Romans 15:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G2443} I may be delivered {G4506} from {G575} them that do not believe {G544} in {G1722} Judaea {G2449}; and {G2532} that {G2443} my {G3450} service {G1248} which {G3588} I have for {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419} may be {G1096} accepted {G2144} of the saints {G40};

Complete Jewish Bible

that I will be rescued from the unbelievers in Y’hudah, and that my service for Yerushalayim will be acceptable to God’s people there.

Berean Standard Bible

Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there,

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:31 records the Apostle Paul's earnest prayer requests to the Roman believers concerning his perilous journey to Jerusalem. He seeks divine protection from the hostile unbelievers in Judea who oppose his gospel ministry and person, and simultaneously prays that the significant financial collection he is bringing from Gentile churches for the impoverished Jewish saints in Jerusalem will be received with favor and acceptance. This verse encapsulates the dual challenges of external opposition and internal relational complexities inherent in apostolic work, highlighting Paul's profound reliance on God's providence and the vital intercession of the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15:31 is situated within Paul's concluding remarks (Romans 15:14-33) to the Roman church, where he transitions from theological exposition to personal matters and future travel plans. Having spent the bulk of the letter expounding the gospel of God's righteousness and the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ, Paul now shares his immediate apostolic itinerary. He expresses his long-standing desire to visit Rome on his way to Spain (Romans 15:23-24), but first, he must complete a crucial mission to Jerusalem: delivering a collection for the saints (Romans 15:25-27). This verse, therefore, serves as a direct and urgent petition for prayer regarding the safety and success of this critical leg of his journey, underscoring the very real dangers and relational sensitivities involved in his ministry. It functions as a practical application of the theological principles of mutual dependence and intercessory prayer that permeate his letters.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's anticipated journey to Jerusalem was fraught with considerable danger. Judea, and particularly Jerusalem, was a politically and religiously charged environment. Paul had consistently faced fierce opposition from segments of unbelieving Judaism who viewed his mission to the Gentiles, and his teaching on salvation by faith apart from the Law, as a direct threat to their traditions and identity. This animosity had previously led to violent confrontations and plots against his life (e.g., [Acts 9:23-25](/acts/9-23-25 "Acts 9:23-25 - Plot to Kill Paul in Damascus"); [Acts 21:27-36](/acts/21-27-36 "Acts 21:27-36 - Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem")). The collection itself, gathered from predominantly Gentile churches in Macedonia and Achaia, was intended to alleviate poverty among the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, who likely faced economic hardship and social ostracization. Culturally, while a gift, it also carried symbolic weight, potentially challenging deeply ingrained prejudices. Paul's concern for its "acceptance" reflects his awareness of these complex dynamics and his desire for the collection to foster unity rather than exacerbate division.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. It highlights the theme of **Apostolic Vulnerability and Reliance on Prayer**, as Paul, despite his divine calling, openly acknowledges his need for divine protection and the fervent intercession of the church for his safety and the unhindered progress of the gospel (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:10-11](/2_corinthians/1-10-11 "2 Corinthians 1:10-11 - God Delivers Through Prayer")). It also underscores the central theme of **Jewish-Gentile Unity in Christ**, a foundational argument of the entire book of Romans. The collection was a tangible expression of this unity, demonstrating Gentile love and solidarity with their Jewish brethren, thereby embodying the reality that Christ had broken down the "dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")). Finally, the reference to his "service" (diakonia) points to the theme of **Practical Christian Ministry and Generosity**, emphasizing that acts of material aid are integral to the church's mission and a spiritual expression of faith, reflecting the practical outworking of the gospel (cf. [2 Corinthians 9:1-15](/2_corinthians/9-1-15 "2 Corinthians 9:1-15 - The Ministry of Giving")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Delivered (Greek, _rhýomai'_):** This verb signifies a forceful rescue or drawing out from danger, implying a strong, active intervention to save someone from a perilous situation. Paul is not merely asking for protection from minor inconvenience, but for a decisive and complete deliverance from those who actively seek to harm or hinder him, underscoring the severity of the opposition he anticipates from unbelieving Jews in Judea.
* **Service (Greek, _diakonía'_):** While broadly meaning "attendance" or "ministry," in this context, it specifically refers to the financial collection Paul was bringing to Jerusalem. This usage elevates the act of material aid to a sacred act of ministry, demonstrating that practical acts of charity and support within the body of Christ are a vital expression of Christian service, just as much as preaching or teaching. It is a concrete manifestation of love and fellowship among believers.
* **Accepted (Greek, _euprósdektos'_):** This adjective means "well-received," "approved," or "favorable." Paul's concern is not just that the collection arrives safely, but that it is received with goodwill, appreciation, and a spirit of unity by the Jewish saints in Jerusalem. This highlights the profound relational and theological significance of the gift, aiming to foster reconciliation and affirm the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, rather than being met with suspicion or rejection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea;":** Paul's initial and urgent request is for divine protection from the hostile forces that oppose his ministry. He anticipates significant and potentially violent opposition from unbelieving Jews within the region of Judea, who had consistently resisted his message and sought to undermine his apostolic authority and even his life. This clause is a fervent plea for God's intervention to shield him from their malice and ensure his safe passage and the unhindered continuation of his mission.
* **"and that my service which [I have] for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;":** This second request reveals Paul's deep pastoral heart and his strategic vision for the unity of the early church. The "service" refers to the substantial financial collection gathered from the Gentile churches for the impoverished Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. Paul prays not merely for its delivery, but for its gracious and positive reception by the "saints" (i.e., the Jewish believers), hoping it will serve as a tangible expression of love and solidarity, thereby bridging any potential cultural or theological divides between Jewish and Gentile segments of the nascent Christian community.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 15:31 effectively employs **Parallelism**, presenting two distinct yet interconnected prayer requests in a balanced structure ("that I may be delivered... and that my service... may be accepted"). This parallel construction emphasizes the dual nature of the challenges Paul faces: external physical danger and internal relational/theological hurdles. The verse also functions as a powerful **Supplication**, a direct and earnest plea to God, mediated through the prayers of the Roman believers, underscoring Paul's humility and his profound reliance on the collective intercession of the body of Christ. Furthermore, there is an element of **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, as Paul's prayer subtly hints at the real dangers he would indeed encounter upon his arrival in Jerusalem, as documented later in the book of Acts (e.g., [Acts 21:27-36](/acts/21-27-36 "Acts 21:27-36 - Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's prayer in Romans 15:31 is deeply rooted in the theological conviction that God is sovereign over all circumstances and that intercessory prayer is a powerful means by which His will is accomplished through His people. It reflects a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of the global church, where the spiritual and physical well-being of one part impacts the whole. The collection itself, which Paul calls his "service," embodies the New Testament ethic of mutual aid and generosity, demonstrating that practical acts of love are integral to the church's mission and a tangible expression of the gospel. Moreover, Paul's concern for the "acceptance" of his service by the Jewish saints underscores the critical importance of unity within the body of Christ, a theme central to Romans, where Paul meticulously argues for the inclusion of both Jews and Gentiles into God's one family, united by faith in Christ.

