Abound in Hope

"Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves." "Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, to be building him up." Even Christ did not please himself; as it is written, the reproaches of those who reproached God fell on him. "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

Paul prays that the God of perseverance and of encouragement will grant them to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, that with one accord and one mouth they may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. "Therefore accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God." Christ was made a servant to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy, as the Scriptures say.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope in the power of the Holy Spirit." Paul is persuaded that they are full of goodness and able to admonish one another. He writes boldly as a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, so that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Paul makes it his aim to preach the Good News where Christ was not already named, so that he might not build on another's foundation.

Paul says he has been hindered many times from coming to them. Now he plans that whenever he travels to Spain, he will come to them. First he goes to Jerusalem, serving the saints, for Macedonia and Achaia have made a contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. He begs them by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit to strive together with him in prayer, that he may be delivered and that his service may be acceptable. "Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen."