Romans 15

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

1We who are strong should be patient with the weak. We should not just please ourselves.

2Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

2Each of us should please the people around us. Do good that helps them grow stronger.

3For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

3Even Christ did not please himself. The scriptures say, "The mean words aimed at you landed on me."

4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

4Everything written long ago was written to teach us. It gives us patience and comfort, so we can keep hoping.

5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

5God gives patience and comfort. May he help you agree with one another, the way Jesus Christ wants.

6That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

6Then you can praise God together, with one heart and one voice. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

7So welcome one another, just as Christ welcomed you. This brings honor to God.

8Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

8Christ came to serve the Jewish people. He did this to show God tells the truth, and to keep the promises God made to their fathers long ago.

Note"A minister of the circumcision" in the old wording means a servant to the Jewish people. Circumcision was a mark that showed a man belonged to Israel.

9And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

9He also came so that Gentiles would praise God for his kindness. Gentiles are people who are not Jewish. The scriptures say, "So I will thank you among the Gentiles and sing to your name."

10And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

10It also says, "Be glad, you Gentiles, together with God's people."

11And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

11And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles. Say good things about him, all you people."

12And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

12Isaiah says, "A new branch will grow from Jesse's family. Jesse was King David's father. This branch will rise up and rule the Gentiles, and they will put their hope in him."

13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

13God is the one who gives hope. May he fill you with joy and peace as you trust him. Then your hope will spill over, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

14My brothers and sisters, I am sure of this about you. You are full of goodness and you know a lot. You are able to teach one another.

15Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

15Still, I wrote some parts of this letter boldly, to remind you. I did it because God was kind and gave me this job.

16That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

16My job is to serve Jesus Christ among the Gentiles. I bring them God's good news, like a priest bringing a gift. Then the Gentiles become a gift God is glad to take, made clean and holy by the Holy Spirit.

17I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

17So I am glad about my work for God. It is Jesus Christ who makes it possible.

18For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

18I will only talk about what Christ has done through me. He used my words and my actions to lead Gentiles to obey God.

19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

19He did it with powerful signs and wonders, by the Spirit's power. From Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I told the whole good news about Christ.

NoteIllyricum was a land along the east coast of the Adriatic Sea, north of Greece. Paul names it to show how far his travels had reached.

20Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:

20I have worked hard to preach where no one had heard of Christ. I did not want to build on another person's work.

21But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

21The scriptures say, "People who were never told about him will see. People who never heard will understand."

22For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

22That is why I have often been kept from coming to visit you.

23But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

23But now my work here is done. And for many years I have wanted to come to you.

24Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

24So when I travel to Spain, I will stop and see you. I hope to visit on my way. After I enjoy being with you a while, you can help me go on.

25But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

25But right now I am going to Jerusalem, to help God's people there.

NoteThe old word "saints" here does not mean extra-holy heroes. It simply means the people who belong to God.

26For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

26The believers in Macedonia and Achaia were glad to collect some money. It is for the poor believers in Jerusalem.

27It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

27They were happy to do it, and they owe it too. The Gentiles shared in the good gifts God gave through the Jewish believers. So they should share their money and goods in return.

NoteThe old wording "carnal things" means everyday material things, like money, food, and clothes.

28When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

28When I have finished this and safely handed over the gift, I will visit you on my way to Spain.

29And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

29And I know that when I come to you, I will bring the full blessing of Christ.

30Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

30Brothers and sisters, I ask you this for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, and because the Spirit gives us love. Join the fight with me by praying to God for me.

31That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

31Pray that the people in Judaea who do not believe will not harm me. Pray that God's people in Jerusalem will gladly take the help I bring.

32That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

32Then, if God wants it, I can come to you full of joy. We can rest together.

33Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

33May God, who gives peace, be with you all. Amen.