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Romans 9-16
New American Standard Bible

Deep Concern for Israel

9 (A)I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying; my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. 3 For (B)I could [a]wish that I myself were (C)accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my countrymen, my kinsmen (D)according to the flesh, 4 who are (E)Israelites, to whom belongs (F)the adoption as sons and daughters, (G)the glory, (H)the covenants, (I)the giving of the Law, (J)the temple service, and (K)the promises; 5 whose are (L)the fathers, and (M)from whom is the [b]Christ according to the flesh, (N)who is over all, (O)God (P)blessed [c]forever. Amen.

6 But it is not as though (Q)the word of God has failed. (R)For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; 7 nor are they all children (S)because they are Abraham’s [d](T)descendants, but: “[e](U)through Isaac your [f]descendants shall be named.” 8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh [g]who are (V)children of God, but the (W)children of the promise are regarded as [h](X)descendants. 9 For this is the word of promise: “(Y)At this time I will come, and Sarah will have a son.” 10 (Z)And not only that, but there was also (AA)Rebekah, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; 11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that (AB)God’s purpose according to His choice would [i]stand, not [j]because of works but [k]because of Him who calls, 12 it was said to her, “(AC)The older will serve the younger.” 13 Just as it is written: “(AD)Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”

14 (AE)What shall we say then? (AF)There is no injustice with God, is there? [l](AG)Far from it! 15 For He says to Moses, “(AH)I will have mercy on whomever I have mercy, and I will show compassion to whomever I show compassion.” 16 So then, it does not depend on the person who [m]wants it nor the one who [n](AI)runs, but on (AJ)God who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “(AK)For this very reason I raised you up, in order to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed [o]throughout the earth.” 18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He (AL)hardens whom He desires.

19 (AM)You will say to me then, “(AN)Why does He still find fault? For (AO)who has resisted His will?” 20 On the contrary, who are you, [p](AP)you foolish person, who (AQ)answers back to God? (AR)The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? 21 Or does the potter not have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one object [q]for honorable use, and another [r]for common use? 22 [s]What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with great (AS)patience objects of wrath (AT)prepared for destruction? 23 And He did so to make known (AU)the riches of His glory upon (AV)objects of mercy, which He (AW)prepared beforehand for glory, 24 namely us, whom He also (AX)called, (AY)not only from among Jews, but also from among Gentiles, 25 as He also says in Hosea:

“(AZ)I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people,’
And her who was not beloved, ‘beloved.’”
26 “(BA)And it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘you are not My people,’
There they shall be called sons of (BB)the living God.”

27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “(BC)Though the number of the sons of Israel may be (BD)like the sand of the sea, only (BE)the remnant will be saved; 28 (BF)for the Lord will execute His word on the earth, [t]thoroughly and [u]quickly.” 29 And just as Isaiah foretold:

“(BG)If (BH)the Lord [v]of armies had not left us [w](BI)descendants,
(BJ)We would have become like Sodom, and would have [x]been like Gomorrah.”

30 (BK)What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, but (BL)the righteousness that is [y]by faith; 31 however, Israel, (BM)pursuing a law of righteousness, did not (BN)arrive at that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it [z]by faith, but as though they could [aa]by works. They stumbled over (BO)the stumbling stone, 33 just as it is written:

“(BP)Behold, I am laying in Zion (BQ)a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense,
(BR)And the one who believes in Him (BS)will not be [ab]put to shame.”

The Word of Faith Brings Salvation

10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. 2 For I testify about them that they have (BT)a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. 3 For not knowing about (BU)God’s righteousness and (BV)seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4 For (BW)Christ is the [ac]end of the Law for righteousness to (BX)everyone who believes.

5 For Moses writes of the righteousness that is [ad]based on the Law, that the person who performs [ae]them (BY)will live by [af]them. 6 But (BZ)the righteousness [ag]based on faith speaks as follows: “(CA)Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will go up into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), 7 or ‘Who will descend into the (CB)abyss?’ (that is, to (CC)bring Christ up from the dead).” 8 But what does it say? “(CD)The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 [ah]that (CE)if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and (CF)believe in your heart that (CG)God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, [ai]resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, [aj]resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “(CH)Whoever believes in Him will not be [ak]put to shame.” 12 For (CI)there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is (CJ)Lord of (CK)all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “(CL)Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

14 How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him (CM)whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without (CN)a preacher? 15 But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: “(CO)How beautiful are the feet of those who [al](CP)bring good news of good things!”

16 However, they (CQ)did not all heed the [am]good news; for Isaiah says, “(CR)Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith comes from (CS)hearing, and hearing by (CT)the word [an]of Christ.

18 But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? On the contrary:

“(CU)Their voice has gone out into all the earth,
And their words to the ends of the [ao]world.”

19 But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says,

“(CV)I will (CW)make you jealous with those who are not a nation,
With a foolish nation I will anger you.”

