WE then that are strong, ought to bear the infirmities of those who are
feeble, and not to gratify ourselves. (2)Let every one of us gratify
his neighbour in that which is good for his edification. (3)For even
Christ gratified not himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of
them that reproached thee are fallen upon me[81]." (4)For whatsoever
things were written aforetime, were written for our instruction; that
by patience and the consolation of the Scriptures we might have hope.
(5)Now the God of patience and consolation give you to be like-minded
among each other, according to Christ Jesus: (6)that in one mind, with
one mouth, ye may glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ. (7)Therefore help one another, as Christ also hath helped us,
for the glory of God.
(8)Now I say that Jesus Christ was the minister of circumcision for the
truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: (9)and
that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is
written[82], "For this cause will I confess unto thee among the
Gentiles, and sing unto thy name." (10)And again he saith[83],
"Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people." (11)And again[84], "Praise the
Lord, all ye nations, and laud him, all ye people." (12)And again
Isaiah saith, "There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that ariseth to
reign over the Gentiles, in him shall the Gentiles trust[85]." (13)Now
the God of hope fill you with all joy, and peace in believing, that ye
may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Ghost.
(14)And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye
yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to
admonish one another. (15)But I have written to you, my brethren, in
part, with greater freedom, as refreshing your memory through the grace
which is given to me of God; (16)that I should be the minister of Jesus
Christ unto the Gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God; that the
oblation of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy
Ghost.
(17)I have therefore cause to glory in Christ Jesus with regard to the
things of God. (18)For I will not dare to say any thing of those things
which Christ hath not wrought by my ministry, to engage the obedience
of the Gentiles, by word and deed, (19)by the power of signs and
miracles, by the might of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem,
and in a circle quite round unto Illyricum, I have fully spread the
gospel of Christ. (20)But I have in such manner endeavoured to preach
the gospel, not where Christ's name had been heard, lest I should build
upon another man's foundation: (21)but as it is written[86], "To whom
the tidings concerning him have not reached, they shall see, and they
who have not heard, shall understand." (22)Wherefore also I have found
many things to hinder me from coming to you; (23)but now having no
longer cause to detain me in these regions, and having an earnest
desire to come unto you for many years past, (24)whenever I proceed on
my journey into Spain, I will come unto you: for I hope on my journey
to see you, and by you to be forwarded thither, after I shall have
first, in a measure, fully enjoyed your society. (25)But I am now going
to Jerusalem, to carry alms to the saints. (26)For Macedonia and Achaia
have been pleased to make a certain contribution for the poor of the
saints that are at Jerusalem. (27)They have been so pleased indeed, and
their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been admitted to a
participation in their spiritual things, they ought also to minister to
them in carnal things. (28)When therefore I have completed this work,
and sealed unto them this fruit, I will pass by you into Spain. (29)But
I know that, when I come to you, I shall come with the fulness of the
blessing of the gospel of Christ. (30)Now I exhort you, brethren, by
our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you wrestle
earnestly with me in prayers for me unto God; (31)that I may be
delivered from those who do not believe in Judea; and that my service
which regards Jerusalem may be kindly accepted by the saints; (32)that
I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed
together with you.
(33)Now the God of peace be with you all! Amen.