Romans 15:5

KJV

¶ Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} the God {G2316} of patience {G5281} and {G2532} consolation {G3874} grant {G1325} you {G5213} to be {G846} likeminded {G5426} one {G240} toward another {G1722}{G240} according {G2596} to Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}:

Complete Jewish Bible

And may God, the source of encouragement and patience, give you the same attitude among yourselves as the Messiah Yeshua had,

Berean Standard Bible

Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus,

American Standard Version

Now the God of patience and of comfort grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:5 presents a profound prayer from the Apostle Paul, invoking the very character of God as the source of steadfast endurance and comforting encouragement. Paul petitions God to empower believers to cultivate a shared mindset and purpose, fostering genuine unity and mutual acceptance within the community, all patterned after the transformative example and mind of Christ Jesus Himself. This verse serves as a theological anchor for Christian fellowship, emphasizing divine enablement for relational harmony.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15:5 stands as a pivotal prayer within Paul's concluding exhortations to the Roman church. It immediately follows his extensive discussion in [Romans 14 and the opening verses of Romans 15](/romans/14-1-15-4 "Romans 14-15 - Living in Unity and Love"), where he addresses practical issues of Christian liberty and conscience. Paul meticulously outlines the principles for "strong" and "weak" believers to coexist in mutual love and acceptance, particularly concerning dietary laws, observance of special days, and avoiding judgment. Having laid this theological and ethical groundwork, Paul now turns to God in prayer, acknowledging that the desired unity and mutual edification are not merely human achievements but divine gifts. This prayer thus serves as a capstone, seeking God's enablement for the practical outworking of the unity he has just commanded.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Rome was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts. This diversity, while a testament to the Gospel's power, also brought inherent tensions. Jewish believers often held onto certain Mosaic traditions (like dietary laws and Sabbath observance), while Gentile believers, freed from such obligations, sometimes viewed these practices as unnecessary or even legalistic. This cultural and religious divergence led to potential divisions and judgments within the nascent Christian community. Paul's letter, written around A.D. 57-58 from Corinth, aimed to address these internal conflicts, establish theological clarity, and prepare for his eventual visit. His prayer for "likemindedness" directly confronts the challenge of maintaining unity amidst diverse backgrounds and practices, a common struggle in early Christian communities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes woven throughout Romans and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the **unity of the church**, a recurring Pauline concern, emphasizing that genuine fellowship transcends cultural and personal differences when centered on Christ. Secondly, it highlights the **character of God**, portraying Him as the ultimate source of the very qualities (patience and consolation) needed for believers to live harmoniously. This divine character is not just an attribute to be admired but a wellspring from which believers can draw strength and comfort. Thirdly, the phrase "according to Christ Jesus" reinforces the theme of **Christ as the supreme example and standard** for Christian living and community, echoing the humility and self-sacrifice described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Humility of Christ"). Finally, it subtly points to the theme of **divine enablement**, acknowledging that true transformation and unity are ultimately granted by God, not achieved by human effort alone, aligning with Paul's consistent emphasis on grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Patience (Greek, _hypomonḗ'_):** Derived from *hypomenō* (to remain under, to endure), *hypomonḗ* signifies not merely passive waiting, but active, cheerful, and hopeful endurance. It describes a steadfast perseverance in the face of difficulties, trials, or opposition, without giving up or losing heart. When applied to God, as "the God of patience," it speaks to His enduring faithfulness, His long-suffering with humanity, and His unwavering commitment to His purposes despite human failings. For believers, it means the capacity to bear with one another's weaknesses, differences, and even offenses, maintaining steadfastness in love and commitment to the community.
* **Consolation (Greek, _paráklēsis'_):** From *parakaleō* (to call alongside, to comfort, to exhort), *paráklēsis* encompasses comfort, encouragement, and exhortation. It implies a drawing near to offer support, solace, and strength, particularly in times of distress or conflict. As "the God of consolation," God is the ultimate Comforter, the one who draws near to His people, providing solace and strengthening them. In the context of unity, it means that God provides the encouragement needed to overcome divisions, to speak words of grace, and to build one another up rather than tear down.
* **Likeminded (Greek, _phronéō'_):** This verb means "to exercise the mind," "to have a sentiment or opinion," or "to be (mentally) disposed." It refers not to uniformity of thought on every minor detail, but a shared disposition, purpose, or spiritual outlook. It implies a common spiritual orientation, a unity of affection and will, prioritizing the Gospel and the welfare of the body of Christ. The idea is to have the same "mind" or "attitude" toward one another, which, as the verse clarifies, is "according to Christ Jesus."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the God of patience and consolation"**: Paul begins his prayer by addressing God according to two of His essential attributes: His boundless patience and His comforting presence. This invocation is foundational, recognizing that the qualities needed for unity among believers are divine in origin and are perfectly embodied in God Himself. It sets the stage for God to be the active agent in granting the prayer's request.
* **"grant you to be likeminded"**: This is the core petition. The verb "grant" (G1325, *dídōmi*) highlights that this unity is a gift from God, not something achievable by human will or effort alone. "Likeminded" (G5426, *phronéō*) signifies a shared spiritual disposition, a common purpose, and a unity of heart and mind, rather than a forced conformity of opinion. It is a prayer for a shared spiritual outlook that prioritizes the Gospel and mutual edification.
* **"one toward another"**: This phrase specifies the relational sphere where this likemindedness is to be manifested. It directly addresses the internal dynamics of the Christian community, particularly the tensions between "strong" and "weak" believers that Paul discussed in the preceding chapter. The unity sought is horizontal, between individual members of the body of Christ.
* **"according to Christ Jesus"**: This crucial qualifier defines the nature and standard of the desired likemindedness. It is not unity for unity's sake, nor is it based on human compromise or lowest common denominator. Instead, it is a unity that is shaped by, modeled after, and consistent with the character, teachings, and example of Christ Jesus. His humility, self-sacrificial love, and unwavering commitment to God's will serve as the ultimate paradigm for how believers should relate to one another.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in [Romans 15:5](/romans/15-5 "Romans 15:5 - Prayer for Unity"). Firstly, he uses **Apostrophe** by directly addressing God ("Now the God of patience and consolation grant..."), transforming the statement into a heartfelt prayer and underscoring the divine source of the desired outcome. Secondly, the phrase "God of patience and consolation" is a form of **Theological Statement** or **Attributive Naming**, which highlights specific aspects of God's character that are directly relevant to the petition. This emphasizes that God possesses the very qualities He is asked to impart. Thirdly, the structure of the verse itself functions as an **Exhortation embedded in a Prayer**, where the act of praying for unity simultaneously serves to instruct and encourage the recipients to pursue such unity. Finally, the concluding phrase "according to Christ Jesus" acts as a **Christological Standard**, providing the ultimate measure and model for the "likemindedness" Paul desires, thereby grounding the ethical appeal in the person and work of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 15:5 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of Christian unity and its divine source. It asserts that true harmony within the body of Christ is not merely a product of human effort or compromise, but a gracious gift from God, who Himself embodies the very patience and comfort necessary for such unity. This likemindedness, however, is not a superficial agreement on all matters, but a deep, Christ-shaped disposition that prioritizes mutual love, acceptance, and the advancement of the Gospel over individual preferences or contentious issues. It underscores the profound truth that our capacity to bear with one another, to comfort and encourage, flows directly from God's character and is made possible by His empowering presence. The verse thus links the internal health and relational dynamics of the church directly to the attributes of God and the example of Christ, making unity a theological imperative rooted in divine grace.

