Accept One Another

1Now we that are strong, ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves: 2but let every one of us please our neighbor for his good, to his edification. 3For Christ also pleased not himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of them that reproached thee, fell upon me." 4For whatever things were written heretofore, were written for our instruction; that we through patience and the consolation of the scriptures might have hope. 5And may the God of patience and consolation grant you the like mutual affection to each other, according to the example of Christ Jesus: 6that with one mind and one mouth ye may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ the Servant of Jews and Gentiles

7Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ hath received us, to the glory of God.

8Now Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the manifestation of the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers:

9and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy, as it is written, "For this cause will I celebrate Thee among the Gentiles, and sing praises unto thy name."

10And again he saith, "Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people."

11And again, "Praise the Lord, all ye nations, praise Him, all ye people."

12And again Esaias saith, "There shall be a root of Jesse, and one that shall rise to rule over the Gentiles: in Him shall the Gentiles trust."

13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the holy Spirit.

Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

14And I myself am indeed persuaded concerning you, my brethren, that ye are full of goodness, being filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another. 15However, I have written to you, brethren, somewhat the more freely, in reminding you of your duty; because of the favor bestowed upon me by God, 16that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, administring the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the holy Spirit. 17I have therefore matter of glorying in Christ Jesus, as to the things of God. 18For I shall not go about to speak of any thing, but what Christ hath wrought by me, (to gain the obedience of the Gentiles,) both in word and deed: 19through the efficacy of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round as far as to Illyricum, I have fully declared the gospel of Christ: 20being studious however so to preach the gospel, not where Christ had been named, least I should build upon another man's foundation;

21but as it is written, They, to whom nothing was said concerning Him, shall see, and they who have not heard, shall understand.

22And thus I have been much hindered from coming to you:

Paul’s Travel Plans
(1 Corinthians 16:5–9)

23but now having no more to detain me in these parts, and having had a great desire for many years to come to you, when I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: 24for I hope to see you as I pass by, and to be brought forward by you on my way thither, after I have first had some enjoyment of you. 25But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26For the Macedonians and Achaians have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor saints at Jerusalem. 27It pleased them, I say, and they are indeed their debtors; for if the Gentiles have partook of their spiritual things, they ought also to be helpful to them in carnal ones. 28Therefore when I have dispatched this, and sealed this fruit of love to them, I will come by you into Spain. 29And I know that when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

30Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that ye earnestly strive together with me in prayers to God for me; 31that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea; and that this my service at Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints: 32that I may come to you with joy, by the will of God, and may be refreshed with you. 33Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.