Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 15
Paul ends here the long speech or sermon that he began in Romans 1:16. In it, he has fully explained the gospel (God’s message about Christ), so Paul ends with a message of hope. In the end, the gospel is always a message of hope, to everyone who accepts it. It is God’s good news for the world (5:8; 6:23).
For Christians, the word ‘hope’ has special meaning. It is not something uncertain, like luck or chance (Hebrews 6:19). Rather, ‘hope’ means the fact, or certain knowledge, that God will do good things in the future. In fact, he is already doing these things, even when our circumstances seem to show the opposite (8:28).
That knowledge gives joy and inner peace to God’s people. Paul knew that joy even when he was in prison (Philippians 1:17-19 and 4:4). He also knew that inner peace, an attitude that caused him to be content even in the most difficult circumstances (Philippians 4:11-12). Rome’s Christians would have very serious troubles a few years later. So, Paul prayed that they would know that same joy and peace. That joy and peace would come to them as they trusted God more. As they believed God’s promises, their troubles in this world would matter much less to them. Instead, their attention would be upon the wonderful things that God was doing in their lives (8:18).
Especially, they should not depend on their own strength, but on the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). They could not deal with their own troubles, but God’s Spirit was actively working in their lives (8:9-14). So, in every situation, the Holy Spirit would remind them of God’s wonderful plans for them (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). In every situation, they could be confident about God’s love for them (8:31-39). In every situation, their hope and trust in God could become stronger.
Next part: Paul's explanation of the purpose of his book (Romans 15:14-16)
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