Rejoice with those who rejoice;
This phrase emphasizes the importance of empathy and community within the body of Christ. In the cultural context of the early church, communal living and shared experiences were vital for survival and spiritual growth. The call to rejoice with others aligns with the biblical principle of unity found in passages like 1 Corinthians 12:26, where the church is described as one body with many members. This reflects the nature of Christ, who shared in the joys and celebrations of others, such as the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11). The act of rejoicing with others is a demonstration of love and selflessness, encouraging believers to look beyond their own circumstances and celebrate the blessings and successes of others.

weep with those who weep.
This phrase highlights the call to compassion and solidarity in times of sorrow. In the historical context of the Roman Empire, where persecution and suffering were common for Christians, the ability to empathize with others' pain was crucial for maintaining strong community bonds. This mirrors the example of Jesus, who wept at the death of Lazarus (John 11:35), showing His deep compassion and humanity. The call to weep with others is also a reflection of the prophetic vision of a Messiah who bears our griefs and carries our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4). By sharing in the sorrows of others, believers fulfill the law of Christ, as described in Galatians 6:2, by bearing one another's burdens. This practice strengthens the church and provides comfort and support to those in need.

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.

3. The Early Christian Community
The broader context of the letter includes the early Christian communities who were learning to live out their faith in a predominantly pagan society.Empathy as a Christian Virtue
Christians are called to develop a deep sense of empathy, reflecting Christ's love by sharing in the emotional experiences of others.

Community and Unity
The church is a body of believers meant to support one another. Rejoicing and weeping together strengthens the unity and bond within the community.

Practical Love in Action
Demonstrating love through empathy is a practical way to live out the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.

Emotional Engagement
Engaging with others' emotions requires vulnerability and openness, which can lead to deeper relationships and spiritual growth.

Reflecting Christ's Compassion
Jesus exemplified perfect empathy, and believers are called to follow His example by being present in the lives of others.(15) Rejoice with them that do rejoice.--The feeling of sympathy is perhaps more under the control of the will than might be supposed. It becomes so, however, not so much by isolated efforts as by a conscious direction given to the whole life. The injunction in this verse is one of those that have been perhaps most fully carried out in modern times. It has entered into the social code, and belongs as much to the gentleman as the Christian. The danger, therefore, is that the expression of sympathy should be unreal and insincere. This will be prevented by the presence of the Christian motive.

Verses 15-17. - Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another (denoting mutual good feeling and unanimity of sentiment; not, of course, agreement in opinion on all subjects). Mind not high things, but condescend to (literally, being led away with) men of low estate. It is a question whether τοῖς ταπεινοῖς should not be understood as neuter, so as to correspond with τὰ ὐψηλὰ; the meaning thus being that, instead of being ambitious, we should let ourselves be drawn willingly to the lowlier spheres of usefulness to which we may be called. The main objection to this view is that the adjective ταπεινὸς is not elsewhere applied to things, but to persons. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide (in the sense of take forethought for) things honest (or fair, or honourable) in the sight of all men. This is a citation from Proverbs 3:4, where the LXX. has, Προνοοῦ καλὰ ἀνώπιον Κυριόυ καὶ ἀνθρώπων. We are not only to do what we know to be right in the sight of God, but also to have regard to the view that will be taken of our conduct by other men; we must not give any just cause for our good being evil spoken of (cf. ver. 16 and 1 Peter 2:12).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Rejoice
χαίρειν (chairein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

those who rejoice;
χαιρόντων (chairontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

weep
κλαίειν (klaiein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2799: To weep, weep for, mourn, lament. Of uncertain affinity; to sob, i.e. Wail aloud.

with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

those who weep.
κλαιόντων (klaiontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2799: To weep, weep for, mourn, lament. Of uncertain affinity; to sob, i.e. Wail aloud.


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NT Letters: Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice (Rom. Ro)