 begins the conclusion of the apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans. He encourages the Lord’s followers not to please themselves but to act in ways that edify the whole community of believers. He reminds them that the Good News is for both Jews and Gentiles.
Today’s Key Verse: Romans 15:13
May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Reading
15 And now I want to remind you, my friends, of the Good News which I preached to you, which you received, and on which your faith stands firm. 2 That is the gospel, the message that I preached to you. You are saved by the gospel if you hold firmly to it—unless it was for nothing that you believed.
3 I passed on to you what I received, which is of the greatest importance: that Christ died for our sins, as written in the Scriptures; 4 that he was buried and that he was raised to life three days later, as written in the Scriptures; 5 that he appeared to Peter and then to all twelve apostles. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred of his followers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have died. 7 Then he appeared to James, and afterward to all the apostles.
8 Last of all he appeared also to me—even though I am like someone whose birth was abnormal. 9 For I am the least of all the apostles—I do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God’s church. 10 But by God’s grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God’s grace working with me. 11 So then, whether it came from me or from them, this is what we all preach, and this is what you believe.
12 Now, since our message is that Christ has been raised from death, how can some of you say that the dead will not be raised to life? 13 If that is true, it means that Christ was not raised;
Reflect
What words of encouragement does Paul give the believers in Rome? Why is building up one another in faith important to Paul? In what ways does your community of faith build up one another? What words of encouragement and hope can you bring to someone today?
Pray
God hope and love, teach me day by day what is written in the Scriptures. Grant me patience to study your Word, and fill me with joy and peace so that, by the power of your Holy Spirit, I continue to grow strong in faith. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 85: A prayer for the nation’s welfare.
