The following is the thirty-sixth week’s lesson. At this point Paul begins to bring his letter to a close. Paul had not met the Roman Christians. He wants to explain why he wrote this letter. Paul looked forward to his trip to Rome.
Romans 15:14-33
14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient—19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, 21 but as it is written:
“To whom He was not announced, they shall see;
And those who have not heard shall understand.â€
22Â For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23Â But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24Â whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. 25Â But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26Â For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27Â It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28Â Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29Â But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30Â Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31Â that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32Â that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33Â Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (NKJV)