20 And Isaiah is very bold and says,

“(CX)I was found by those who did not seek Me,
I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me.”

21 But as for Israel, He says, “(CY)I have spread out My hands all day long to a disobedient and obstinate people.”

Israel Has Not Been Rejected

11 I say then, God has not (CZ)rejected His people, has He? [ap](DA)Far from it! For (DB)I too am an Israelite, [aq]a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God (DC)has not rejected His people whom He (DD)foreknew. (DE)Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? 3 “Lord, (DF)they have killed Your prophets, they have torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.” 4 But what [ar]is the divine response to him? “(DG)I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time (DH)a remnant according to God’s [as]gracious choice. 6 But (DI)if it is by grace, it is no longer [at]on the basis of works, since otherwise grace is no longer grace.

7 What then? What (DJ)Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but [au]those who were chosen obtained it, and the rest were (DK)hardened; 8 just as it is written:

“(DL)God gave them a spirit of stupor,
Eyes to see not and ears to hear not,
Down to this very day.”

9 And David says,

“(DM)May their table become a snare and a trap,
And a stumbling block and a retribution to them.
10 (DN)May their eyes be darkened to see not,
And bend their backs continually.”

11 (DO)I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? [av](DP)Far from it! But by their wrongdoing (DQ)salvation has come to the Gentiles, to (DR)make them jealous. 12 Now if their wrongdoing proves to be riches for the world, and their failure, riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their [aw](DS)fulfillment be! 13 But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Therefore insofar as (DT)I am an apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14 if somehow I may (DU)move (DV)my [ax]own people to jealousy and (DW)save some of them. 15 For if their rejection proves to be the (DX)reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but (DY)life from the dead? 16 If the (DZ)first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are as well.

17 But if some of the (EA)branches were broken off, and (EB)you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the [ay]rich root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that (EC)it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. 19 (ED)You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you (EE)stand by your faith. (EF)Do not be conceited, but fear; 21 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. 22 See then the kindness and severity of God: to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s (EG)kindness, (EH)if you continue in His kindness; for otherwise you too (EI)will be cut off. 23 And they also, (EJ)if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?

25 For (EK)I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be uninformed of this (EL)mystery—so that you will not be (EM)wise in your own estimation—that a partial (EN)hardening has happened to Israel until the (EO)fullness of the Gentiles has come in; 26 and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written:

“(EP)The Deliverer will come from Zion,
He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.”
27 “(EQ)This is [az]My covenant with them,
(ER)When I take away their sins.”

28 In relation to the gospel they are (ES)enemies on your account, but in relation to God’s choice they are beloved (ET)on account of the fathers; 29 for the gifts and the (EU)calling of God (EV)are irrevocable. 30 For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. 32 For (EW)God has shut up all in disobedience, so that He may show mercy to all.

33 Oh, the depth of (EX)the riches, [ba]both of the (EY)wisdom and knowledge of God! (EZ)How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! 34 For (FA)who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? 35 Or (FB)who has first given to Him, [bb]that it would be paid back to him? 36 For (FC)from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. (FD)To Him be the glory [bc]forever. Amen.

Dedicated Service

12 Therefore (FE)I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to (FF)present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, [bd]acceptable to God, which is your [be]spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not (FG)be conformed to (FH)this [bf]world, but be transformed by the (FI)renewing of your mind, so that you may [bg](FJ)prove what the will of God is, that which is good and [bh]acceptable and perfect.

3 For through (FK)the grace given to me I say to everyone among you (FL)not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to (FM)each a measure of faith. 4 For (FN)just as we have many parts in one body and all [bi]the body’s parts do not have the same function, 5 so we, (FO)who are many, are (FP)one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another. 6 However, since we have gifts that (FQ)differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if (FR)prophecy, [bj]in proportion to one’s faith; 7 if [bk](FS)service, in the act of serving; or the one who (FT)teaches, in the act of teaching; 8 or the one who [bl](FU)exhorts, in the work of [bm]exhortation; the one who gives, with [bn](FV)generosity; (FW)the one who [bo]is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with (FX)cheerfulness.

9 [bp](FY)Love must be free of hypocrisy. (FZ)Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be (GA)devoted to one another in brotherly love; [bq]give preference to one another (GB)in honor, 11 not lagging behind in diligence, (GC)fervent in spirit, (GD)serving the Lord; 12 (GE)rejoicing in hope, (GF)persevering in tribulation, (GG)devoted to prayer, 13 (GH)contributing to the needs of the [br]saints, [bs](GI)practicing hospitality.

