Romans 15:7

KJV

¶ Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} receive ye {G4355} one another {G240}, as {G2531}{G2532} Christ {G5547} also {G2531} received {G4355} us {G2248} to {G1519} the glory {G1391} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So welcome each other, just as the Messiah has welcomed you into God’s glory.

Berean Standard Bible

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God.

American Standard Version

Wherefore receive ye one another, even as Christ also received you, to the glory of God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:7 presents a profound imperative for Christian community: believers are to welcome and accept one another with the same unconditional grace and hospitality that Christ extended to humanity. This mutual reception, modeled directly on Jesus's own inclusive love, serves not only to foster deep unity within the body of Christ but ultimately to bring honor and praise to God, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15:7 stands as a culminating exhortation within Paul's extensive discussion on Christian unity and the handling of disputable matters, primarily found in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Disputable Matters") and the beginning of [Romans 15](/romans/15 "Romans 15 - Paul's Example and Mission"). The preceding chapters address tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers, as well as those with differing convictions regarding practices like dietary laws and the observance of special days. Paul urges the "strong" in faith to bear with the "weak," emphasizing that no one should cause a brother or sister to stumble or be despised. This verse, therefore, acts as a summary command, elevating the standard of Christ's inclusive love as the foundational principle for how believers should interact, moving beyond mere tolerance to active, gracious reception.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian church in Rome was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts, each bringing distinct cultural backgrounds, traditions, and interpretations of faith. Jewish believers often adhered to Mosaic dietary laws and Sabbath observances, while Gentile Christians, freed from such stipulations, sometimes viewed these practices as unnecessary or even antithetical to the Gospel of grace. This diversity, while a testament to the Gospel's reach, also created potential for division and judgment. In the broader Roman world, hospitality (xenia) was a highly valued social virtue, but it was often extended based on social standing or mutual benefit. Paul's command to "receive one another" transcends these societal norms, calling for a radical, Christ-like welcome that embraces all believers regardless of their background or "strength" in faith.
* **Key Themes:** Several key themes converge in [Romans 15:7](/romans/15-7 "Romans 15:7 - Mutual Acceptance in Christ"). Foremost is **Mutual Acceptance and Unity**, underscoring the imperative for believers to actively welcome and embrace one another, fostering genuine fellowship that bridges differences in background, conviction, and spiritual maturity. This concept is deeply rooted in Paul's vision for the church as a unified body, as explored in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - The Body of Christ"). Another central theme is **Christ as the Model**, as the phrase "as Christ also received us" provides the ultimate standard for Christian conduct. Christ's unconditional reception of humanity, particularly the lost and sinful, serves as the ultimate paradigm for our interactions, demonstrating a love that "does not insist on its own way" ([1 Corinthians 13:5](/1_corinthians/13-5 "1 Corinthians 13:5 - Love's Characteristics")). Finally, the verse highlights the theme of **Glorifying God**. The ultimate purpose of this mutual acceptance is "to the glory of God," indicating that when believers live in harmony and genuine fellowship, it reflects God's character, validates the transformative power of the Gospel, and fulfills Christ's prayer for unity in [John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _proslambánō'_):** From G4355, meaning "to take to oneself, i.e. use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality)." This term signifies more than mere tolerance; it implies a warm, active welcome, an embrace, an admission into fellowship. It suggests an intentional, gracious act of hospitality, much like one would 'take to oneself' a guest or friend into their home or company, emphasizing active inclusion and not just passive acceptance.
* **one another (Greek, _allḗlōn'_):** From G240, meaning "each other, mutual, one another." This reciprocal pronoun highlights the bilateral nature of the command. It's not just about some receiving others, but a mutual, communal practice where all members of the Christian community extend this welcoming grace to every other member.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From G1391, meaning "glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship." In this context, it refers to the honor, praise, and good reputation that is brought to God when believers demonstrate Christ-like unity and acceptance. Their actions become a visible manifestation of God's character and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore receive ye one another":** This opening phrase, introduced by "Wherefore" (G1352, _dió_, "consequently, therefore"), serves as a logical conclusion to Paul's preceding arguments in Romans 14 and 15:1-6. It is a direct imperative, commanding all believers to actively and intentionally welcome, embrace, and admit fellow Christians into their fellowship, regardless of their differences in conviction or background. The emphasis is on proactive, inclusive hospitality.
* **"as Christ also received us":** This clause provides the divine standard and motivation for the command. The Greek word for "as" (G2531, _kathṓs_) indicates a direct parallel and imitation. Believers are to mirror the manner and depth of Christ's own reception of humanity. Christ received us not based on our merit or perfection, but in our sinfulness and weakness, extending grace, forgiveness, and salvation. This sets an incredibly high, unconditional benchmark for mutual acceptance within the church.
* **"to the glory of God":** This final phrase states the ultimate purpose and outcome of such Christ-like reception. The mutual acceptance among believers is not merely for their own benefit or comfort, but it serves to bring honor, praise, and recognition to God. When the church demonstrates unity, love, and radical hospitality, it visibly reflects God's character to the world, thereby glorifying Him and validating the transformative power of the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 15:7 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Analogy**, where the command for believers to "receive one another" is directly analogized to "as Christ also received us." This creates a profound moral and theological imperative, setting Christ's perfect, unconditional love as the ultimate standard for human interaction within the church. The phrase "to the glory of God" functions as a statement of **Purpose** or **Teleology**, indicating the ultimate goal and divine rationale behind the command. It elevates the act of mutual acceptance from a mere social nicety to a sacred act that redounds to God's honor. Furthermore, the imperative "receive ye" functions as a **Command**, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of this call to unity and hospitality within the Christian community, emphasizing active obedience rather than passive agreement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 15:7 deeply connects with core theological truths concerning the nature of the church, the character of God, and the implications of Christ's redemptive work. It underscores the concept of the church as a unified body, transcending human divisions and reflecting the divine unity of the Trinity. The command to receive one another as Christ received us highlights God's radical grace and unconditional love, which are extended to humanity despite its fallen state. This verse also implicitly speaks to the doctrine of **Imitation of Christ**, where believers are called to embody the virtues and actions of Jesus in their daily lives and communal interactions. The ultimate aim—the glory of God—reinforces the **Sovereignty of God** and His ultimate purpose for all creation, where human unity and love become a testament to His power and goodness.

