v1-2: Paul concludes his teaching from chapter 14. The strong man's faith "allows him to eat anything," see 14.2. But we must all show concern for others, seeking to edify, and not to please ourselves.

v3: Christ is our example, putting the needs of others before His own.

v4: Commitment to learn from scripture, which was given for our benefit and learning. We strengthen our hope through the knowledge of the truth. But also, Paul has every confidence in the scriptures as the Word of God; they are both accurate and effective.

v5-6: True unity; given by the God of endurance and encouragement. He recognises that our unity takes time. But true unity implies sharing the same vision and purpose, that we might glorify God together. This follows from the teaching about treating others with love and respect.

v7: We forgive as we have been forgiven, Eph 4.32; we receive just as we have been received, 14.1. In this way we bring glory to God, for we are doing what He does.

v8-12: Christ the fulfilment of the scriptures, especially in relation to blessings upon the Gentiles. He became a "servant to the Jews (the circumcision)," that Gentiles might also share in the blessings of God, v9. Paul also answers Jewish exclusivism. Gentiles enter into the blessings of God, as developed in Eph 3, where Paul speaks of the mystery of the church. The intention is that the Gentiles might glorify God (Eph 3.10-11); this is the ultimate purpose of our lives.

Later, Paul visited Rome, Acts 28.17-29, he met with Jews there. But there was dispute over the gospel of Christ.

v13: For all, both Jew and Gentile, the blessings of God come through faith in Jesus Christ. We are therefore filled with joy and peace, we abound in hope; here is the abundance of God's blessings in our lives. There is no lesser blessing for Gentiles.

v14 – 16.16: ; Christian progress;

• in character (v14-17),
• in conversions (v18-21),
• in ordered lives (v23-33);
• in quality of fellowship (16.1-16).

v14: Full of goodness, in concern for others; filled with all knowledge, having spiritual discernment; and therefore able to admonish others, which is part of loving others.

v15: Paul is bold, daring, teaching to refresh the mind, to stir up the memory, as in 2 Pet 3.1. This is by the grace of God, Paul's gift and commission from God.

v16: The priestly ministry, teaching the people, making them sanctified, acceptable to God. In all things, Paul's desire is to be faithful to God.

v17: Paul delights in his ministry; 1 Cor 1.31; Gal 6.14, and he is encouraged to go on in his service. In contrast the world considered him mad, 2 Cor 5.13.

v18: To make the Gentiles obedient, through the gospel, bringing submission to Christ.

v19: "Fully preached;" Paul was faithful in declaring the message in its entirety. Note that signs and wonders were expected also.

Paul depended on the Spirit's power, as in 1 Cor 2.4-5. This relates to the actual proclamation of the word, as human weakness and restrictions are overcome, and sinners won to Christ, and churches established.

v20-21: Paul's motivation and drive; to preach Christ where He has not been named. He is fired also by the scripture promise that those previously ignorant and unbelieving would see and understand, through faith in Christ.

v22: Paul has therefore been travelling from place to place, necessarily delaying his visit to Rome. One can appreciate the various demands on him. He sought to plan his journeys, but always being subject to the will of God.

Paul's planning leaves room for spontaneity; where we fail to plan, we leave no such room.

v23-24: Paul has proclaimed the gospel in the eastern part of the Roman empire; everyone has heard, there is "no more place" for him to work. Where he didn't go, Phyrgia, Galatia, Bithynia (Acts 16.6-7), others went, see 1 Pet 1.1. His intention has long been to travel west, to Rome, through France, and eventually to Spain.

Visiting Rome, as in 1.12, Paul expects; "to see you ... to visit you ... to have you assist me ..." and to enjoy their company. This should be our experience in the church.

v25-26: See 2 Cor 8; Paul is going to Jerusalem, taking a gift from Macedonia and Achaia to the saints there. He is going to serve others, and be involved in others serving others.

v27: Gentiles are obliged to return kindness to the Jews. Giving in "material blessings" is part of our service, just as sharing in "spiritual blessings."

v28: Paul's visit to Jerusalem, fulfilling the Gentiles' obligation to the Jews. He expected then to be able to travel to Rome. We know that he was arrested and imprisoned, and did travel to Rome, although as a prisoner.

v29: His visit is to multiply the blessings of Christ.

v30: Paul requests prayer from Christians he has never met; here is his respect for them.

v31: Paul knows that his visit to Jerusalem will bring conflict; there are unbelievers in Judea, the problem of Christians striving to keep the law, as detailed in Acts and Galatians. Paul's fear is that his service will not be accepted.

v32: His request is that through these events, he may be filled with joy and refreshed in God. Here is a leader with many burdens, but with a joyful frame of mind.

v33: As in v5, 13, a spontaneous prayer.