14 (GJ)Bless those who persecute [bt]you; bless and do not curse. 15 (GK)Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 (GL)Be of the same mind toward one another; (GM)do not be [bu]haughty in mind, but [bv]associate with the lowly. (GN)Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 (GO)Never repay evil for evil to anyone. [bw](GP)Respect what is right in the sight of all people. 18 If possible, (GQ)so far as it depends on you, (GR)be at peace with all people. 19 (GS)Never take your own revenge, beloved, but [bx]leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “(GT)Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “(GU)But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Be Subject to Government

13 Every [by](GV)person is to be (GW)subject to the governing authorities. For (GX)there is no authority except [bz]from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore [ca]whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For (GY)rulers are not a cause of fear for [cb]good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an (GZ)avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also (HA)for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 (HB)Pay to all what is due them: (HC)tax to whom tax is due; (HD)custom to whom custom; [cc]respect to whom [cd]respect; honor to whom honor.

8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for (HE)the one who loves [ce]his neighbor has fulfilled the Law. 9 For this, “(HF)You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “(HG)You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love [cf]does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore (HH)love is the fulfillment of the Law.

11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is (HI)already the hour for you to (HJ)awaken from sleep; for now [cg]salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed. 12 (HK)The night is almost gone, and (HL)the day is near. Therefore let’s rid ourselves of (HM)the deeds of darkness and put on (HN)the armor of light. 13 Let’s [ch](HO)behave properly as in the day, (HP)not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But (HQ)put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh (HR)in regard to its lusts.

Principles of Conscience

14 Now (HS)accept the one who is (HT)weak [ci]in faith, but not [cj]to have quarrels over opinions. 2 (HU)One person has faith that he may eat all things, but the one who is (HV)weak eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats is not to (HW)regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to (HX)judge the one who eats, for God has (HY)accepted him. 4 (HZ)Who are you to judge the [ck]servant of another? To his own [cl]master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

5 (IA)One person [cm]values one day over another, another [cn]values every day the same. Each person must be (IB)fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and the one who eats, [co]does so with regard to the Lord, for he (IC)gives thanks to God; and the one who does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat, and he gives thanks to God. 7 For not one of us (ID)lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore (IE)whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end (IF)Christ died and lived again, that He might be (IG)Lord both of the dead and of the living.

10 But as for you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you as well, why do you (IH)regard your brother or sister with contempt? For (II)we will all appear before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written:

“(IJ)As I live, says the Lord, (IK)to Me every knee will bow,
And every tongue will [cp]give praise to God.”

12 So then (IL)each one of us will give an account of himself to God.

13 Therefore let’s not (IM)judge one another anymore, but rather [cq]determine this: (IN)not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s or sister’s way. 14 I know and am convinced [cr]in the Lord Jesus that (IO)nothing is [cs]unclean in itself; but to the one who (IP)thinks something is [ct]unclean, to that person it is [cu]unclean. 15 For if because of food your brother or sister is hurt, you are no longer (IQ)walking in accordance with love. (IR)Do not destroy with your choice of food that person for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore (IS)do not let what is for you a good thing be [cv]spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God (IT)is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and (IU)peace and (IV)joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For the one who (IW)serves Christ in this way is (IX)acceptable to God and approved by other people. 19 So then we (IY)pursue the things [cw]which make for peace and the (IZ)building up of one another. 20 (JA)Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. (JB)All things indeed are clean, but (JC)they are evil for the person who eats [cx]and causes offense. 21 (JD)It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother or sister stumbles. 22 The faith which you have, have [cy]as your own conviction before God. Happy is the one who (JE)does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But (JF)the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.

Self-denial in behalf of Others

15 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of (JG)those without strength, and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to (JH)please his neighbor [cz]for his good, to his (JI)edification. 3 For even (JJ)Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “(JK)The taunts of those who taunt You have fallen on Me.” 4 For (JL)whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 Now may the (JM)God [da]who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you (JN)to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one purpose and one [db]voice you may glorify (JO)the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Therefore, [dc](JP)accept one another, just as Christ also accepted [dd]us, for the glory of God. 8 For I say that Christ has become a servant to (JQ)the circumcision in behalf of the truth of God, to confirm (JR)the promises given to the fathers, 9 and for (JS)the Gentiles to (JT)glorify God for His mercy; as it is written:

“(JU)Therefore I will [de]give praise to You among the Gentiles,
And I will sing praises to Your name.”

10 Again he says,

“(JV)Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people.”

11 And again,

“(JW)Praise the Lord all you Gentiles,
And let all the peoples praise Him.”

12 Again Isaiah says,

“(JX)There shall come (JY)the root of Jesse,
And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles,
(JZ)In Him will the Gentiles hope.”

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all (KA)joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope (KB)by the power of the Holy Spirit.

14 And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of (KC)goodness, filled with (KD)all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. 15 But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of (KE)the grace that was given to me [df]from God, 16 to be (KF)a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the (KG)gospel of God, so that my (KH)offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found (KI)reason for boasting in (KJ)things pertaining to God. 18 (KK)For I will not presume to speak of anything [dg]except what (KL)Christ has accomplished through me, [dh]resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 19 in the power of [di](KM)signs and wonders, (KN)in the power of the Spirit; so that (KO)from Jerusalem and all around as (KP)far as Illyricum I have [dj]fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And in this way I aspired to (KQ)preach the gospel, not where Christ was already known by name, (KR)so that I would not build on another person’s foundation; 21 but just as it is written:

“(KS)They who have not been told about Him will see,
And they who have not heard will understand.”