* [2 Corinthians 8:1-5](/2_corinthians/8-1-5 "2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - The Generosity of the Macedonian Churches")
* [Acts 20:22-24](/acts/20-22-24 "20:22-24 - Paul's Resolve to Go to Jerusalem Despite Dangers")
* [Galatians 2:9-10](/galatians/2-9-10 "2:9-10 - Agreement on the Gospel and Remembering the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's humble request for prayer in Romans 15:31 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that even the most spiritually gifted and divinely commissioned individuals are utterly dependent on God's grace and the supportive intercession of the Christian community. This verse calls us to cultivate a vibrant and earnest prayer life, not just for our own needs, but for the protection, fruitfulness, and acceptance of those who are serving Christ in challenging contexts, whether they are missionaries abroad, church planters in difficult regions, or leaders in our local communities. Furthermore, Paul's concern for the "acceptance" of his service challenges us to actively pursue unity within the diverse body of Christ, recognizing that genuine love is often expressed through practical acts of generosity and a willingness to bridge cultural, ethnic, or theological divides for the sake of the gospel. Our "service" to one another, whether material or spiritual, should always aim for reconciliation, mutual understanding, and the strengthening of fellowship, reflecting the unifying power of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can I pray for those who are currently serving in challenging ministry contexts, both locally and globally?**
* **How does Paul's concern for the "acceptance" of his service challenge my own attitudes toward giving, receiving, and fostering unity within the church?**
* **What practical steps can I take to promote unity and overcome divisions within my own Christian community or between different Christian groups?**
* **How does Paul's explicit reliance on God's deliverance encourage me to trust God in the face of opposition or difficulty in my own life and ministry?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul so concerned about being "delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea"?**