* [Philippians 2:1-2](/philippians/2-1-2 "Philippians 2:1-2 - Paul's Appeal for Unity")
* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God, the Father of Mercies and God of All Comfort")
* [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Walking Worthy of Your Calling, Preserving Unity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:5 offers a compelling call to both prayer and practice for believers today. In a world increasingly fractured by division, and within church communities that often reflect these societal rifts, Paul's prayer for likemindedness "according to Christ Jesus" is profoundly relevant. It reminds us that genuine unity is not achieved by avoiding difficult conversations or by forcing conformity, but by cultivating a shared spiritual disposition rooted in Christ's humility, love, and self-sacrifice. This means actively seeking to understand and bear with those who hold different convictions on non-essential matters, extending the same patience and comfort that God extends to us. It challenges us to look beyond our personal preferences and cultural biases, allowing the mind of Christ to shape our interactions, our priorities, and our collective mission. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to pray earnestly for God's enabling grace to foster a unity that glorifies Him and powerfully witnesses to a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or church community do I struggle to extend patience and consolation to others?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to be "likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus" in my daily interactions?**
* **How can I actively pray for and contribute to the unity of my local church, especially amidst differing opinions or backgrounds?**
* **What specific attitudes or actions might I need to surrender or adopt to better reflect the mind of Christ in my relationships?**

### FAQ

**What does "likeminded" mean in a Christian context, and does it imply uniformity of opinion?**

Answer: In the context of [Romans 15:5](/romans/15-5 "Romans 15:5 - Prayer for Unity"), "likeminded" (Greek: *phronéō*) does not imply a rigid uniformity of opinion on every minor issue. Instead, it refers to a shared spiritual disposition, a common purpose, and a unity of heart and will, all centered on Christ. It means having the same fundamental attitude, priorities, and values as Christ, which then guides how believers relate to one another. Paul addresses this in [Philippians 2:2](/philippians/2-2 "Philippians 2:2 - Be of the Same Mind"), urging believers to be "of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." This unity is about shared devotion to Christ, mutual love, and a common commitment to the Gospel, allowing for diversity in non-essential practices while maintaining spiritual harmony.

**How does God grant patience and consolation to believers for the purpose of unity?**

Answer: God grants patience and consolation to believers primarily through the Holy Spirit and through His Word. As "the God of patience and consolation," He is the ultimate source of these qualities. The Holy Spirit indwells believers, empowering them with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes "patience" (longsuffering) and "peace" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")). God's Word also provides comfort and instruction, equipping believers to endure and to encourage one another ([Romans 15:4](/romans/15-4 "Romans 15:4 - Scriptures Written for Our Instruction and Hope")). Furthermore, God's own example of patience with humanity and His constant provision of comfort in trials serve as both a model and a source of strength for believers to extend these same qualities within their community, fostering the unity Paul prays for.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ Jesus, who is not only the standard for unity but also the very means by which it is achieved. Paul's prayer for believers to be "likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus" points directly to the incarnate Son of God as the paradigm for all Christian relationships. Christ perfectly embodied patience in His suffering and long-suffering with His disciples ([Hebrews 12:2-3](/hebrews/12-2-3 "Hebrews 12:2-3 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")), and He is the ultimate source of consolation, having promised the Holy Spirit as the "Comforter" or "Helper" ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). His self-emptying love, as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"), provides the blueprint for the humility and servant-heartedness required for true unity. Furthermore, Christ Himself prayed for the unity of His followers, that they "may be one, just as we are one" ([John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")), demonstrating that this likemindedness is integral to the divine purpose and the church's witness. Therefore, the unity Paul prays for is not merely an ethical ideal, but a spiritual reality made possible by Christ's atoning work, His indwelling Spirit, and His ongoing headship over His body, the Church ([Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing Up into Christ, the Head")).

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

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Philippians 2:5

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

1 Peter 3:8

¶ Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:

Romans 12:16

[Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Romans 15:13

¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

2 Corinthians 13:11

¶ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.