22 For this reason (KT)I have often been prevented from coming to you; 23 but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I (KU)have had for many years a longing to come to you 24 whenever I (KV)go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be (KW)helped on my way there by you, when I have first (KX)enjoyed your company [dk]for a while— 25 but now, (KY)I am going to Jerusalem, (KZ)serving the [dl]saints. 26 For (LA)Macedonia and (LB)Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the [dm]saints in Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For (LC)if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to do them a service also in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have finished this, and (LD)have [dn]put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will (LE)go on by way of you to Spain. 29 I know that when (LF)I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

30 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by (LG)the love of the Spirit, to (LH)strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be (LI)rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my (LJ)service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the [do](LK)saints; 32 so that (LL)I may come to you in joy by (LM)the will of God and relax in your company. 33 Now (LN)the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Greetings and Love Expressed

16 I (LO)recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a [dp]servant of the church which is at (LP)Cenchrea, 2 that you (LQ)receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the [dq](LR)saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, [dr]and of myself as well.

3 Greet (LS)Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers (LT)in (LU)Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 5 also greet (LV)the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the (LW)first convert to Christ from [ds](LX)Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and [dt]Junia, my (LY)kinsfolk and my (LZ)fellow prisoners, who are outstanding in the view of the apostles, who also [du]were (MA)in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker (MB)in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, the approved (MC)in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my (MD)kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet (ME)Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all (MF)the [dv]saints who are with them. 16 (MG)Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

17 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and [dw]hindrances (MH)contrary to the teaching which you learned, and (MI)turn away from them. 18 For such people are (MJ)slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of (MK)their own [dx]appetites; and by their (ML)smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 19 For the report of your obedience (MM)has reached everyone; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but (MN)I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil. 20 (MO)The God of peace will soon crush (MP)Satan under your feet.

(MQ)The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

21 (MR)Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, and so do (MS)Lucius, (MT)Jason, and (MU)Sosipater, my (MV)kinsmen.

22 I, Tertius, who have (MW)written this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23 (MX)Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. (MY)Erastus, the city treasurer, greets you, and Quartus, the brother.[dy]

