Romans 15:26-29

Romans 15:26-29

For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make some willing contribution into the poor of the holy ones in Jerusalem.  For they were pleased and they were obligated to them.  For if the Gentiles share in the spiritual things of them, they also ought to serve them in the worldly things.  Therefore after accomplishing this and after delivering this fruit to them, I will depart through you all into Spain.  And I have known that while coming to you all I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul elaborates on the place that he finished in his prior thought.  The Macedonians and Achaians – the people of northern and central Greece – were pleased to make their contribution.  They considered it a joy to help others out who were in need.  Keep in mind that this is the ancient world and the majority of people in Greece would not know much at all about life in Jerusalem and have little chance of visiting there.  But they still cared.  They were happy to help out others simply because they were of the faith.

Do you find this kind of joy in giving inspiring?  How can you reflect this same feeling in your life?

Second Thought:

Paul also reminds us that the people of Greece were obligated to help.  This obligation isn’t a legal obligation.  It isn’t like they are making good on a loan.  Rather, they understand that their relationship with God has been carried to them by the Hebrew people.  Whether they knew the Jews or not, it was the faithfulness of Jesus’ disciples and their immediate followers that ultimately carried the faith into Gentile territory.  They didn’t owe a financial debt, but they certainly stood upon the faith of the Hebrew people who came before them.

Upon whose shoulders are you standing in the faith?  Who will you lift up to stand upon your faith?

Third Thought:

Paul believes that he will deliver the monetary collection and then head to Spain.  On his way, Paul will make his long anticipated trip to Rome.  He expects that when he comes that he will come in the fullness of Christ.  In a way, Paul couldn’t be more wrong.  His contribution to the poor and the widows in Jerusalem will be rejected and he will be arrested.  He will come to Rome a prisoner and stand before the emperor to decide his fate.  But on a spiritual level, he is absolutely correct.  On his way to Rome he will bring Christ to every port and ship.  In Rome, he will even reach into the emperor’s personal staff.  He will come with the fullness of Christ.  It will just look differently than how we would expect.

How often do you come with the fullness of Christ?  How often does the fullness of Christ appear differently than you might anticipate?

Passage for Tomorrow: Romans 15:30-33