Romans 15:1-2
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The core idea here isn't just being considerate; it's about actively "bearing" the weaknesses of others. This implies not just tolerating their struggles, but taking on a portion of that burden, much like carrying a heavy load, to help them. Paul is urging the "strong" to use their freedom not for their own comfort, but to proactively support those who are still growing in faith.
Paul is concluding his discussion on Christian liberty and how believers should interact with one another, especially concerning matters that might be a stumbling block to others. He's just emphasized that nothing is unclean in itself and that actions should be done in faith. Now, he transitions into a call for selflessness and unity, urging believers to prioritize the spiritual well-being of their brothers and sisters.
In the early church, some Christians felt more confident in their understanding of faith than others. Paul tells the 'strong' that their strength isn't just for their own benefit.
Paul uses the terms 'strong' and 'weak' to describe believers, likely referring to those with a mature understanding of Christian liberty versus those who were still struggling with certain practices, like dietary laws.
A Shared Responsibility
The core of Christian living isn't about getting our own way. Paul calls us to a higher purpose that looks beyond our personal preferences.
The verse starkly contrasts bearing with the weak with 'not to please ourselves.' This highlights a fundamental aspect of the Christian life:
The Counter-Cultural Choice
Understand the original words
dynatoi · Greek Adjective
In a biblical context, strength refers to spiritual maturity and firm conviction regarding matters of Christian liberty, specifically in relation to the conscience. It implies a stability in faith that allows one to bear the burdens of others.
bastazein · Greek Verb
To endure, support, or carry a burden. It carries the sense of patiently putting up with or tolerating something that is difficult or contrary to one's own preferences.
asthenemata · Greek Noun
Infirmities, weaknesses, or shortcomings. In the context of Romans, it refers to those whose faith is not yet fully informed or settled concerning disputable matters, making them prone to stumbling.
asthenōn · Greek Adjective/Noun
Paul is writing to the church in Rome, a diverse community likely composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. Tensions likely existed between 'strong' Christians (those confident in their freedom from Old Testament dietary laws and rituals) and 'weak' Christians (those still adhering to or scrupulous about these practices). Paul's instruction here addresses this internal friction, urging the 'strong' to prioritize unity and love over asserting their rights, drawing on Christ's own self-sacrificing example.
c. 50 BC - 10 BC
Roman Expansion and Influence
Rome's growing political and cultural dominance across the Mediterranean world influences diverse societies and peoples.
c. AD 20-30
Jesus' Ministry and Early Followers
The life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus lay the foundation for the early Christian movement.
c. AD 30-45
Expansion of the Early Church
The Gospel spreads rapidly, particularly through the missionary journeys of apostles like Paul, reaching communities like Rome.
c. AD 45-55
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul establishes numerous churches throughout Asia Minor and Greece, encountering both Jewish and Gentile believers.
This passage echoes the self-denial mentioned in Romans 15:1, as Paul explains his willingness to become 'all things to all people' not to please himself, but to win others for Christ.
Philippians 2:4This verse directly supports the principle of not pleasing oneself, urging believers to 'look not only to his own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others,' mirroring the self-sacrificing love Paul advocates.
Galatians 6:2This passage uses the same verb for 'bear' as Romans 15:1, calling believers to 'bear one another's burdens,' which directly illustrates the practical outworking of supporting the weak.
1 Peter 4:8This verse highlights that 'love covers a multitude of sins,' which aligns with the idea of bearing with the failings of others in Romans 15:1, emphasizing compassion over judgment.
Matthew 18:15While this passage is about dealing with sin within the community, the principle of seeking restoration and reconciliation by addressing a brother's failing gently speaks to the care needed for the 'weak' mentioned in Romans 15:1.
expositorsRomans 15:1: "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves."
Chapter 30 THE SAME SUBJECT: THE LORD’S EXAMPLE: HIS RELATION TO US ALL Romans 15:1-13 THE large and searching treatment which the Apostle has already given to the right use of Christian Liberty, is yet not enough. He must pursue the same theme further; above all, that he may put it into more explicit contact with the Lord Himself. We gather without doubt that the state of the Roman Mi…
barnesRomans 15:1: "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves."
We then that are strong - The apostle resumes the subject of the preceding chapter; and continues the exhortation to brotherly love and mutual kindness and forbearance. By the "strong" here he means the strong "in faith" in respect to the matters under discussion; those whose minds were free from doubts and perplexities. His own mind was free from doubt, and there were many others, par…
The core idea here isn't just being considerate; it's about actively "bearing" the weaknesses of others. This implies not just tolerating their struggles, but taking on a portion of that burden, much like carrying a heavy load, to help them. Paul is urging the "strong" to use their freedom not for their own comfort, but to proactively support those who are still growing in faith.
Paul is concluding his discussion on Christian liberty and how believers should interact with one another, especially concerning matters that might be a stumbling block to others. He's just emphasized that nothing is unclean in itself and that actions should be done in faith. Now, he transitions into a call for selflessness and unity, urging believers to prioritize the spiritual well-being of their brothers and sisters.
Paul is concluding his discussion on Christian liberty and how believers should interact with one another, especially concerning matters that might be a stumbling block to others. He's just emphasized that nothing is unclean in itself and that actions should be done in faith. Now, he transitions into a call for selflessness and unity, urging believers to prioritize the spiritual well-being of their brothers and sisters.
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A state of being powerless or lacking strength, specifically in faith or spiritual understanding. It denotes a vulnerability that requires the support and gentleness of more mature believers.
oikodomēn · Greek Noun/Verb (root)
To edify or build up. It signifies the process of strengthening, encouraging, or maturing someone in the faith, much like the construction of a building.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
Paul, while in Corinth, writes his letter to the Roman church, addressing theological issues and practical concerns.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome and Persecution
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the fire, leading to the first empire-wide persecution.
"We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." — The core idea here isn't just being considerate; it's about actively "bearing" the weaknesses of others. This implies not just tolerating their struggles, but taking on a portion of that burden, much…
