“Just more scriptures concerning the law. I know Colossians is referring to ceremonial law but is Romans rendering to the Ten Commandments or no?”
Actually, yes and no. Remember that the writings of paul were to mainly gentile churches. Paul, a Jew and scholar of the old covenant law, was trying to teach the gentile of God, Jesus, and a righteous walk with. The problem paul kept having was with teachers of the old covenant that kept coming into these gentile churches and claiming they were not living righteous if they did not keep the ceremonial laws. This is why we see the same patterns in each of his letters to these churches; except for those things that were unique to a church such as the church of Corinth which had to deal with multiple language issues and such.
Paul, being of high education, is quite difficult to understand but we have an even bigger issue in this. We are trying to read the Bible (written in a jewish mindset in the 1 century; and prior) with a western mindset in the 21st century. Many things we fail to see now was obvious to the listener then because it was the culture.
A few years ago, a person I know had their wife’s family come from a “third world country” and visit. It absolutely amazed them that you could pull up to a speaker with your car, talk to the box, pull forward and receive your food. Imagine telling the family back home that they just went to a drive through without any further explanation. Even with an explanation, there would be somethings missing in detail and understanding. Now, go back 2000 years and tell paul about this drive through.
Ok, so we know that the entire of the book of Romans was a letter written to the church of Rome (not vatican). Jewish teachers have been coming to the church of Rome and telling them they have not obtained righteousness with the God of Abraham because they have not gotten circumcised, follow the law of moses in holidays, or keep the other precepts to which God has set up.
I’ve been wanting to read it again in it’s entirety and guess what? You get to do it with me. At least if you want to follow through and see how these books are letters as a whole and the pulling of scripture from these books then causes the confusion and misinterpretation that we see today.
In most cases where it says “sin” I will have “break Ten Commandments” as we know this is what sin is. And, where it’s law pertaining to the Ten Commandments I will have “Ten Commandments” and “law” or “works” pertaining to ceremonial law, I will have “ceremonial law”. Thus, this may clarify what is being said. As you read through these things and become experienced in deciphering the two, you will become more knowledgeable in them.
In chapter 1 we see salutations and well wishes. He tells them of the wickedness of those who know God but chose to make their own god; thus what is becoming of these individuals.
This is a perfect example of taking and applying to our lives today. If we look at the consequences which are not any different than what we are seeing today, we then know what we are guilty of today... creating our own god though we know God.
In chapter 2 he’s giving warning to those in this practice and accuses them of unrighteous judgement. This appears to be a type of message sent to the jewish leaders who were judging the romans because they did not do ceremonial laws. Those who break the Ten Commandments while having no knowledge of the law will still be judged accordingly. And those who sinned knowing the Ten Commandments will be judged by that law (2:12). Because it does not matter if you have knowledge of the Ten Commandments but it’s through doing them that matters (2:13).
He describes that when even gentiles (which would be those who had not heard of God) do according to the Ten Commandments, even though they don’t really know them, they are doing so because God put that law in their heart (2:15) and they will be judged on that light which they have (2:14).
The jew often did not follow this law, they proclaimed they were the seed and that was their salvation; thus they did not repent from breaking the law (Matthew 3:8-9)(2:17). Which is a lot like today, people proclaim salvation on the notion that they know Jesus, thus they do not have to keep the law. These people have an appearance of knowledge but they are hypocrites in teaching repentance to which they have not done themselves (2:18-24). Their being from the seed of Abraham (circumcision) only prophets them if they keep the law (2:25). In that day they “said Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham” (John8:39); which then relates to today in which Jesus proclaims “why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:” (Luke 6:46-47). Therefore in relation to today, knowing Christ only profits if we keep the Ten Commandments.
Being the seed of abraham (circumcision) is actually accomplished by keeping the Ten Commandments, therefore it does not matter if you are circumcised physically but you are inwardly through the obedience (2:26-29). The physical jew no longer has any advantage in circumcision as it profits nothing (3:1).
Would God be unrighteous in taking vengeance upon us when our unrighteousness commends His righteousness? No, this is how we will be judged; based on His righteousness (3:5-6). So, if I were to lie about the truth of God and caused abundance in Him, I will be judged also as a sinner. For, we can not do evil for good; and our damnation would be just because of the evil which we do. We then are no better than the sinner; we are all the same (3:7-9).
All the righteous people are gone and do not truly seek God. They are unprofitable in what they do. None of them are good as their words are dead and they speak deceit. They curse their neighbor and are quick to judge (stoning or bringing blood). They bring destruction, misery, and war (3:10-18).
We know what the Ten Commandments say and for those of us who know, our boasting in our own righteousness is stopped; because through these Ten Commandments, the entire world is guilty (3:19). It’s by these laws that we know sin, therefore no flesh will be justified (3:20). Yet God’s righteousness is manifested even without the knowledge of the Ten Commandments; and this is proven through the old testament (law and prophets) (3:21). Even today His righteousness is shown through the faith in Jesus (3:22); because whether old covenant or new, we have all sinned and come short of God’s glory (3:23). Because of this fact God sent Jesus to shed His righteous blood for us; thus justifying those who will follow Him (3:24-26).
Where’s our boasting now, knowing that salvation comes through faith in Jesus and not by the keeping of the Ten Commandments (law) or ceremonial law (works)(3:27)? Now we can’t boast that we are righteous because we keep the Ten Commandments because our righteousness can only come from one who freely gave (3:28). He is God of all and it’s only through Him that justification can come; by faith, either those physical jew (circumcised) or spiritual jew (circumcised in the heart)(3:29-30).
Now, since we live in faith of Jesus and His redemption, do we take away the Ten Commandments? No. It’s because of the Ten Commandments that we know we sin and need salvation; therefore we establish that law (3:31).
When it comes to ceremonial law (works), Abraham was not even made righteous through that; but rather because of his faith in God, just as our faith in Christ (4:1-3). These who come to you keeping the ceremonial laws, they are in debt and do not have faith in Jesus; therefore no grace is given. But to those who do not according to the ceremonial law but believe in Jesus, his faith is counted as righteousness (4:4-5). Even David, in the old covenant, described the grace of God not through the ceremonial law but through the knowledge of our breaking the Ten Commandments and the confession of that sin to God (Psalms 32)(4:6). Because of this we know that this blessing comes not from the ceremonial things we do (circumcision) to be a seed (4:9). Even in the times of Abraham and David, they were counted by God, whether they were circumcised or not (4:10). Abraham’s promise was not by circumcision, which is just a seal, but of faith; not even in just keeping the Ten Commandments, but through faith in God (4:11-13). Because, if all the heirs had to do is keep the Ten Commandments the faith in God would be void, and the promise of no effect (4:14). Transgressing the Ten Commandments bring punishment (“wrath” from greek orgé meaning punishment); therefore, transgression of the law (sin) can only be where there is a law (4:15). Therefore, “not to that ONLY which” is keeping the Ten Commandments, “but to that ALSO which is of the” same faith to which Abraham had (4:16). So, it’s by this faith we have peace (5:1-2), and not only in good times but in tribulations also, as they do a good work in us (5:3); because by these comes patience and experience, and by experience hope (5:4). Don’t be ashamed in our hope because we know we have the Spirit of God within us (5:5).
In our weakness and sinful state Christ died for us; taking our place in death for sin (5:6-11) because sin entered into the world by one man and spread to all, because we have all sinned (5:12). Even before the written law there was sin, because sin can not be where there is no law (5:13), thus sin was from adam to moses (5:14). In much of the same way which sin entered, so the free gift came. By one man sin entered and by one Man (Jesus) the gift of grace is given to those who will receive it (5:15). By one’s disobedience came condemnation and death, and by the Other’s obedience came justification and life (5:16-21).
So, should we continue to break the Ten Commandments because we have grace? “God forbid” (notice the emphasis added to this answer by paul), how can we who are saved from breaking the Ten Commandments continue in this sin? (6:1-2). Do we not understand that when we were baptized we were buried with Christ and should walk in the newness of this Christ like life (6:3-4), knowing that the flesh which broke these Ten Commandments has been put to death and we should not break them anymore (6:6)? Those who took this death should be free from doing such (6:7), in like manner to which Christ died to sin once (taking ours) and rose again to God, so we must die to breaking the Ten Commandments and rise again unto God, through Jesus (6:8-11). Therefore, the breaking of the Ten Commandments must not rein in us, not even the lust (which is to say dwelling upon) these things (6:12).
Our actions, thoughts, and speech (members of our body) should be such as an instrument of a witness to God who lives in us (6:13). We will not break the Ten Commandments: we will not allow ourselves to live by the rules of this law but by the rules of grace. [This is better explained as, most of us do not live under the law of shoplifting but we live under the moral law of “do unto others”. We do not live under it because we refuse to break it. This is explained in the next verses.] (6:14)
Since I say we are not under the Ten Commandments, shall we break them? “God forbid” (6:15), for we have yielded ourselves as servants which obey the instructions. We will either obey sin unto death, or we will be obedient to God and unto righteousness (6:16). Thank God that we who were servants to sin now obey because of love (from the heart) to Him which delivered us (6:17), for now that we do not break the Ten Commandments, we became servants of righteousness (6:18). As we have yielded to the things of the flesh (breaking the law), now we must yield to the things of righteousness (not breaking the law)(6:19). When we broke the Ten Commandments we were free from righteousness and now that we have knowledge of this, are ashamed (6:20) as these things bring death (6:23); but now we have stopped breaking these laws and became servants of God, and will receive eternal life (6:22).
Do you not know that we will always be under control (dominion) of the Ten Commandments as long as we live (7:1)? As a woman is under the Ten Commandments when her husband lives, she is dead to it when he no longer lives; because marrying then does not violate that law (7:2-3). In the same manner, we are under the Ten Commandments when we live by them (break them) but as Christ followers we are dead to the Ten Commandments because we will not break it, but rather bear fruit unto God (7:4).
When we were in the flesh we brought forth fruit unto death through the breaking of the Ten Commandments (7:5); but now we are dead to that law because we serve a newness of spirit which is to say our lives changed from which we broke the law (7:6).
Am I saying the Ten Commandments is sin? “God forbid”, it’s by the Ten Commandments that we know what sin is (7:7). Sinning brought me into all kinds of lust but I did not know I was sinning because I did not have knowledge of the Ten Commandments (7:8). I thought I was living life to the fullest when I did not know of the Ten Commandments; but when I understood them the knowledge of sin came to me and I realized I was dead (7:9). The Ten Commandments are life, but to me they were death because lust deceived me; and by breaking them, they were the death of me (7:10-11).
Knowing that the Ten Commandments are holy and good, was it these laws that brought death upon me? “God forbid”, it was by breaking these laws which brought death (7:12-13). It’s because the Ten Commandments are spiritual and I am carnal and sinful (7:14). I do what I don’t want to and don’t do what I want to, therefore it’s when I do what I do not want to do that I give consent to the law (7:15-16). It’s not by the will of my spirit that I do these things but by the sin in my flesh; because my flesh has no good thing in it (7;17-20). It’s when I do wrong that I’m presented with the Ten Commandments, therefore my spirit takes delight in them (7:21-22). My flesh, on the other hand, has another law (that of sin) which wars against the Ten Commandments which my spirit knows. This then bring me into captivity to the sin which is in my flesh (7:23). Oh, who shall deliver me from this flesh of sin? Thank God who does so through Jesus Christ; therefore my spirit (mind) I keep the Ten Commandments though my flesh wants to sin (7:24-25)
Therefore, Jesus does not condemn those who do not walk according to the sinful flesh and according to the spirit which obeys (8:1). It’s the law of obedience in the Spirit which frees me from sin (8:2). The Ten Commandments (which define sin) can not remove the sin from my flesh, therefore God sent His Son to condemn that sin (8:3), so that the righteousness of the Ten Commandments be fulfilled in us because we do not walk after the sinful flesh but after the Spirit (8;4). Those who walk in the flesh will do the things of the flesh; but those who walk in the Spirit will do the things of the Spirit. [This could be clearer when swapped, “Those who do the things of the flesh walk in the flesh and those who do the things of the Spirit walk in the Spirit”](8:5). To be carnally minded is death and spiritually minded is life because the carnal mind does not subject itself to the Ten Commandments, therefore it’s an enemy to God (8:6-7). Which means those who live according to the sinful flesh can not please God (8:8).
If one does not live by the flesh, but by the Spirit, the Spirit of God dwells in him. If a man has not the Spirit of God, he is not one of Gods (8:9); and for one to have the Spirit of God, he must keep the Ten Commandments (John 14:15-16). If the Spirit is in us, we kill the flesh because of the sin in it, and we live by the Spirit which is according to righteousness (8:10); because that Spirit will quicken the flesh, therefore we do not live by doing the deeds of the flesh, for if we do, we will die. But, if we allow the Spirit to kill the deeds of the flesh, we will live; because those who live by the leading of the Spirit are son’s of God (8:11-14). We are son’s because we do not live according to the flesh, in that spirit of bondage, but we receive the adoption crying our Father (8:15).
