The verse highlights that "strength" in faith isn't about personal advantage or asserting one's own preferences. Instead, it carries an obligation to "bear with the failings of the weak," essentially meaning to patiently carry the burdens and sensitivities of those less confident in their faith, rather than seeking one's own gratification. This isn't just about tolerance; it's a call to actively support and accommodate others for the sake of their spiritual well-being.
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. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the Roman church, a community likely composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers who sometimes clashed over practices like dietary laws. He has spent the previous chapter discussing how those with stronger convictions shouldn't cause weaker believers to stumble through their freedom. Now, Paul intensifies this counsel, emphasizing that those who are spiritually mature have a responsibility to patiently support and accommodate those who are less mature, prioritizing unity and the well-being of others above their own preferences.
Paul urges the 'strong' to embrace a profound responsibility. What does it truly mean to be 'strong' in faith, and what does this strength demand of us?
In Romans 15:1, Paul addresses those who are 'strong' – meaning those who have a firm grasp of Christian liberty, particularly concerning matters like dietary laws and special days that caused division.
More Than Just Knowledge
Being 'strong' isn't just about having correct theological knowledge. It's about understanding that this knowledge comes with a responsibility. Paul writes, 'We who are strong have an obligation...' This isn't a suggestion; it's a duty. The strength God gives us is not for our own comfort or pride, but to serve others.
Bearing the 'Infirmities'
The word for 'infirmities' (asthenemata) points to weaknesses, faults, or failings. It's about understanding that fellow believers might struggle with doubts, scruples, or immaturity in their faith. Instead of judging or condemning them, the 'strong' are called to patiently 'bear' these failings. This means not letting their own freedom become a stumbling block for others, but rather using their spiritual resources to support and uplift those who are struggling.
In a world that screams 'look out for number one,' Paul throws a radical curveball. What does it mean for a Christian to intentionally please themselves?
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The second part of Romans 15:1 delivers a powerful counter-cultural command: '...and not to please ourselves.' This is more than just occasional self-denial; it's a fundamental reorientation of our desires.
The Selfish Default
Our natural inclination is to seek our own comfort, convenience, and gratification. This is what it means to 'please ourselves.' It can manifest as insisting on our rights, being unyielding in our opinions, or prioritizing our own happiness above all else.
The Example of Christ
Paul immediately anchors this difficult command in the ultimate example: Jesus Christ. 'For even Christ did not please Himself.' His entire life was a demonstration of self-giving love. He willingly endured hardship, rejection, and suffering, not for His own benefit, but for the glory of God and the salvation of humanity.
Edification Over Gratification
When we choose not to please ourselves, we open the door for something far more valuable: the edification of others. Our actions become motivated by a desire to build up the body of Christ, to foster unity, and to point others towards God, rather than simply seeking personal satisfaction. This unselfishness, modeled after Christ, is the true mark of spiritual maturity.
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
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.
Christos · Greek Proper Noun
Messiah, the Anointed One of God. The central figure of Christian theology whose life, death, and resurrection serve as the ultimate model and power for the believer's conduct.
oneidismoi · Greek Noun
Invective, insult, or disgrace. It describes the verbal abuse and shame directed against God or His people, which Christ chose to endure for the sake of others.
The strong in faith, often Gentile converts, were urged by Paul to be considerate of the 'weak' – likely Jewish believers still bound by certain Old Testament dietary laws or customs. This tension between differing practices, within the context of a diverse Roman church, highlights the need for unity and love over rigid adherence to personal 'rights'.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul undertakes his extensive third missionary journey, establishing churches and strengthening believers across the Roman Empire, including significant time spent in Ephesus.
c. AD 57— this verse
Writing of Romans from Corinth
While on his third missionary journey, Paul writes the Epistle to the Romans from Corinth, likely during a stay of about three months.
c. AD 58
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem with Alms
Paul travels to Jerusalem, carrying a collection of funds from Gentile churches to aid the impoverished Jewish believers there, a journey fraught with tension and danger.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Following his arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent journey to Rome, Paul spends two years under house arrest, continuing to preach the Gospel and write epistles.
This passage echoes Romans 15:1 by directly commanding believers to 'bear one another's burdens,' emphasizing the practical, carrying aspect of Christian love for those struggling.
1 Corinthians 10:24This verse directly links to the 'not to please ourselves' aspect of Romans 15:1, urging believers to seek the advantage of others rather than their own gratification.
Philippians 2:4-5This passage mirrors the core message of Romans 15:1 by highlighting Christ's self-sacrificing humility and commanding believers to adopt the same mindset of considering others as more important than themselves.
1 Corinthians 9:22Paul's own example here of becoming 'all things to all people' directly illustrates the principle in Romans 15:1 of putting aside one's own preferences and strengths to win others to Christ, not seeking to please himself.
Matthew 18:15-17While Romans 15:1 addresses bearing weaknesses, Matthew 18 outlines a process for addressing sin within the community, demonstrating that bearing with weaknesses doesn't mean overlooking unrepentant wrongdoing, but rather a patient approach before more direct intervention.
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 verse highlights that "strength" in faith isn't about personal advantage or asserting one's own preferences. Instead, it carries an obligation to "bear with the failings of the weak," essentially meaning to patiently carry the burdens and sensitivities of those less confident in their faith, rather than seeking one's own gratification. This isn't just about tolerance; it's a call to actively support and accommodate others for the sake of their spiritual well-being.
Paul is addressing the Roman church, a community likely composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers who sometimes clashed over practices like dietary laws. He has spent the previous chapter discussing how those with stronger convictions shouldn't cause weaker believers to stumble through their freedom. Now, Paul intensifies this counsel, emphasizing that those who are spiritually mature have a responsibility to patiently support and accommodate those who are less mature, prioritizing unity and the well-being of others above their own preferences.
Paul is addressing the Roman church, a community likely composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers who sometimes clashed over practices like dietary laws. He has spent the previous chapter discussing how those with stronger convictions shouldn't cause weaker believers to stumble through their freedom. Now, Paul intensifies this counsel, emphasizing that those who are spiritually mature have a responsibility to patiently support and accommodate those who are less mature, prioritizing unity and the well-being of others above their own preferences.
"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. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproa…" — The verse highlights that "strength" in faith isn't about personal advantage or asserting one's own preferences. Instead, it carries an obligation to "bear with the failings of the weak," essentially…
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Last reviewed October 2026
