1We who are strong ought to put up with the weaknesses of those who are not strong, and not just please ourselves.
2Each of us should please our neighbor for their good, to build them up.
3For even Christ did not please himself. Instead, as the Scriptures say, 'The insults of those who insulted you fell on me.'
4Everything written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the patience and encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
5May God, who gives patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with one another, following Christ Jesus’s example.
6Then you will all, with one mind and one voice, praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7Therefore, welcome one another, just as Christ welcomed you, to the glory of God.
8I tell you that Christ became a servant to the Jewish people to show God’s truth, confirming the promises made to their ancestors.
9He did this so that the non-Jewish people could praise God for his mercy. As it is written, 'Therefore I will praise you among the non-Jewish people and sing to your name.'
10Again, the Scripture says, 'Rejoice, you non-Jewish people, with his people.'
11And again, 'Praise the Lord, all you non-Jewish people! Let all the peoples praise him.'
12Again, Isaiah says, 'There will be a descendant of Jesse, one who will rise to rule over the non-Jewish people; in him the non-Jewish people will place their hope.'
13May the God of hope fill you with complete joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
14My brothers and sisters, I am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, overflowing with all knowledge, and able to advise one another.
15However, I have written to you quite boldly on some points, to remind you of things, because of the grace God gave me.
16He made me a servant of Christ Jesus to the non-Jewish people, performing priestly duties for the Good News of God. This is so that the offering of the non-Jewish people may be acceptable, made holy by the Holy Spirit.
17So I have reason to boast in Christ Jesus about my service to God.
18I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the non-Jewish people to obey God, by what I have said and done.
19He worked through me with powerful signs and wonders, by the power of God’s Spirit. As a result, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ all the way from Jerusalem to Illyricum.
20My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where Christ was not already known, so that I would not build on someone else’s foundation.
21But as it is written, 'Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.'
22That is why I have been prevented many times from coming to visit you.
23But now I have finished my work in these areas. For many years I have wanted to visit you,
24and I plan to do so when I travel to Spain. I hope to see you on my journey and have you help me on my way there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.
25However, for now I am going to Jerusalem to help God's people.
26That is because Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to contribute money for the poor among God's people in Jerusalem.
27Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they ought to also help them with their material needs.
28So when I have finished this task and safely delivered this money to them, I will travel through your city on my way to Spain.
29I know that when I come to you, I will come with the full blessing of the Good News of Christ.
30Now I ask you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love the Spirit gives, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf.
31Pray that I will be protected from those in Judea who refuse to believe, and that my service for Jerusalem will be accepted by God's people there;
32so that I may come to you with joy, if it is God’s will, and be refreshed with you.
33May the God of peace be with all of you. Amen.