Romans 15:31
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
Romans 15:31
Paul asks for deliverance from those who do not believe in Judea, and for his service to Jerusalem to be acceptable to the saints. “Them that believe not in Judaea” likely refers to opponents among Jewish unbelievers or hostile factions in Judea who hinder Paul’s mission or endanger his safety. He is balancing two concerns: personal safety during travel and the acceptance of his ministry by the Jerusalem church. The phrase “my service which I have for Jerusalem” refers to a collection he’s gathered from Gentile churches to support Jerusalem’s impoverished believers—a notable expression of unity between Jewish and Gentile believers. In this era, Jerusalem represented the Jerusalem church and the mother church; sending funds and support was a tangible expression of unity across ethnic and geographic lines. The request acknowledges potential friction: Paul’s Gentile mission against some Jewish opponents, and the risk that Jerusalem believers would scrutinize or reject his project. He seeks prayerful protection and the credibility of his Gentile mission before the saints there.
The verse highlights themes of interchurch solidarity, mutual care, and cross-cultural reconciliation within the body of Christ. It emphasizes that gospel ministry is not about geographic or tribal boundaries but about a unified collection of resources and prayers. Deliverance from unbelievers underscores the real dangers of mission, including political and religious opposition. The acceptance of his service by the saints in Jerusalem affirms legitimacy and trust in Paul’s apostolic authority, despite controversy. The verse also illustrates the early church’s model of supporting financial and logistical needs across churches, a precursor to the modern practice of global mission partnerships. It challenges readers to pursue unity across differences, prioritizing the gospel’s integrity over factionalism.
- Practice cross-church generosity: participate in or organize relief offerings for believers in need beyond your local community.
- Seek integrity and trust in leadership: support mission projects even when they cross familiar boundaries, giving peers in different contexts the benefit of the doubt.
- Pray for reception of gospel work: ask God to grant openness and credibility to ministries among skeptical audiences.
- Build interchurch networks: cultivate relationships with believers from diverse backgrounds to strengthen shared mission.
- Be aware of spiritual opposition: pray for protection and discernment when ministry faces resistance or criticism.
Cross-References: 2 Corinthians 8-9; Romans 15:26-27; Galatians 2:9-10; Acts 20:28-32; 1 Timothy 3:13