Romans 15:1-13 - Accept One Another According To Christ's Example

¹ Now those of us who are strong [spiritually] should put up with [or, help] the failings of [spiritually] weak people, and not [simply] do what pleases ourselves. ² [Instead], each of us should do what pleases his neighbor in order to accomplish something good and uplifting [in his life]. ³ For even Christ did not please [just] Himself, but as it is written [Psa. 69:9], "The insults of those people who insulted you [i.e., God] fell on me [i.e., Christ]." ⁴ For whatever things were written previously [i.e., in the Old Testament], were intended for us to learn from, so that we could have hope [i.e., in the face of difficult times] through remaining steadfast, and through the encouragement [received] from reading the Scriptures. ⁵ May God [who is the source] of steadfastness and encouragement, give you [a sense of] like-mindedness among yourselves, in harmony with [the example of] Christ Jesus, ⁶ so that in [genuine] unity and with one voice, you people may honor the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁷ So, welcome one another, just as Christ has welcomed you [or, "us"], as a way of honoring God. ⁸ For I tell you that Christ was [appointed] to be a servant of the circumcised ones [i.e., the Jews], in order to uphold the truth of God. This was so He could confirm [as valid] the promises made to our forefathers, ⁹ and so that the Gentiles [also] may honor God for His mercy, as it is written [Psa. 18:49], "Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentiles and sing to your name." [Note: Paul here accommodates the words of King David by applying them to Jews participating with Gentiles in praising God as part of the one body].

¹⁰ And again it says [Deut. 32:43], "Rejoice with His people [i.e., the Jews], you Gentiles." ¹¹ And again [Psa. 117:1], "Praise the Lord, all of you Gentiles, and let all the nations praise Him."

¹² And again, Isaiah says [11:10], "A root [i.e., a descendant] from Jesse will appear [i.e., Christ], and He will rise up to rule over the nations, and the Gentiles will place their hope in Him."

¹³ May God, [the source] of hope, fill you with complete joy and peace as you believe [in Christ], so that you may have an abundance of hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.