Devine Scripture

Romans 15:31

What does Romans 15:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 15:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 15:31 means

Paul asks prayer for deliverance from those in Judæa who are disobedient—hostile to the gospel—and that his ministry of delivering aid would be acceptable to the saints in Jerusalem. He faces danger from opponents and the possibility of misunderstanding among believers. He seeks protection and reception. Practical service, even when generous, still needs hearts prepared by God to receive it well. Paul knows both threats and sensitivities surround this mission, and he entrusts them to God through the prayers of the church.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

that I may be delivered from them that are disobedient in Judæa, and that my ministration which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

that I may be delivered from them that are disobedient in Judæa, and that my ministration which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that I may be kept safe from those in Judaea who have not put themselves under the rule of God, and that the help which I am taking for Jerusalem may be pleasing to the saints;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

that I may be delivered from those not believing in Judea, and that my ministration, that <FI>is<Fi> for Jerusalem, may become acceptable to the saints;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

That I may be delivered from the unbelievers that are in Judea and that the oblation of my service may be acceptable in Jerusalem to the saints.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

that I may be saved from those that do not believe in Judaea; and that my ministry which [I have] for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints;

Context

Paul has urged the Romans to strive with him in prayer (v.30). Now he names the requests (v.31): safety from adversaries in Judæa and a warm acceptance of the collection by the Jerusalem saints. These aims are instrumental to his larger plan of coming to Rome with joy (v.32). The flow shows that the path to Rome runs through risky, delicate ministry in Jerusalem, underlining the need for earnest intercession.

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

v.31This passage

v.32that I may come unto you in joy through the will of God, and together with you find rest.

Cross references

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

  • 2 Timothy 4:17

    But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

  • Acts 23:12

    And when it was day, the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

  • Acts 25:24

    And Festus saith, King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, ye behold this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews made suit to me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

  • Acts 22:24

    the chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, bidding that he should be examined by scourging, that he might know for what cause they so shouted against him.

  • Romans 15:25

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

  • 2 Corinthians 9:1

    For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

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