Now we the powerful ought to bear with the weaknesses of the powerless, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please the neighbour for good towards building up. 3 For also the Christ did not please himself; but as it has been written, ‘The reproaches of those reproaching you fell on me.’ 4 For whatever was written-before for our instruction was written, in order that through steadfastness and through the encouragement of the scriptures we might have the hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement give to you to think the same among each other according to Christ Jesus, 6 that unanimously in one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore receive one another, as also the Christ received you to the glory of God. 8 For I say Christ has become a servant of the circumcision for the sake of the truth of God, in order to confirm the promises of the fathers, 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for the sake of mercy, as it has been written, “Therefore I will praise/confess you among the Gentiles and I will sing-praises to your name.” 10 And again it says, “Be glad, Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise, all the Gentiles, the Lord and let all the peoples praise him.” 12 And again Isaiah says, “There will be the root of Jesse and the one arising to rule the Gentiles, in him the Gentiles shall hope.” 13 And may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, in order for you to abound in the hope and power of the Holy Spirit.
14 I am persuaded, my brothers, and I myself concerning you, that you yourselves are full of goodness, having been filled with all knowledge, able also to instruct one another. 15 But I wrote to you more boldly in part, as reminding you, by the grace given to me by God 16 for me to be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, acting as a priest for the good news of God, in order that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17 I have, therefore, a ground for boasting in Christ Jesus before God. 18 For I will not dare to speak except of what Christ has worked through me for obedience of the nations, by word and deed, 19 by power of signs and wonders, by power of the Spirit [of God]—so that from Jerusalem and all the way round as far as Illyrica I have fulfilled the gospel of the Christ; 20 and thus having made it my aim to preach the gospel not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another’s foundation, 21 but as it has been written: “Those to whom it was not reported concerning him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”
22 For this reason also I being hindered many times to come to you; 23 but now no longer having a place in these regions, and having a great desire for many years to come you, 24 whensoever I may go to Spain; for I hope passing through to see you and to be sent on my way there by you if first I may have my fill of you in some measure. But now I am going to Jerualem serving the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor of the saints which are in Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased and are their debtors; for if the nations shared in their spiritual things, they ought also to minister to them in things of the flesh. 28 Having then completed this and having delivered to them this fruit, I will depart by way of you to Spain. 29 I know that coming to you I will come in fulness of the blessing of Christ.
30 I appeal to you [, brothers,] through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit to struggle together with me in the prayers on my behalf towards God, 31 that I may be delivered from the disobedient in Judea and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that with joy coming to you through the will of God I may find rest with you. 33 The God of peace be with you all, amen.
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