Answer: Paul's concern was deeply rooted in his extensive experience of persecution and opposition from unbelieving Jews throughout his ministry. In many cities, Jewish leaders and mobs vehemently rejected his message of salvation through Christ, viewing it as a betrayal of their ancestral traditions and the Mosaic Law. They often incited riots, plotted against his life, and sought to discredit his apostolic authority. For example, the book of Acts records numerous instances of such hostility, culminating in his arrest in Jerusalem where he was nearly killed by a mob (see [Acts 21:27-36](/acts/21-27-36 "Acts 21:27-36 - Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem")). His prayer was not mere paranoia but a realistic assessment of the severe dangers inherent in proclaiming the gospel in a hostile environment, especially in the religiously and politically charged atmosphere of Judea and Jerusalem. He prayed for divine protection to ensure the completion of his vital mission.

**What was the "service" Paul was bringing to Jerusalem, and why was its "acceptance" so important?**

Answer: The "service" (Greek: *diakonia*) Paul was bringing was a substantial financial collection gathered from the predominantly Gentile churches in Macedonia and Achaia (as detailed in [2 Corinthians 8](/2_corinthians/8 "2 Corinthians 8 - Encouragement to Give Generously") and [2 Corinthians 9](/2_corinthians/9 "2 Corinthians 9 - The Collection for the Saints")). This collection was intended to alleviate the poverty and hardship faced by the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. Its "acceptance" was critically important for several reasons. Theologically, it served as a tangible demonstration of the unity of the church, showing that Gentile believers, who had received spiritual blessings from Jerusalem (the birthplace of the gospel), were now sharing their material blessings with their Jewish brethren (as Paul explains in [Romans 15:27](/romans/15-27 "Romans 15:27 - Reciprocity of Blessings")). Practically, it aimed to foster goodwill, bridge any lingering suspicion or prejudice, and affirm that Jewish and Gentile believers are truly one body in Christ. Its rejection would have been a significant setback to the unity and fellowship Paul had tirelessly worked to establish within the early church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:31, though a personal prayer request from the Apostle Paul, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest significance in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Paul's earnest plea to be "delivered from them that do not believe" resonates profoundly with the suffering and relentless opposition that Christ Himself endured, who was ultimately "delivered over" to death for our transgressions and raised for our justification ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Christ's Resurrection for Our Justification")). Jesus, the quintessential Servant, perfectly embodied the very "service" (diakonia) Paul speaks of, not only through His compassionate ministry to human needs but supremely by offering His life as the ultimate ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The "acceptance" Paul seeks for his material service foreshadows the ultimate and perfect acceptance we, as believers, find in Christ, whose finished work makes us "accepted in the Beloved" ([Ephesians 1:6](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - Accepted in the Beloved")). Furthermore, Paul's fervent desire for unity between Jewish and Gentile saints through this act of service is a direct outworking of Christ's reconciling work on the cross, where He broke down the dividing wall of hostility and created one new humanity out of two ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, Paul's prayer is not merely for his own well-being or the success of a project, but for the advancement of Christ's kingdom, the demonstration of His unifying power, and the glorification of God through the church, which is Christ's very body.

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

2 Thessalonians 3:2

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all [men] have not faith.

2 Corinthians 8:4

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

Romans 15:25

But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

2 Corinthians 9:1

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

Acts 21:17

And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

Acts 21:31

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Acts 23:12

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