Question 1

What does it mean to bear the infirmities of the weak in this passage?

Accepted Answer

“Bearing the infirmities of the weak” means that believers who are stronger in faith and understanding should patiently carry the struggles, doubts, and scruples of those who are weaker. Instead of demanding their own way or looking down on others, the strong are called to adjust themselves for the good of the weaker person. This includes giving up certain freedoms when they might harm another’s conscience, and using knowledge and strength to build others up. It is a steady, loving support that looks for the other person’s spiritual good, not personal comfort.

Question 2

Why does Paul say that Christ did not please himself?

Accepted Answer

Paul says Christ “pleased not himself” to show that Jesus is the perfect example of self-denial. Jesus did not come to seek comfort, honor, or ease for himself. He accepted shame, insult, and suffering, as pictured in the words, “The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” He carried the weight of people’s hatred of God. By pointing to this, Paul is urging believers to follow the same pattern: lay aside selfish aims and be willing to bear hardship so that others may be helped, built up, and brought closer to God.

Question 3

What is the purpose of the Scriptures according to this passage?

Accepted Answer

The passage says that the things written before were written for our learning, so that through the patience and comfort that the Scriptures give, we might have hope. In other words, the stories, commands, and promises in God’s word are not just history. They teach us how God deals with His people, how others have endured trials, and how God keeps His promises. As we see this, the Scriptures steady our hearts, help us endure, and give real hope. They are meant to shape our attitudes and help us bear with one another.

Question 4

What does it mean to glorify God with one mind and one mouth?

Accepted Answer

To glorify God with “one mind and one mouth” means believers are united in what they believe about God and in how they praise Him. It is not about everyone being the same, but about sharing the same focus on Christ and the same desire to honor God. Their thoughts, wills, and words line up around God’s truth. When a church lives in this kind of harmony, their worship and daily life point clearly to God’s greatness. Paul prays that God, who gives patience and comfort, will create this unity so that their shared praise will honor the Father of the Lord Jesus.

Question 5

How are Jews and Gentiles pictured together in this passage?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, Jews and Gentiles are shown together in God’s plan. Jesus is called a minister of the circumcision to confirm the promises made to the fathers, showing God’s faithfulness to Israel. At the same time, several verses from the Scriptures are quoted where Gentiles are called to rejoice with God’s people and praise the Lord. There is mention of a root of Jesse in whom the Gentiles will trust. All this shows that God intended both Jews and Gentiles to glorify Him together in one family, not as separate groups, but as one people in Christ.

Question 6

What does it mean that Paul is a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles?

Accepted Answer

When Paul calls himself a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, he is saying that God gave him a special task to preach the good news to non-Jewish people. He pictures his work like a priest bringing an offering to God. The “offering” is the Gentile believers themselves, made acceptable because the Holy Spirit has set them apart. Paul speaks about how Christ worked through him, by word, deed, and mighty signs and wonders, so that Gentiles would obey the gospel. His whole calling and travel work are centered on bringing these nations to faith and obedience.

Question 7

Why does Paul talk about not building on another man’s foundation?

Accepted Answer

Paul says he tried to preach where Christ was not yet named, so he would not build on another man’s foundation. This means he aimed to go to places where the message about Jesus had not been preached before. His desire was to plant the gospel where there was no church yet, in line with the Scripture that those who had not been told would see and understand. This does not put down work in established churches, but it explains his own calling and why he had been slow to visit Rome, where there were already believers.

Question 8

Why does Paul describe the Gentile gift to Jerusalem as a debt?

Accepted Answer

Paul says believers in Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to give a contribution for poor believers in Jerusalem and adds that they are their debtors. He explains that Gentiles have shared in the spiritual blessings that came through the Jews, such as the promises and the message about Christ. Because of that, it is fitting that Gentiles help Jewish believers in material needs. He calls this gift “fruit,” showing it as the outcome of their faith and love. It is voluntary, but also a real duty of love, sharing earthly goods with those who shared spiritual riches.

Question 9

Why does Paul ask the Romans to strive together with him in prayer?

Accepted Answer

Paul urges the Romans to strive together with him in prayer because he faces real dangers and needs God’s help. He asks them to pray that he will be delivered from those who do not believe in Judea, that his service in bringing the gift to Jerusalem will be accepted by the saints, and that he may come to them with joy and be refreshed with them, all according to God’s will. This shows that he sees prayer as real work, something believers do together, and that he trusts God to answer through the united prayers of the church.

Question 10

What does this passage teach about God’s character?

Accepted Answer

This passage gives rich names for God: the God of patience and consolation, the God of hope, and the God of peace. It shows that God is the one who gives endurance and comfort, who fills believers with joy and peace as they trust Him, and who causes them to overflow with hope by the Holy Spirit’s power. It also shows God as faithful to His promises to Israel and merciful to Gentiles. His purpose is to gather a united people who glorify Him together. These titles remind us that God cares for His people’s hearts as well as their outward needs.

Romans 15:1

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

Accept One Another

Christ the Servant of Jews and Gentiles

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

Paul’s Travel Plans

Accept One Another

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Romans 15:1

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

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Accept One Another

Christ the Servant of Jews and Gentiles

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

Paul’s Travel Plans

Accept One Another

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