25 (MZ)Now to Him who is able to establish you (NA)according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of (NB)the mystery which has been kept secret for (NC)long ages past, 26 but now has been disclosed, and through (ND)the Scriptures of the prophets, in accordance with the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to (NE)obedience of faith; 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, (NF)be the glory forever. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Romans 9:3 Lit pray
  2. Romans 9:5 I.e., Messiah
  3. Romans 9:5 Lit unto the ages
  4. Romans 9:7 Lit seed
  5. Romans 9:7 Lit in
  6. Romans 9:7 Lit seed
  7. Romans 9:8 Lit these
  8. Romans 9:8 Lit seed
  9. Romans 9:11 Lit remain
  10. Romans 9:11 Lit from
  11. Romans 9:11 Lit from
  12. Romans 9:14 Lit May it never happen!
  13. Romans 9:16 Or wills nor
  14. Romans 9:16 I.e., to win mercy or favor
  15. Romans 9:17 Lit in all
  16. Romans 9:20 Lit O
  17. Romans 9:21 Lit for honor
  18. Romans 9:21 Lit for dishonor
  19. Romans 9:22 Lit But
  20. Romans 9:28 Lit finishing it
  21. Romans 9:28 Lit cutting it short
  22. Romans 9:29 Gr sabaoth, for Heb tsebaoth (armies)
  23. Romans 9:29 Lit seed
  24. Romans 9:29 Lit been made like
  25. Romans 9:30 Lit out of
  26. Romans 9:32 Lit out of
  27. Romans 9:32 Lit out of
  28. Romans 9:33 Or disappointed
  29. Romans 10:4 Or goal
  30. Romans 10:5 Lit out of, from
  31. Romans 10:5 I.e., the statutes of the Law
  32. Romans 10:5 I.e., the statutes of the Law
  33. Romans 10:6 Lit out of, from
  34. Romans 10:9 Or because
  35. Romans 10:10 Lit to righteousness
  36. Romans 10:10 Lit to salvation
  37. Romans 10:11 Or disappointed
  38. Romans 10:15 Or preach the gospel
  39. Romans 10:16 Or gospel
  40. Romans 10:17 Or concerning Christ
  41. Romans 10:18 Or inhabited earth
  42. Romans 11:1 Lit May it never happen!
  43. Romans 11:1 Lit of the seed of Abraham
  44. Romans 11:4 Lit says
  45. Romans 11:5 Lit choice of grace
  46. Romans 11:6 Lit out of
  47. Romans 11:7 Lit the election
  48. Romans 11:11 Lit May it never happen!
  49. Romans 11:12 Or fullness
  50. Romans 11:14 Lit flesh
  51. Romans 11:17 Lit root of the fatness
  52. Romans 11:27 Lit the covenant from Me
  53. Romans 11:33 Or and the wisdom
  54. Romans 11:35 Lit and it will be paid back
  55. Romans 11:36 Lit to the ages
  56. Romans 12:1 Or pleasing
  57. Romans 12:1 I.e., in contrast to offering a literal sacrifice
  58. Romans 12:2 Or age
  59. Romans 12:2 Or discover
  60. Romans 12:2 Or pleasing
  61. Romans 12:4 Lit the parts
  62. Romans 12:6 Or in agreement with the faith
  63. Romans 12:7 Or office of service
  64. Romans 12:8 Or encourages
  65. Romans 12:8 Or encouragement
  66. Romans 12:8 Or sincere concern
  67. Romans 12:8 Or provides care
  68. Romans 12:9 Or Love has no
  69. Romans 12:10 Or outdo one another in showing honor
  70. Romans 12:13 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  71. Romans 12:13 Lit pursuing
  72. Romans 12:14 Two early mss do not contain you
  73. Romans 12:16 Or arrogant
  74. Romans 12:16 Or accommodate yourself to lowly things
  75. Romans 12:17 Lit Take thought for
  76. Romans 12:19 Lit give a place
  77. Romans 13:1 Or soul
  78. Romans 13:1 Lit by
  79. Romans 13:2 Lit the one who
  80. Romans 13:3 Lit good work
  81. Romans 13:7 I.e., for authority; lit fear
  82. Romans 13:7 I.e., for authority; lit fear
  83. Romans 13:8 Lit the other
  84. Romans 13:10 Lit works no evil
  85. Romans 13:11 Or our salvation is nearer than when
  86. Romans 13:13 Lit walk
  87. Romans 14:1 Or in the faith
  88. Romans 14:1 Lit for quarrels
  89. Romans 14:4 Or house servant
  90. Romans 14:4 Lit lord
  91. Romans 14:5 Lit judges
  92. Romans 14:5 Lit judges
  93. Romans 14:6 Lit eats
  94. Romans 14:11 Or confess
  95. Romans 14:13 Lit judge
  96. Romans 14:14 Lit through
  97. Romans 14:14 I.e., ceremonially unclean; lit common
  98. Romans 14:14 I.e., ceremonially unclean; lit common
  99. Romans 14:14 I.e., ceremonially unclean; lit common
  100. Romans 14:16 Lit blasphemed
  101. Romans 14:19 Lit of peace and the things of the building up
  102. Romans 14:20 Lit by offense
  103. Romans 14:22 Lit according to yourself
  104. Romans 15:2 Lit for what is good to edification
  105. Romans 15:5 Lit of perseverance
  106. Romans 15:6 Lit mouth
  107. Romans 15:7 I.e., accept into fellowship
  108. Romans 15:7 One early ms you
  109. Romans 15:9 Or confess
  110. Romans 15:15 One early ms by God
  111. Romans 15:18 Lit which Christ has not accomplished
  112. Romans 15:18 Lit to the obedience
  113. Romans 15:19 Or confirming miracles
  114. Romans 15:19 Lit fulfilled
  115. Romans 15:24 Lit in part
  116. Romans 15:25 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  117. Romans 15:26 See note v 25
  118. Romans 15:28 Lit sealed to them this fruit
  119. Romans 15:31 See note v 25
  120. Romans 16:1 Or deaconess
  121. Romans 16:2 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  122. Romans 16:2 Lit and of me, myself
  123. Romans 16:5 I.e., west coast province of Asia Minor
  124. Romans 16:7 Or possibly Junias (masc)
  125. Romans 16:7 Lit have become
  126. Romans 16:15 See note 1 v 2
  127. Romans 16:17 Lit occasions of stumbling
  128. Romans 16:18 Lit belly
  129. Romans 16:23 Late mss add as v 24: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
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Romans 9-16
New International Version

Paul’s Anguish Over Israel

9 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying,(A) my conscience confirms(B) it through the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself(C) were cursed(D) and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people,(E) those of my own race,(F) 4 the people of Israel.(G) Theirs is the adoption to sonship;(H) theirs the divine glory,(I) the covenants,(J) the receiving of the law,(K) the temple worship(L) and the promises.(M) 5 Theirs are the patriarchs,(N) and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah,(O) who is God over all,(P) forever praised![a](Q) Amen.

