Romans 15:16

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

to be a servant of the Messiah Yeshua for the Gentiles, with the priestly duty of presenting the Good News of God, so that the Gentiles may be an acceptable offering, made holy by the Ruach HaKodesh.

Berean Standard Bible:

to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

American Standard Version:

that 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 with Strong’s Numbers:

That I^{G3165} should be^{G1519}^{G1511} the minister^{G3011} of Jesus^{G2424} Christ^{G5547} to^{G1519} the Gentiles^{G1484}, ministering^{G2418} the gospel^{G2098} of God^{G2316}, that^{G2443} the offering up^{G4376} of the Gentiles^{G1484} might be^{G1096} acceptable^{G2144}, being sanctified^{G37} by^{G1722} the Holy^{G40} Ghost^{G4151}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Romans 11:13

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

Romans 1:1

¶ Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Philippians 2:17

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

Acts 9:15

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

2 Timothy 1:11

Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

1 Timothy 1:11

According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

Isaiah 66:19

And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, [to] Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, [to] Tubal, and Javan, [to] the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

Commentary for Romans 15:16

Romans 15:16 is a verse in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul is reflecting on his calling and ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles—non-Jewish people. The historical context of this verse is rooted in the early Christian church's struggle with integrating Gentile believers into what was originally a Jewish messianic movement.

In this verse, Paul expresses that he has been entrusted with a priestly role, serving Jesus Christ by bringing the Gospel—the good news of salvation through Christ—to the Gentiles. His mission is to ensure that the Gentiles' spiritual offering, which refers to their faith and worship, is made acceptable and pleasing to God. This acceptability is not based on the Law of Moses, which was a major point of contention in the early church, but rather through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.

The themes present in this verse include the universal scope of the Gospel, which extends beyond Jewish boundaries; the role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification, which is the process of being made holy and set apart for God; and the idea of spiritual sacrifices, which in the New Testament are understood as offerings of praise, thanksgiving, and a life dedicated to God's service. Paul's ministry emphasizes God's inclusive salvation plan, where both Jews and Gentiles are brought together in one body through Christ, as well as the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. This verse underscores the theological shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, where the focus moves from adherence to the Mosaic Law to faith in Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

Strong's Number: G3165
There are 277 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: μέ
Transliteration: mé
Pronunciation: meh
Description: a shorter (and probably original) form of ἐμέ; me:--I, me, my.
Strong's Number: G1519
There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἰς
Transliteration: eis
Pronunciation: ice
Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Strong's Number: G1511
There are 124 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εἶναι
Transliteration: eînai
Pronunciation: i'-nahee
Description: present infinitive from εἰμί; to exist:--am, was. come, is, X lust after, X please well, there is, to be, was.
Strong's Number: G3011
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: λειτουργός
Transliteration: leitourgós
Pronunciation: li-toorg-os'
Description: from a derivative of λαός and ἔργον; a public servant, i.e. a functionary in the Temple or Gospel, or (genitive case) a worshipper (of God) or benefactor (of man):--minister(-ed).
Strong's Number: G2424
There are 935 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: Ἰησοῦς
Transliteration: Iēsoûs
Pronunciation: ee-ay-sooce'
Description: of Hebrew origin (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.
Strong's Number: G5547
There are 530 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: Χριστός
Transliteration: Christós
Pronunciation: khris-tos'
Description: from χρίω; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:--Christ.
Strong's Number: G1484
There are 152 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἔθνος
Transliteration: éthnos
Pronunciation: eth'-nos
Description: probably from ἔθω; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan):--Gentile, heathen, nation, people.
Strong's Number: G2418
There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἱερουργέω
Transliteration: hierourgéō
Pronunciation: hee-er-oorg-eh'-o
Description: from a compound of ἱερόν and the base of ἔργον; to be a temple-worker, i.e. officiate as a priest (figuratively):--minister.
Strong's Number: G2098
There are 74 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εὐαγγέλιον
Transliteration: euangélion
Pronunciation: yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on
Description: from the same as εὐαγγελίζω; a good message, i.e. the gospel:--gospel.
Strong's Number: G2316
There are 1172 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: θεός
Transliteration: theós
Pronunciation: theh'-os
Description: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
Strong's Number: G2443
There are 535 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἵνα
Transliteration: hína
Pronunciation: hin'-ah
Description: probably from the same as the former part of ἑαυτοῦ (through the demonstrative idea; compare ὁ); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare ἵνα μή.
Strong's Number: G4376
There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: προσφορά
Transliteration: prosphorá
Pronunciation: pros-for-ah'
Description: from προσφέρω; presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice:--offering (up).
Strong's Number: G1096
There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: γίνομαι
Transliteration: gínomai
Pronunciation: ghin'-om-ahee
Description: a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.):--arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought.
Strong's Number: G2144
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: εὐπρόσδεκτος
Transliteration: euprósdektos
Pronunciation: yoo-pros'-dek-tos
Description: from εὖ and a derivative of προσδέχομαι; well-received, i.e. approved, favorable:--acceptable(-ted).
Strong's Number: G37
There are 4623 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἁγιάζω
Transliteration: hagiázō
Pronunciation: hag-ee-ad'-zo
Description: from ἅγιος; to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate:--hallow, be holy, sanctify.
Strong's Number: G1722
There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἐν
Transliteration: en
Pronunciation: en
Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Strong's Number: G40
There are 1382 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἅγιος
Transliteration: hágios
Pronunciation: hag'-ee-os
Description: from (an awful thing) (compare ἁγνός, θάλπω); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):--(most) holy (one, thing), saint.
Strong's Number: G4151
There are 350 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πνεῦμα
Transliteration: pneûma
Pronunciation: pnyoo'-mah
Description: from πνέω; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare ψυχή.

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