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 [a]for his good, to his edification. 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 [b]who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6so that with one purpose and one [c]voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7Therefore, [d]accept one another, just as Christ also accepted [e]us, for the glory of God. 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:

“THEREFORE I WILL [f]GIVE PRAISE TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES,

AND I WILL SING PRAISES TO YOUR NAME.” 10Again he says,

“REJOICE, YOU GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE.” 11And again,

“PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES,

AND LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE HIM.” 12Again Isaiah says,

“THERE SHALL COME THE ROOT OF JESSE,

AND HE WHO ARISES TO RULE OVER THE GENTILES,

IN HIM WILL THE GENTILES HOPE.” 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 [g]from God, 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 [h]except what Christ has accomplished through me, [i]resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 19in the power of [j]signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and all around as far as Illyricum I have [k]fully preached the gospel of Christ. 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:

“THEY WHO HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD ABOUT HIM WILL SEE,

AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD WILL UNDERSTAND.”

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 [l]for a while— 25but now, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the [m]saints. 26For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the [n]saints in Jerusalem. 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 [o]put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain. 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 [p]saints; 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.