God’s Sovereign Choice

6 It is not as though God’s word(R) had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.(S) 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”[b](T) 8 In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children,(U) but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.(V) 9 For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”[c](W)

10 Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac.(X) 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad(Y)—in order that God’s purpose(Z) in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”[d](AA) 13 Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”[e](AB)

14 What then shall we say?(AC) Is God unjust? Not at all!(AD) 15 For he says to Moses,

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
    and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”[f](AE)

16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.(AF) 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”[g](AG) 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.(AH)

19 One of you will say to me:(AI) “Then why does God still blame us?(AJ) For who is able to resist his will?”(AK) 20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?(AL) “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,(AM) ‘Why did you make me like this?’”[h](AN) 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?(AO)

22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience(AP) the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction?(AQ) 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory(AR) known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory(AS)— 24 even us, whom he also called,(AT) not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?(AU) 25 As he says in Hosea:

“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people;
    and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,”[i](AV)

26 and,

“In the very place where it was said to them,
    ‘You are not my people,’
    there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’”[j](AW)

27 Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:

“Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,(AX)
    only the remnant will be saved.(AY)
28 For the Lord will carry out
    his sentence on earth with speed and finality.”[k](AZ)

29 It is just as Isaiah said previously:

“Unless the Lord Almighty(BA)
    had left us descendants,
we would have become like Sodom,
    we would have been like Gomorrah.”[l](BB)

Israel’s Unbelief

30 What then shall we say?(BC) That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;(BD) 31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness,(BE) have not attained their goal.(BF) 32 Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.(BG) 33 As it is written:

“See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble
    and a rock that makes them fall,
    and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”[m](BH)

10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire(BI) and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous(BJ) for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.(BK) 4 Christ is the culmination of the law(BL) so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.(BM)

5 Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.”[n](BN) 6 But the righteousness that is by faith(BO) says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’”[o](BP) (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’”[p](BQ) (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).(BR) 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”[q](BS) that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare(BT) with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”(BU) and believe(BV) in your heart that God raised him from the dead,(BW) you will be saved.(BX) 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”[r](BY) 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile(BZ)—the same Lord is Lord of all(CA) and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord(CB) will be saved.”[s](CC)

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”[t](CD)

16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news.(CE) For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”[u](CF) 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message,(CG) and the message is heard through the word about Christ.(CH) 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did:

“Their voice has gone out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.”[v](CI)

19 Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says,

“I will make you envious(CJ) by those who are not a nation;
    I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”[w](CK)

20 And Isaiah boldly says,

“I was found by those who did not seek me;
    I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”[x](CL)

21 But concerning Israel he says,

“All day long I have held out my hands
    to a disobedient and obstinate people.”[y](CM)

The Remnant of Israel

11 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means!(CN) I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham,(CO) from the tribe of Benjamin.(CP) 2 God did not reject his people,(CQ) whom he foreknew.(CR) Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me”[z]?(CS) 4 And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”[aa](CT) 5 So too, at the present time there is a remnant(CU) chosen by grace.(CV) 6 And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works;(CW) if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

7 What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain.(CX) The elect among them did, but the others were hardened,(CY) 8 as it is written:

“God gave them a spirit of stupor,
    eyes that could not see
    and ears that could not hear,(CZ)
to this very day.”[ab](DA)

9 And David says:

“May their table become a snare and a trap,
    a stumbling block and a retribution for them.
10 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see,(DB)
    and their backs be bent forever.”[ac](DC)

Ingrafted Branches

11 Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all!(DD) Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles(DE) to make Israel envious.(DF) 12 But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles,(DG) how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!

13 I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles,(DH) I take pride in my ministry 14 in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy(DI) and save(DJ) some of them. 15 For if their rejection brought reconciliation(DK) to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?(DL) 16 If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits(DM) is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.

17 If some of the branches have been broken off,(DN) and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others(DO) and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.(DP) 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith.(DQ) Do not be arrogant,(DR) but tremble.(DS) 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

22 Consider therefore the kindness(DT) and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue(DU) in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.(DV) 23 And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.(DW) 24 After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree,(DX) how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

All Israel Will Be Saved

25 I do not want you to be ignorant(DY) of this mystery,(DZ) brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited:(EA) Israel has experienced a hardening(EB) in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in,(EC) 26 and in this way[ad] all Israel will be saved.(ED) As it is written:

“The deliverer will come from Zion;
    he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
27 And this is[ae] my covenant with them
    when I take away their sins.”[af](EE)

28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies(EF) for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs,(EG) 29 for God’s gifts and his call(EH) are irrevocable.(EI) 30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient(EJ) to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now[ag] receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience(EK) so that he may have mercy on them all.

Doxology

33 Oh, the depth of the riches(EL) of the wisdom and[ah] knowledge of God!(EM)
    How unsearchable his judgments,
    and his paths beyond tracing out!(EN)
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
    Or who has been his counselor?”[ai](EO)
35 “Who has ever given to God,
    that God should repay them?”[aj](EP)
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.(EQ)
    To him be the glory forever! Amen.(ER)

A Living Sacrifice

12 Therefore, I urge you,(ES) brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,(ET) holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform(EU) to the pattern of this world,(EV) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.(EW) Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is(EX)—his good, pleasing(EY) and perfect will.

