Romans 15:3

KJV

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} even {G2532} Christ {G5547} pleased {G700} not {G3756} himself {G1438}; but {G235}, as {G2531} it is written {G1125}, The reproaches {G3680} of them that reproached {G3679} thee {G4571} fell {G1968} on {G1909} me {G1691}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For even the Messiah did not please himself; rather, as the Tanakh says, ‘The insults of those insulting you fell on me.’

Berean Standard Bible

For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.”

American Standard Version

For Christ also pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell upon me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:3 serves as a profound theological anchor for Christian conduct, immediately following Paul's exhortation for stronger believers to bear the infirmities of the weak and to prioritize the edification of their neighbors. This verse grounds the call for self-sacrificial love and unity in the supreme example of Jesus Christ, who did not live to please Himself but willingly absorbed the reproaches intended for God, thereby establishing the ultimate pattern for His followers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extended discussion in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Living in Christian Liberty and Love") and [Romans 15](/romans/15 "Romans 15 - Unity and Mission") concerning Christian liberty, conscience, and unity within the diverse Roman church. Paul addresses tensions between "strong" and "weak" believers, particularly regarding dietary laws and observance of special days. Having urged the strong to bear with the weak and not to please themselves but their neighbor for their good ([Romans 15:1-2](/romans/15-1-2 "Romans 15:1-2 - Bearing with the Weak")), Paul immediately provides the ultimate model for such selflessness: Christ Himself. The quotation from [Psalm 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - The Zeal for God's House") serves to demonstrate that Christ's life perfectly embodied this principle of self-denial and suffering for God's sake, thereby validating Paul's exhortation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Rome was a complex tapestry of Jewish and Gentile converts, each bringing their own cultural and religious backgrounds, traditions, and scruples. Jewish believers, accustomed to Mosaic Law, often struggled with the freedom exercised by Gentile Christians, while some Gentile believers might have looked down on what they perceived as legalistic tendencies. Paul's letter aims to foster unity and mutual acceptance, emphasizing that the gospel transcends these cultural divides. The concept of "pleasing oneself" was often associated with self-indulgence and a lack of social responsibility in the Greco-Roman world, contrasting sharply with the Christian ideal of agape love and service to others. The "reproaches" mentioned in the verse would have been a familiar concept in a society where public honor and shame played significant roles, making Christ's willing endurance of disgrace even more impactful.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 15:3 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes in the book of Romans. Firstly, it highlights **Christ's exemplary selflessness and humility**, serving as the ultimate pattern for believers, echoing the profound self-emptying described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **identification with God's suffering and honor**, as Christ bore the insults directed at God, demonstrating His perfect obedience and zeal for the Father's glory. This willingness to endure reproach for the sake of righteousness is a call for believers to likewise prioritize God's will and the good of others, even when it involves personal cost. Finally, the verse contributes to the broader theme of **Christian unity and mutual edification**, arguing that if Christ, being God, did not please Himself but suffered for others, then His followers are likewise called to lay aside personal preferences and rights for the sake of the body of Christ, fostering harmony and love as seen throughout [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Living in Christian Liberty and Love") and [Romans 15](/romans/15 "Romans 15 - Unity and Mission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós'_):** From G5547, meaning "anointed, i.e., the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus." This term identifies Jesus as the divinely appointed, long-awaited Deliverer, whose actions and character are the perfect embodiment of God's will and the ultimate standard for humanity. His messianic identity undergirds the authority and significance of His self-sacrificial life.
* **pleased (Greek, _aréskō'_):** From G700, meaning "to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so)." In this context, the negative "pleased not himself" signifies that Christ's life was not driven by self-gratification, personal comfort, or His own desires, but rather by an unwavering commitment to the will of God and the welfare of others. It speaks to a complete absence of self-centeredness.
* **reproaches (Greek, _oneidismós'_):** From G3680, meaning "contumely" or "reproach." This word denotes insults, scorn, public disgrace, and verbal abuse. It emphasizes the shame and indignity that Christ willingly endured, not for His own sin, but as a consequence of His identification with God and His mission to save humanity. The "reproaches" were not merely criticisms but deeply offensive and shaming attacks.
* **fell (Greek, _epipíptō'_):** From G1968, meaning "to embrace (with affection) or seize (with more or less violence; literally or figuratively)." Here, it conveys the idea of the reproaches "falling upon" or "pressing upon" Christ, indicating that He fully absorbed and bore the weight of the insults and scorn directed at God. This is not a passive reception but an active, deliberate act of taking on the burden.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For even Christ pleased not himself;"**: This foundational clause establishes the supreme example for Christian conduct. It asserts that Jesus Christ, despite His divine nature and inherent rights, did not live for His own comfort, desires, or self-gratification. His entire earthly life and ministry were characterized by selfless obedience to the Father and unwavering dedication to the salvation of humanity, consistently prioritizing the needs of others over His own. This sets the standard for all who follow Him.
* **"but, as it is written,"**: This transitional phrase introduces the scriptural quotation that immediately follows, signaling that Paul is drawing upon the Old Testament to substantiate his point about Christ's selflessness. The phrase "as it is written" underscores the divine inspiration and authority of the Old Testament, demonstrating that Christ's actions were not arbitrary but were foretold and aligned with God's prophetic plan, specifically in the messianic psalms.
* **"The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me."**: This is a direct quotation from [Psalm 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - The Zeal for God's House"), a messianic psalm that speaks of the suffering of the righteous one. Paul applies this prophecy directly to Christ, indicating that the insults, scorn, and public disgrace that were directed at God ("thee") were willingly absorbed and borne by Jesus ("me"). This highlights Christ's profound identification with God's honor and His willingness to endure shame and suffering on behalf of God and His people, demonstrating the ultimate act of self-sacrificial love and obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is **Allusion** or **Quotation**, as he directly cites [Psalm 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - The Zeal for God's House"). This serves to ground his theological argument in the authoritative witness of Scripture, demonstrating that Christ's self-sacrificial nature was not merely an admirable trait but a fulfillment of ancient prophecy. By applying a messianic psalm to Christ, Paul reinforces Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah. Furthermore, the verse uses **Exemplarism**, presenting Christ as the supreme example for believers to emulate. The contrast between "pleased not himself" and bearing "reproaches" creates a powerful **Antithesis**, highlighting the radical nature of Christ's self-denial in opposition to self-interest. The imagery of "reproaches... fell on me" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy** or **Personification**, where the abstract concept of insults is given a tangible, burdensome quality that Christ physically bears, emphasizing the weight and impact of the suffering He endured.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 15:3 is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of Christian love and service, rooting it firmly in the character and actions of Jesus Christ. Theologically, it underscores the profound humility and self-emptying (kenosis) of Christ, who, though God, did not cling to His divine prerogatives but embraced a life of service and suffering for the sake of others. This verse teaches that true spiritual strength is not found in asserting one's rights or preferences, but in following Christ's example of self-denial for the greater good of the community and the glory of God. It calls believers to a radical shift from self-centeredness to Christ-centered other-centeredness, recognizing that the insults and opposition faced in serving God are a participation in Christ's own suffering.

* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Exaltation")
* [1 Peter 2:21-23](/1_peter/2-21-23 "Christ's Suffering as an Example")
* [Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:3 offers a profound challenge to every believer, calling us to re-evaluate the motivations behind our actions and the priorities that govern our lives. If Christ, the Son of God, did not live to please Himself but willingly bore the weight of reproach for the sake of God's honor and humanity's salvation, how much more should we, His followers, embrace a life of self-sacrificial love? This verse compels us to consider whether our daily choices are driven by personal comfort, reputation, or preference, or by a genuine desire to serve God and build up our brothers and sisters in Christ. It encourages us to look beyond our own rights and liberties, especially in areas of conscience, and to actively seek the good of others, even when it requires enduring discomfort, misunderstanding, or reproach. By imitating Christ's selfless example, we contribute to the unity, health, and witness of the church, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find yourself prioritizing personal pleasure or comfort over the good of others, especially within the Christian community?**
* **How does Christ's willingness to bear "reproaches" challenge your own desire for approval or fear of criticism when living out your faith?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally "please not yourself" but rather to serve and build up a fellow believer?**
* **How might a deeper understanding of Christ's selflessness transform your approach to disagreements or differences of opinion within the church?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Paul quoting Psalm 69:9 in Romans 15:3?**

Answer: Paul's quotation of [Psalm 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - The Zeal for God's House") is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it grounds his argument for Christ's selflessness in the Old Testament Scriptures, demonstrating that Christ's life and suffering were not accidental but part of God's pre-ordained plan. Psalm 69 is a messianic psalm, depicting the suffering of a righteous individual who is zealous for God's house and endures reproach because of it. By applying this verse to Jesus, Paul affirms Jesus' identity as the Messiah and highlights that the insults and scorn directed at God were absorbed and borne by Christ Himself. This emphasizes Christ's profound identification with God's honor and His willingness to suffer on behalf of God and His people, providing a powerful biblical precedent for the self-sacrificial life he calls believers to emulate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:3 is profoundly Christ-centered, presenting Jesus as the ultimate embodiment of self-sacrificial love. His life was not lived for His own comfort or glory, but entirely for the Father's will and the redemption of humanity. The "reproaches" He bore, as prophesied in [Psalm 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - The Zeal for God's House"), were not due to His own sin, but were the insults and scorn directed at God, which Christ willingly absorbed. This act of taking upon Himself the shame and hostility intended for God and humanity culminates in His atoning death on the cross, where He became sin for us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")) and bore the full weight of divine wrath, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). His resurrection then vindicates His perfect obedience and selfless love ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Christ Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Thus, Christ's selflessness is not merely an ethical example but the very foundation of our salvation and reconciliation with God. His willingness to suffer reproach for us empowers and enables believers to live lives of similar self-denial, fostering unity and love within the body of Christ, and serving as a light to the world ([Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 69:9

For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

John 4:34

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Psalms 89:50

Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; [how] I do bear in my bosom [the reproach of] all the mighty people;

Psalms 89:51

Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.

John 6:38

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

John 5:30

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.