The Big Read – Daily Read
Romans 15:14-33
v14-16: Observing and commending in Christians what is praiseworthy was something Paul was eager to do, and so must we be. One of the benefits of this is that it “stirs others to holy imitation.”
v17-21: Paul’s ministry of proclaiming the gospel had been effective and had brought people to obedience. But the fruit of his ministry was not because he was a great preacher, though undoubtedly he was, but because of the power of Christ and the effective working of the Spirit. Even Paul, with all his powerful signs and wonders, could not make a single person obedient to the gospel unless his labours were accompanied by the Spirit of God. It is the “Spirit’s activity that makes the difference.”
v22-29: It is expected that all Christian, as they are able, should support gospel work, especially that which seeks the conversion of souls.
v30-33: Paul was far away from the church in Rome, yet they could still join together in prayer. “Those who are far away according to God’s providence may still meet together at the throne of his grace.”
Quotes from Matthew Henry’s Commentary.
(Photo: Brad Neathery)