Devine Scripture

Romans 15:26

What does Romans 15:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 15:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 15:26 means

Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Their generosity was voluntary and joyful. This gift demonstrates the fruit of the gospel in Gentile churches: compassion that crosses distance and ethnicity. The phrase “the poor among the saints” reminds us that need exists even in faithful communities. Sharing material resources becomes a means of fellowship. The Gentile believers counted it an honor to serve their Jewish brothers and sisters in a time of hardship.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For it hath been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints that are at Jerusalem.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For it hath been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints that are at Jerusalem.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For it has been the good pleasure of those of Macedonia and Achaia to send a certain amount of money for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for it pleased Macedonia and Achaia well to make a certain contribution for the poor of the saints who <FI>are<Fi> in Jerusalem;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a contribution for the poor of the saints that are in Jerusalem.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for Macedonia and Achaia have been well pleased to make a certain contribution for the poor of the saints who [are] in Jerusalem.

Context

Paul has just said he is going to Jerusalem to serve the saints (v.25). Now he identifies the source of the aid (v.26): churches in Macedonia and Achaia. The next verse (v.27) will supply the theological rationale—Gentiles, having shared in Jewish spiritual blessings, rightly share material support. These verses reinforce the chapter’s unity theme through practical, sacrificial giving.

v.25but now, I say, I go unto Jerusalem, ministering unto the saints.

v.26This passage

v.27Yea, it hath been their good pleasure; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 14:13

    But when thou makest a feast, bid the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:

  • Proverbs 14:21

    He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth; But he that hath pity on the poor, happy is he.

  • Matthew 25:40

    And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.

  • Galatians 6:6

    But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

  • Acts 11:27

    Now in these days there came down prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:1

    Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;

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