* [Romans 14:1](/romans/14-1 "Romans 14:1 - Receiving the Weak in Faith")
* [Philippians 2:1-4](/philippians/2-1-4 "Philippians 2:1-4 - Paul's Exhortation to Humility and Unity")
* [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity in the Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:7 provides a timeless and challenging call to action for every believer and every Christian community. In a world increasingly fragmented by differences, this verse reminds us that the church is meant to be a beacon of unity, a place where all are genuinely welcomed and valued, not based on conformity to our preferences, but on the basis of Christ's reception of us. It compels us to examine our own hearts for biases, judgments, or exclusive attitudes that might hinder true fellowship. Practicing this radical acceptance means actively seeking to understand, empathize with, and embrace those whose convictions or backgrounds differ from our own, always prioritizing love and unity over personal preferences or disputable matters. When we extend Christ-like hospitality, we not only strengthen the bonds within the body of Christ but also present a compelling witness to a watching world of the transformative power of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Christ's unconditional reception of you personally challenge your own tendencies to judge or exclude others?**
* **In what specific ways can your local church better embody the command to "receive one another" across various differences?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to extend genuine, Christ-like welcome to someone you might typically overlook or disagree with?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Christ to have "received us"?**

Answer: For Christ to have "received us" means that He unconditionally embraced humanity in its fallen state, extending grace, forgiveness, and salvation without prerequisite. This reception is not based on our merit or worthiness, but solely on His divine love and redemptive purpose. It encompasses His incarnation, His ministry among sinners, His atoning death on the cross, and His ongoing invitation to all to come to Him. Just as He welcomed the outcast and the sinner during His earthly ministry ([Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")), so He continues to welcome all who come to Him by faith, bringing them into His family and fellowship. This radical act of divine hospitality is the foundation for how believers are to treat one another, as seen in [Ephesians 2:13-16](/ephesians/2-13-16 "Ephesians 2:13-16 - Christ Our Peace").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:7 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely as an ethical command, but as a direct outworking of Christ's redemptive work. Jesus Himself is the ultimate embodiment of divine reception, for He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by welcoming those rejected by society—tax collectors, sinners, the sick, and the marginalized—demonstrating God's boundless love and inclusive grace ([Luke 5:27-32](/luke/5-27-32 "Luke 5:27-32 - The Call of Levi")). The cross is the supreme act of Christ's reception of us, where He bore our sins and reconciled us to God, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down Walls")). Therefore, when believers "receive one another" in the manner prescribed by Paul, they are not just following a rule; they are participating in and manifesting the very nature of Christ's reconciling work. Their unity and mutual acceptance become a living testimony to the Gospel, reflecting the glory of the God who, through Christ, has received all who believe into His eternal family ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God")).

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

Matthew 10:40

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

John 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Romans 14:1

¶ Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations.

Romans 14:3

Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

Romans 5:2

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Ephesians 1:18

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Mark 9:37

Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.