Bearing the weak, Gentile praise, and the way to Spain (Romans 15:1–33)

Says After the warning not to destroy the work of God for food (14:20) and the rule that what is not from faith is sin (14:23), Romans 15 takes up bearing with the weak, mutual welcome, Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles, and his plans for Jerusalem and Spain.

Says Four movements follow. The strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak (15:1) so that with one mind and one voice they glorify God (15:6). They are to accept one another as Christ accepted them (15:7), and Scripture calls the Gentiles to praise (15:9–12). Paul is a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles (15:16), from Jerusalem around to Illyricum (15:19). He hopes to see them on the way to Spain (15:24) and is going to Jerusalem to serve the saints (15:25). The chapter closes, “The God of peace be with all of you” (15:33, BSB).

Implies The opening continues the weak and strong concern of chapter 14. Rome is a stopping and sending point on the way to Spain, not the end of the stated plan (15:24, 28).

Uncertain Whether Paul reached Spain, whether every weak person is a Jewish Christian, and any further purpose of the collection are not settled in this overview. No lean is taken here.