Reading for September 1st

 Read Romans 15.1-13. In 15.1-13. In verses 1-6: Helping the weak. In verses 1-2: The previous discussion is summarized well here. In verse 3: Ps 69.9. In verse 4: Whatever was written in former days refers to the previously quoted psalm, but applies to the Old testament Scriptures generally (1 Cor 10.11). In verse 5: The concluding prayer for harmony echoes earlier advice (12.16; Phil 2.2). In verses 7-13: Concluding appeal. In verses 7-8: Christ's example influences Christian behavior (3.26; 2 Cor8.9). In verse 8: Servant of the circumcised indicates Christ's service to the Jews (Gal 4.4-5), whose patriarchs received the promises that gentiles would receive God's blessing (4.13; 9.4). The following Old Testament quotations include gentiles in God's purpose. In verse 9: Ps 18.49; 2 Sam 22.50. In verse 10: Deut 32.43. In verse 11: Ps 117.1. In verse 12: Isa 11.10. In verse 13: Paul prays for the vision of 14.7 to be realized. Comments or Questions..