ROMANS Study Guide

7. Jerusalem offering (vss.25-28)

a. Before he can come to Roman and launch into his new

ministry - he has a ministry he feels he must perform for the

Gentile Churches (from the Grecian Regions) towards the poor

believers in Jerusalem. In Paul’s mind there is a debt of love the

Gentile church owes to the faithful Jewish remnant (church) for paying

the price to carry the gospel to the nations. This offering was an

expression of the Gentile church giving back to that debt.

b. This appears to have been a spontaneous and generous offering

from these churches in response to some communication of the

need for these poor believers in Jerusalem (Acts 11:28.

2Cor.8:1-4)

c. Here Paul reaffirm s his “principle of giving to those in ministry”:

Those who receive persistent and consistent spiritual ministry

from a servant of God have an obligation to give to the physical

support of such a ministry if this ministry needs the support.

(1Cor.9:11) When we benefit spiritually from the service of a

spiritual leader or ministry that have regularly served us in

spiritual things (i.e. mission works) … then there is a “spiritual

joining ” and responsibility toward one another… which includes

physically caring for and helping each other in times of need.

Rom 15:29 And I am sure that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Rom 15:30 But I exhort you, brothers, for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ and for the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, Rom 15:31 that I may be delivered from those disbelieving in Judea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted by the saints. Rom 15:32 so that I may come to you with joy by the will of God and may be refreshed with you. Rom 15:33 Now may the God of peace be with you all. Amen.