1We then, that are strong ought to bear with the infirmities of the weak, and not please ourselves. 2Let every one of us please his neighbor for their good and edification. 3For even Christ did not please Himself; but, as it is written, “The insults of them that insulted you fell on Me.” (Ps.69:9). 4For everything that was written (in Scripture) in earlier times was written for our instruction, that we, through patience and the encouragement of the scriptures, might have hope. 5Now may the God Who gives us endurance and encouragement grant you the same attitude and mind toward one another that Christ Jesus had. 6That you may, with one mind and one voice, glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Therefore, accept and welcome one another, as Christ also accepted and welcomed us to the glory of God. 8Now I tell you that Jesus Christ was a servant of the Jews on behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises God made to the fathers (patriarchs), 9And that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, “For this cause I will praise You among the Gentiles, and sing to Your name.” (Ps.18:49). 10And again He says, “Rejoice, you nations (Gentiles), with His people.” (Deut.32:43). 11And again, “Praise the Lord, all you nations; and extol Him, all you peoples.” (Ps.117:1). 12And again, Isaiah says, “There shall be the root of Jesse (heir to David’s throne), and He that shall rise to reign over the nations; in Him shall the nations trust.” (Isa.11:10). 13Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, that you may overflow with hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit. 14And I, myself, am also persuaded by you, my brothers and sisters, that you also are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and also able to teach one another. 15Nevertheless, I have written very boldly on some points, to remind you of them again, because of the grace that God has given me, 16That I should be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. Therefore, as the minister of the good news of God, so that I might present you Gentiles as an acceptable offering to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17I have, therefore, much in which I may glory through Jesus Christ in my service to God. 18For I will not dare to boast of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, in leading the Gentiles to obey God, by what I have said and done, 19By the power of mighty signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20I have endeavored to preach the gospel where Christ has not been preached; and not where Christ was already known, so that I would be building upon another man's foundation; 21But rather, as it is written, “To those whom He was not spoken of, that they shall see; and those that have not heard shall understand.” (Isa.52:15). 22I have so often been hindered from coming to see you, because I have been preaching in many other places. 23But now, having finished my work in these places, and having had a great desire these many years to come to you, 24I plan to stop off at Rome to see you when I journey to Spain; and I trust that after I enjoy your fellowship, you can help provide for my journey, and be brought on my way there by you. 25But now I am on my way to Jerusalem to minister to the saints there. 26For it has pleased those of Macedonia and Achaia to contribute for the poor among the saints who are at Jerusalem. 27They were pleased to do it; for truly, they are in their debt. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they owe to the Jews to minister to them with their material blessings. 28So after I have completed this task, and have made sure they have received his contribution, I will come by Rome to see you on my way to Spain. 29And I am sure that, when I come to you, I shall come in the full measure of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 30Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that you join me in my struggle by your prayers to God for me: 31Pray that I may be kept safe from those in Judaea that do not believe; and that the contribution which I have for Jerusalem may be favorably received by the saints; 32So that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and in your company be refreshed. 33Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Reader-Friendly Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2024 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |