Reading for October 26th

 Read Romans 15.14-33. In 15.14-33: Paul's plans and anxieties. In verse 14-29: Paul reflects on his own ministry. In verse 14: Paul reaffirms his confidence in the Roman church (1.8; 1 Cor 1.5). In verses 15-16: Grace given me refers to Paul's call to be an apostle to the gentiles (1 Cor 15.10-11). Referring to his ministry as priestly service is unusual. In verse 19: Signs and wonders accompanied Paul's ministry (2 Cor 12.12). Illyricum was a Roman province across the Adriatic Sea from Italy. In verse 21: Isa 52.15. In verse 22: What hindered Paul is not known (1.13). In verse 23: These regions were probably the areas bordering the Aegean Sea. In verse 24: Hospitality would also include financial provision for his mission to Spain (see v. 28; 1 Cor 16.6). In verse 25-26: Ministry to the saints refers to the financial collection Paul had gathered for poor Christians in Jerusalem (1 Cor 16.1-4; 2 Cor 8-9). In verse 27: Paul applies the principle of reciprocity stated in Gal 6.6. In verse 30-33: Paul's anxiety about the collection. In verse 31: Unbelievers in Judea are probably non-Christian Jews (1 Thess 2.15). Acts 21.17-26 relates Paul's arrival in Jerusalem and the controversy it causes among Jews, but omits the collection. Comments or Questions..