Now, since we are children, we are heirs but also in Christ’s suffering so that we are glorified together in Him (8:17). Even still, the reward far out weights the suffering we have in this day (8:18).
Sin has corrupted the entire world and all the world groans for the coming of Christ; and the Spirit of God groans for us (8:19-28).
God foreknew us from the womb, forming us (Jeremiah 1:5); some more towards obedience and some toward rebellion; but our spirit was to be like Christ. Like Christ we die to the sinful flesh and rise again in God. Therefore, by our spirit we are justified in Christ, by His Spirit but in our flesh we die (8:29-30). Now understanding that He called all of us by the Spirit, we know that if God be for us, who can be against us (8:31).
These jews come to you with confusion, they which reject Christ and remain in ceremonial laws, regulations, and customs; know that I am not lying to you on these things. My heart is heavy for these brothers of mine (these fellow jews). I would rather give my life for Christ if they would understand these truths. Yet, who are the Israelites who are given the promise, glory, service, law, covenants, and adoption which they speak? Who are they concerning the flesh which Christ came, concerning all? (9:1-5). I’m not saying that God’s promise has not taken effect but just because one is born of the seed of Israel does not make him Israel; nor if they are born of the seed of Abraham. But the seed was actually through Isaac, at least those in the flesh, but they are not the children of God. The children of God were counted through the promise and it is they who are counted as the seed. The promise was that Sarah would have a son, and Rebecca also (9:6-10). God called them in the womb, before they were able to do any good or bad; because we know that it was said to her that the older would serve the younger. And, God loved Jacob and hated Esau (9:11-13).
Does that mean God’s unrighteous? No, He said to moses He will have mercy on them He has mercy and compassion on them He has compassion. This being said in Exodus 33:19 in pertaining to a question moses gave in vs 16. God, even unto the fleshly seed, will show mercy on some and compassion on some. We know this will be and there is nothing we can do about it. But we also know it is according to the heart of the man, as He raised up pharaoah for the purpose of showing His power through him; through his destruction. So He will show mercy to some and to those with hard hearts He will harden them still for His glory (9:14-18). After all, He is the Potter and we are the vessels. To some whose hearts are soft these vessels He forms for glory and some who which have hard hearts these he forms for dishonor; but He still offers his longsuffering to the vessel which was made for dishonor giving all a chance for their hearts to soften as we know He does not want any to perish (2 Peter 3:9). This is the way it is for both the jew and the gentile (9:19-26). Even though the number of the seed of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant will be saved; because the work of the Lord will be short on the earth (9:27-28). Esau even proclaimed that the jew were as Sodom and as of Gomorrah and they would not be if not for the seed (9:29), so then the gentile obtained righteousness through faith while the jew tried to obtain righteousness only by keeping the law and through the lack of faith lost righteousness (9:30-33).
My heart’s desire goes out to Israel that they will be saved. They have a zeal for God but no knowledge of the truth. They are ignorant in God’s righteousness and go about trying to establish their own righteousness through ceremonial laws and traditions (10:1-3). But Christ ended the ceremonial laws described by moses (Leviticus 18:5) so righteousness comes through faith in Him (10:4-5).
Knowing then that it does not matter if they are jew or gentile, those who call on the name of Jesus shall be saved for with the heart man believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confesses to salvation (10:6-13). This is accomplished by faith and faith by hearing the Word of God by them who were called. Yet, it’s unfortunate that some have not obeyed this calling (10:14-17); even though they have heard as the sound went to all the earth (10:18); they knew, but they did not have faith (Deuteronomy 32:20-21)(10:19). God says to those who don’t know me they find me but to those who I show myself they are rebellious to me (Isaiah 65)(10:20-21). Wow, we should apply this to our lives.
So, has God cast away the physical jew? No, I’m a jew from the tribe of benjamin and used by Him (11:1). He has not cast down His people to which serve Him just as He told Elias of those 7000 who had not bowed to Baal. Even a remnant was preserved then unto grace. Yet Israel is a rebellious people. The blood flowed constantly from the sacrifice within the temple for it was just motions to which they followed and did not keep the laws; as by the breaking of the law then a sacrifice of a lamb was required. They seen no more the cost, nor held themselves accountable to God. Thus, in like manner now, they had not the faith in the Christ which was prophesied to them from prophets of old (11:2-10). Their fall has brought salvation to the gentile which now make them jealous (Matthew 22:1-14)(11:11).
Now, I speak more as an apostle of the gentiles as to provoke the jew and maybe save some of them; we should not just cast them away but recon them. Anyone who is in the vine is holy and just and good, but with those who are pruned off and you placed in the place, do not provoke them which have fallen. If God pruned those which were natural, He will also prune those who are grafted (11:13-21). All those who remain in the root are Israel, and all Israel will be saved (11:26). All those who are in the root, their sins will be removed (11:27).
With all this said, I beg of you to present your flesh as a living sacrifice to God, which is kill the deeds of it and make yourself holy and acceptable to God; after all this is a reasonable service for that which He’s done (12:1). Don’t do the things that the world does, but renew your mind and transform your actions so that they will prove what is good, acceptable, and perfect to God (12:2). Do not exalt yourself and think of yourself any better than another, as these who come to you, but understand that each has their measure of faith which God has given according the the level of walk they are on (12:3). We are all one body in Christ and each have their own job and each of us are joined together making one body (12:4-5). Each one of us has gifts according to what is given and we should walk in those gifts (12:6-8). Do not hide your love. Hate that which is evil and cling onto good (12:9). Be kind and honor one another (12:10). Do not be lazy in your work but fervent in the Spirit, in serving God (12:11). Rejoice in your hope and be patient in your tribulation, staying continuous in prayer (12:12). Giving what is needed unto the saints and giving in hospitality (12:13). Do not come against those who persecute you but bless them (12:14). Rejoice in the rejoicing of others and weep when they are weeping (12:15). Everyone be of this same mind; and do not think that one is better than the other by means of estate, and avoid pride (12:16). Do not do evil for evil but always be honest for all men to see (12:17). Do your best to live in peace with all men and do not avenge yourselves; let God handle it according to His will (12:18-19). If your enemy is hungry or thirsty, give him food and drink. This will cause him to think upon his wickedness (12:20). Do not let evil control your actions, but overcome that evil with good (12:21).
There is only one power which is God; therefore, do not think of yourself to put the actions of another under your subject; but let God handle it (13:1). If they resist, they are resisting His instruction and are condemning themselves to damnation (13:2). Good ministers (“rulers” from the greek word “archón” which is the jewish leaders of the assembly of elders) are not a terror to those who are doing good; but to those who do evil. Are you not afraid of that power? Do good and you will receive the same (13:3). These rulers are of the ministry of God for good. But, if you do evil be afraid; because he does not have the knowledge of the Word for nothing (he is a minster (messenger) of God) and will correct you through God (13:4). Therefore you are subject to them, not just for correction but for accountability (13:5). Therefore honor them because they are God’s ministers (13:6) and give them what is due in tithe (tribute), respect (fear), and honor (13:7).
Owe no man anything but love one another; because he who loves fulfills the Ten Commandments (Galatians 5:14)(13:8). Because, the Ten Commandment says not to commit adultery, not to kill, not to steal, not to lie, and not to covet; for these are briefly understood in this saying that you love your neighbor as yourself (13:9). The work of love does not do bad things to his neighbor; therefore through love one fulfills the Ten Commandments (13:10).
Now, knowing where we are, it’s high time we wake up because Christ’s return and our salvation is nearer than when we think (13:11). The night is done and we are in the light; therefore cast aside the sinful things done in the dark and put on the armor of God’s light (13:12). Therefore let us always walk honestly as though all can see, and not in anger and drunkenness, in private things and in sexual immoral things (wantonness); and not in strife and envy of others (13:13). Therefore, put on the likeness of Christ and do not leave room for the fleshly desires (13:14).
Now we move into chapter 14 which you questioned:
First, we’ve noticed that paul in no way says we are to disregard the Ten Commandments; but rather we are to keep them understanding our condition and that we will be judged on these laws. Therefore, if he were to turn around and say we no longer had to keep one of these laws, he then would be what he condemned within this very letter... a hypocrite.