Humble Service in the Body of Christ

3 For by the grace given me(EZ) I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,(FA) 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body,(FB) and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts,(FC) according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying,(FD) then prophesy in accordance with your[ak] faith;(FE) 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;(FF) 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;(FG) if it is giving, then give generously;(FH) if it is to lead,[al] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love in Action

9 Love must be sincere.(FI) Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.(FJ) 10 Be devoted to one another in love.(FK) Honor one another above yourselves.(FL) 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,(FM) serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope,(FN) patient in affliction,(FO) faithful in prayer.(FP) 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.(FQ) Practice hospitality.(FR)

14 Bless those who persecute you;(FS) bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.(FT) 16 Live in harmony with one another.(FU) Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[am] Do not be conceited.(FV)

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.(FW) Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.(FX) 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.(FY) 19 Do not take revenge,(FZ) my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[an](GA) says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[ao](GB)

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Submission to Governing Authorities

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,(GC) for there is no authority except that which God has established.(GD) The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted,(GE) and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.(GF) 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.(GG) 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.(GH)

6 This is also why you pay taxes,(GI) for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes;(GJ) if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Love Fulfills the Law

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.(GK) 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[ap](GL) and whatever other command there may be, are summed up(GM) in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[aq](GN) 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.(GO)

The Day Is Near

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come(GP) for you to wake up from your slumber,(GQ) because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.(GR) So let us put aside the deeds of darkness(GS) and put on the armor(GT) of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness,(GU) not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.(GV) 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,(GW) and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.[ar](GX)

The Weak and the Strong

14 Accept the one whose faith is weak,(GY) without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.(GZ) 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt(HA) the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge(HB) the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?(HC) To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

5 One person considers one day more sacred than another;(HD) another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God;(HE) and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone,(HF) and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.(HG) 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life(HH) so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.(HI)

10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister[as]? Or why do you treat them with contempt?(HJ) For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.(HK) 11 It is written:

“‘As surely as I live,’(HL) says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
    every tongue will acknowledge God.’”[at](HM)

12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.(HN)

13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment(HO) on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.(HP) 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself.(HQ) But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.(HR) 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love.(HS) Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.(HT) 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.(HU) 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,(HV) but of righteousness, peace(HW) and joy in the Holy Spirit,(HX) 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.(HY)

19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace(HZ) and to mutual edification.(IA) 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.(IB) All food is clean,(IC) but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.(ID) 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.(IE)

22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn(IF) himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts(IG) is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.[au]

15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak(IH) and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good,(II) to build them up.(IJ) 3 For even Christ did not please himself(IK) but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”[av](IL) 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,(IM) so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind(IN) toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify(IO) the God and Father(IP) of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Accept one another,(IQ) then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews[aw](IR) on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises(IS) made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles(IT) might glorify God(IU) for his mercy. As it is written:

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
    I will sing the praises of your name.”[ax](IV)

10 Again, it says,

“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”[ay](IW)

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
    let all the peoples extol him.”[az](IX)

12 And again, Isaiah says,

“The Root of Jesse(IY) will spring up,
    one who will arise to rule over the nations;
    in him the Gentiles will hope.”[ba](IZ)

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace(JA) as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.(JB)

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness,(JC) filled with knowledge(JD) and competent to instruct one another. 15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me(JE) 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles.(JF) He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God,(JG) so that the Gentiles might become an offering(JH) acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus(JI) in my service to God.(JJ) 18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles(JK) to obey God(JL) by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and wonders,(JM) through the power of the Spirit of God.(JN) So from Jerusalem(JO) all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.(JP) 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel(JQ) where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.(JR) 21 Rather, as it is written:

“Those who were not told about him will see,
    and those who have not heard will understand.”[bb](JS)

22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.(JT)

Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome

23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you,(JU) 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain.(JV) I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist(JW) me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem(JX) in the service(JY) of the Lord’s people(JZ) there. 26 For Macedonia(KA) and Achaia(KB) were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.(KC) 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.(KD) 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain(KE) and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you,(KF) I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit,(KG) to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.(KH) 31 Pray that I may be kept safe(KI) from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution(KJ) I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord’s people(KK) there, 32 so that I may come to you(KL) with joy, by God’s will,(KM) and in your company be refreshed.(KN) 33 The God of peace(KO) be with you all. Amen.

Personal Greetings

16 I commend(KP) to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon[bc][bd] of the church in Cenchreae.(KQ) 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord(KR) in a way worthy of his people(KS) and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

3 Greet Priscilla[be] and Aquila,(KT) my co-workers(KU) in Christ Jesus.(KV) 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

5 Greet also the church that meets at their house.(KW)

Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert(KX) to Christ in the province of Asia.(KY)

6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.

7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews(KZ) who have been in prison with me.(LA) They are outstanding among[bf] the apostles, and they were in Christ(LB) before I was.

8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.

