Romans 15:16
What does Romans 15:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 15:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 15:16 means
Paul describes his calling in priestly terms. He is a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving the gospel of God so that the Gentiles might become an acceptable offering to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. His work proclaims Christ, but the result he seeks is worship: consecrated people presented to God. The Spirit’s sanctifying action makes this offering acceptable. Evangelism and discipleship are thus portrayed as priestly service—bringing a holy people to God through the gospel. Paul measures success not by numbers or notoriety, but by Spirit-sanctified Gentiles dedicated to the Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that I should be a minister of Christ Jesus unto the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
KJV
King James Version · 1611That 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that I should be a minister of Christ Jesus unto the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, doing the work of a priest in the good news of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles might be pleasing to God, being made holy by the Holy Spirit.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for my being a servant of Jesus Christ to the nations, acting as priest in the good news of God, that the offering up of the nations may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752That I should be the minister of Christ Jesus among the Gentiles: sanctifying the gospel of God, that the oblation of the Gentiles may be made acceptable and sanctified in the Holy Ghost.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for me to be minister of Christ Jesus to the nations, carrying on as a sacrificial service the [message of] glad tidings ofGod, in order that the offering up of the nations might be acceptable, sanctified by [the] Holy Spirit.
Context
Verse 15 cited grace as Paul’s warrant; verse 16 specifies its shape: Gentile-focused ministry using priestly imagery. This frames the following verses (vv.17–19), where Paul glories only in what Christ has accomplished through him by the Spirit’s power. The emphasis remains God-centered: the gospel produces a consecrated people. This foundation also explains Paul’s missionary strategy in verses 20–21 and his delayed visit to Rome (v.22).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23
And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Romans 15:29
And I know that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 5:20
We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God.
- 2 Timothy 1:11
whereunto I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher.
- Galatians 3:5
He therefore that supplieth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
- Acts 26:17
delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I send thee,
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