Second, the word Sabbath does not exist in the entire chapter of Romans 14 and yet some have concluded that Romans 14:5 is referring to the weekly Sabbath of the Lord. The Sabbath of the Lord is a precious Commandment to God and is never referred to as just a day! Romans 14 concerns “doubtful things” and is not a discussion of the Ten Commandments of God but over foods sacrificed to idols and the Jewish feasts days that had ended. The converted Jew retaining respect for the Law of Moses abstained from certain meats and observed ceremonial days while the converted Gentile understood that Christianity put him under no such obligation in regard to the ceremonial points of the ordinances. Also very significant is that the word “alike” in Romans 14:5 does not exist in the Greek and is an added word, which tends to convey an idea which the apostle never designed or intended.
Understand also that the two Sabbaths were separated by to whom they belonged. The Sabbath of the Ten Commandments which God wrote was called My Sabbath (Exodus 31:13, Ezekiel 20:20); while the ceremonial sabbaths of Israel written by moses were called HER sabbaths (Hosea 2:11, Lamentations 1:7). Now you can see in God’s Word, that which I have knowledge of by attending and studying jewish temples and traditions.
Therefore we know with this knowledge that paul is continuing to discuss the issue of the jews coming to the romans and demanding they keep the ceremonial feast days. Now the interesting fact in this is, those who are strong are those who understand that salvation lies in the faith of Jesus and not on foods and days; to where those who are weak think we must still keep these ceremonial days (14:2-6). Paul had been correcting the issues presented by weak jews and now is telling the roman church to not come against them because they are weak but we are to love them still (14:4). We are not to judge our brother in these weaknesses, we are all the Lords; both while we live and when we die (14:7-8). Why do we judge or naught? We will ALL stand before Him in judgment, then every knee shall bow and tongue confess to God (14:10-11). So, each one will give account of ourselves to God (14:12). Therefore, let’s not judge on these things but still let’s not be a stumbling block either. While one may see it as clean, another see’s it un-clean. If they are bothered by your meat, do not continue in it, in his presence but restrain from it (14:13-15).
Many think this is talking of pork vs beef and such; but it’s actually talking about what is possibly been presented to pagan idols (Acts 15, 1 Corinthians 8:4-13). Remember that paul is talking to a roman church to which sat in rome; a pagan country that offered sacrifices to pagan idols. Some jews were worried about eating meat offered to idols and so they came against the church of rome in not knowing where the meat came.
Restrain from eating these meats so that all the good which you teach to these jews will not be spoken ill of because of this one little thing (14:16) because the Kingdom of God is not about meats and drinks but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (14:17). So let’s follow after the things that lead to peace and edify one another (14:19). It’s not the meat that destroys the work of God but the offense in eating it that does the evil (14:20). It’s better not to eat or drink the things that offends a brother which could cause him to stumble and not receive from you (14:21).
We then that are strong should not do to our own pleasure, but should bear the infirmities of the weak for his good and edification, for this is what Christ himself did (15:1-3).
All these things which were written before this time, were written for our learning; that through patients and comfort of these scriptures will have hope (15:4). That God of patience tells us to be patient towards one another in Christ so that God is glorified in one mind and one accord (15:5-6). Therefore receive each other as Christ received us (15:7).
Now Jesus was the minister of circumcision to confirm the promise made to the fathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) that even the gentile would glorify God for his mercy as written (15:8-12). Now the God of hope fill you (gentiles) with joy and peace in believing, that you will live in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit (15:13).
Now I believe that you are full of goodness and knowledge so that now you can reprimand one another; nonetheless I have done so more boldly as the ministry God graced me with (15:14-15). That I should be the minister of Jesus to the gentiles so that you will be found acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit (15:16). I will give only that which is given by God; and will not speak of those things which Jesus has not given me, to make gentiles obedient through ceremonial things (15:17-18). Through signs and wonders by the power of the Spirit, I fully preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to all that was accounted upon me (15:19). So, I’ve strived to preach the gospel of Jesus not where they already knew Him as to tread on another ministers foundation, but where they have not heard of Him (15:20-21). This is why I have not been able to make it to you, yet now since I have no more place here, I have a desire to come to you and should do so in my travels to Spain (15:22-24). But for now, I must go to Jerusalem to minister to the saints which are in Jerusalem; where gentiles now travel. Because if the gentiles have been made debtors of the learning of spiritual things, they then are to minister to them in carnal things (15:25-27). When I am done I will come to you and I will come in the fullness and blessing of the gospel of Christ; yet I beg of you, remember me in your prayers as I remember you. That the saints in Jerusalem hear my words and I’m spared from those who don’t believe; that I will be able to come to you. Amen(15:28-33).