9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ,(LC) and my dear friend Stachys.

10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.(LD)

Greet those who belong to the household(LE) of Aristobulus.

11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.(LF)

Greet those in the household(LG) of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.

Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.

13 Greet Rufus,(LH) chosen(LI) in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.

14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.

15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people(LJ) who are with them.(LK)

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss.(LL)

All the churches of Christ send greetings.

17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.(LM) Keep away from them.(LN) 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ,(LO) but their own appetites.(LP) By smooth talk and flattery they deceive(LQ) the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard(LR) about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.(LS)

20 The God of peace(LT) will soon crush(LU) Satan(LV) under your feet.

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.(LW)

21 Timothy,(LX) my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius,(LY) Jason(LZ) and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.(MA)

22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23 Gaius,(MB) whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.

Erastus,(MC) who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. [24] [bg]

25 Now to him who is able(MD) to establish you in accordance with my gospel,(ME) the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery(MF) hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings(MG) by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from[bh] faith(MH)— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.(MI)

Footnotes

  1. Romans 9:5 Or Messiah, who is over all. God be forever praised! Or Messiah. God who is over all be forever praised!
  2. Romans 9:7 Gen. 21:12
  3. Romans 9:9 Gen. 18:10,14
  4. Romans 9:12 Gen. 25:23
  5. Romans 9:13 Mal. 1:2,3
  6. Romans 9:15 Exodus 33:19
  7. Romans 9:17 Exodus 9:16
  8. Romans 9:20 Isaiah 29:16; 45:9
  9. Romans 9:25 Hosea 2:23
  10. Romans 9:26 Hosea 1:10
  11. Romans 9:28 Isaiah 10:22,23 (see Septuagint)
  12. Romans 9:29 Isaiah 1:9
  13. Romans 9:33 Isaiah 8:14; 28:16
  14. Romans 10:5 Lev. 18:5
  15. Romans 10:6 Deut. 30:12
  16. Romans 10:7 Deut. 30:13
  17. Romans 10:8 Deut. 30:14
  18. Romans 10:11 Isaiah 28:16 (see Septuagint)
  19. Romans 10:13 Joel 2:32
  20. Romans 10:15 Isaiah 52:7
  21. Romans 10:16 Isaiah 53:1
  22. Romans 10:18 Psalm 19:4
  23. Romans 10:19 Deut. 32:21
  24. Romans 10:20 Isaiah 65:1
  25. Romans 10:21 Isaiah 65:2
  26. Romans 11:3 1 Kings 19:10,14
  27. Romans 11:4 1 Kings 19:18
  28. Romans 11:8 Deut. 29:4; Isaiah 29:10
  29. Romans 11:10 Psalm 69:22,23
  30. Romans 11:26 Or and so
  31. Romans 11:27 Or will be
  32. Romans 11:27 Isaiah 59:20,21; 27:9 (see Septuagint); Jer. 31:33,34
  33. Romans 11:31 Some manuscripts do not have now.
  34. Romans 11:33 Or riches and the wisdom and the
  35. Romans 11:34 Isaiah 40:13
  36. Romans 11:35 Job 41:11
  37. Romans 12:6 Or the
  38. Romans 12:8 Or to provide for others
  39. Romans 12:16 Or willing to do menial work
  40. Romans 12:19 Deut. 32:35
  41. Romans 12:20 Prov. 25:21,22
  42. Romans 13:9 Exodus 20:13-15,17; Deut. 5:17-19,21
  43. Romans 13:9 Lev. 19:18
  44. Romans 13:14 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
  45. Romans 14:10 The Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a believer, whether man or woman, as part of God’s family; also in verses 13, 15 and 21.
  46. Romans 14:11 Isaiah 45:23
  47. Romans 14:23 Some manuscripts place 16:25-27 here; others after 15:33.
  48. Romans 15:3 Psalm 69:9
  49. Romans 15:8 Greek circumcision
  50. Romans 15:9 2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49
  51. Romans 15:10 Deut. 32:43
  52. Romans 15:11 Psalm 117:1
  53. Romans 15:12 Isaiah 11:10 (see Septuagint)
  54. Romans 15:21 Isaiah 52:15 (see Septuagint)
  55. Romans 16:1 Or servant
  56. Romans 16:1 The word deacon refers here to a Christian designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in Phil. 1:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8,12.
  57. Romans 16:3 Greek Prisca, a variant of Priscilla
  58. Romans 16:7 Or are esteemed by
  59. Romans 16:24 Some manuscripts include here May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen.
  60. Romans 16:26 Or that is
Listen to Romans 9-16
Close KJV

Romans 9-16
King James Version

9 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.

10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;

11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.

13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:

23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.

26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

10 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.

21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

11 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying,

3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.

8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:

10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.

20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.

24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes.

29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:

31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

14 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.

19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

15 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

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;

32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

16 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.

9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.

11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.

12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.

13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.

15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.

16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.

23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

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