1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; 2let each of us please his neighbour for his good, to edify him. 315.3: Ps 69.9.For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me.” 415.4: Rom 4.23-24; 1 Cor 9.10; 2 Tim 3.16.For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 515.5: Rom 12.16; 1 Cor 1.10; 2 Cor 13.11; Phil 2.2; 4.2.May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For the glory of God

7Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 915.9: Ps 18.49; 2 Sam 22.50.and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise thee among the Gentiles,

and sing to thy name”;

1015.10: Deut 32.43.and again it is said,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”;

1115.11: Ps 117.1.and again,

“Praise the Lord, all Gentiles,

and let all the peoples praise him”;

1215.12: Is 11.10; Mt 12.21.and further Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse shall come,

he who rises to rule the Gentiles;

in him shall the Gentiles hope.”

13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Personal messages

14I myself am satisfied about you, my brethren, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. 15But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 1615.16: Acts 9.15.to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 1815.18: Rom 1.5; Acts 15.12; 21.19.For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has wrought through me to win obedience from the Gentiles, by word and deed, 1915.19: Acts 19.11; 2 Cor 12.12.by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that from Jerusalem and as far round as Illyr'icum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ, 2015.20: 2 Cor 10.15-16.thus making it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on another man's foundation, 2115.21: Is 52.15.but as it is written,

“They shall see who have never been told of him,

and they shall understand who have never heard of him.”

2215.22: Rom 1.13.This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 2315.23: Acts 19.21; Rom 1.10-11; 15.32.But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 2415.24: Rom 15.28.I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be sped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a little. 2515.25: Acts 19.21; 24.17; 15.31.At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem with aid for the saints. 2615.26: 2 Cor 8.1-5; 9.2; 1 Thess 1.7-8.For Macedo'nia and Acha'ia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem; 2715.27: 1 Cor 9.11.they were pleased to do it, and indeed they are in debt to them, for if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 2815.28: Rom 15.24.When therefore I have completed this, and have delivered to them what has been raised,15.28 Greek sealed to them this fruit I shall go on by way of you to Spain; 2915.29: Acts 19.21.and I know that when I come to you I shall come in the fullness of the blessing15.29 Other ancient authorities insert of the gospel of Christ.

30I appeal to you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 3115.31: 2 Thess 3.2; Rom 15.25-26; 2 Cor 8.4; 9.1.that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 3215.32: Rom 1.10; Acts 19.21.so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 3315.33: 2 Cor 13.11; Phil 4.9.The God of peace be with you all. Amen.