Romans 15:2
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Romans 15:2
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul isn't just saying be nice; he's urging us to be strategic in our kindness. The phrasing "for his good, to build him up" shows our goal isn't just a fleeting feeling of being pleased, but a lasting spiritual strengthening. This means our desire to please others must always be directed towards their true benefit and growth in Christ, not just their temporary comfort.
Paul is addressing a tense situation in the Roman church, where differing views on eating certain foods and observing special days are causing division between Jewish and Gentile believers. He's urging the stronger believers, those with more freedom in Christ, to consider the spiritual well-being of their weaker brothers and sisters. This leads him to explain that their aim in accommodating each other shouldn't be self-gratification, but the mutual upbuilding of the entire community.
Ever feel like you're walking on eggshells around certain people? Paul has something to say about 'pleasing' others, and it's not about being a people-pleaser.
Paul tells us in Romans 15:2 to 'please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.' This isn't about seeking approval or going along with everything someone wants. The core idea here is about aiming to benefit others in a way that honors God.
Two Key Goals:
The word 'build up' (or 'edification') is more than just a metaphor; it's about the very structure of our spiritual lives.
The goal of 'pleasing' your neighbor, as Paul describes it, is 'to build him up.' This word, 'edification,' speaks of constructing, repairing, and strengthening. In the context of faith, it means contributing to the spiritual maturity and health of another believer.
What Edification Looks Like:
Understand the original words
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.
The letter to the Romans was written to a church Paul had not yet visited, addressing significant tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers. This context highlights the urgency of Paul's instruction on mutual consideration and love.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent approximately two years in Corinth during his second missionary journey. This period was crucial for establishing the church there and for writing letters that addressed internal issues.
c. AD 55-57— this verse
Writing of Romans
Paul likely wrote the Epistle to the Romans from Corinth or Cenchreae towards the end of his third missionary journey. He was preparing for a trip to Jerusalem.
c. AD 57
Paul's Planned Journey to Jerusalem
Paul intended to travel to Jerusalem with a collection for the needy saints, and then potentially travel on to Rome. The context of his upcoming journey and the state of the church influenced his writing.
This verse echoes the sentiment of Romans 15:2 by instructing believers to seek the advantage of others, not just their own, in their interactions and decisions.
Ephesians 4:29This passage speaks to the purpose of our words, emphasizing that they should be 'good for building up' others, aligning perfectly with the 'to build him up' aspect of pleasing a neighbor in Romans 15:2.
Colossians 3:12Paul calls believers to 'clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,' which are the very virtues needed to 'please his neighbor for his good, to build him up' as described in Romans 15:2.
1 Thessalonians 5:11This verse directly encourages believers to 'encourage one another and build each other up,' serving as a foundational principle for the practical instruction given in Romans 15:2 about pleasing our neighbor for their benefit.
cambridgeRomans 15:2: "Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification."
2 . for his good to edification ] These words taken together perfectly define the principle of Christian complaisance . Cp. 1 Corinthians 10:33 , and contrast Galatians 1:10 , where St Paul treats the case of radically false doctrine, not, as here, a question of secondary practice.—“ Edification: ”—see on Romans 14:19 . The Christian’s aim in “pleasing his neighbour” was to be the harmony, advance, and strength…
bengelRomans 15:2: "Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification."
Romans 15:2 . Εἰς τὸ ἀγαθὸν , πρός οἰκοδομὴν , for good, to edification ) εἰς , unto , denotes the internal end, in respect of God; πρὸς , to , the external end, in respect of our neighbour. Good , the genus; edification , the species.
Paul isn't just saying be nice; he's urging us to be strategic in our kindness. The phrasing "for his good, to build him up" shows our goal isn't just a fleeting feeling of being pleased, but a lasting spiritual strengthening. This means our desire to please others must always be directed towards their true benefit and growth in Christ, not just their temporary comfort.
Paul is addressing a tense situation in the Roman church, where differing views on eating certain foods and observing special days are causing division between Jewish and Gentile believers. He's urging the stronger believers, those with more freedom in Christ, to consider the spiritual well-being of their weaker brothers and sisters. This leads him to explain that their aim in accommodating each other shouldn't be self-gratification, but the mutual upbuilding of the entire community.
Paul is addressing a tense situation in the Roman church, where differing views on eating certain foods and observing special days are causing division between Jewish and Gentile believers. He's urging the stronger believers, those with more freedom in Christ, to consider the spiritual well-being of their weaker brothers and sisters. This leads him to explain that their aim in accommodating each other shouldn't be self-gratification, but the mutual upbuilding of the entire community.
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When we interact with others, especially fellow believers, with the goal of edification, we're acting like skilled builders, ensuring that the house of their faith is strong and growing.
Paul doesn't just tell us what to do; he shows us how by pointing to the greatest example of all.
Paul grounds this principle of selfless consideration for others in the ultimate example: Jesus Christ himself. In verse 3, he explicitly states, 'For even Christ pleased not himself.' This is the bedrock of Christian behavior.
Christ's Selfless Pursuit:
When we are called to 'please our neighbor for his good to build him up,' we are invited to participate in the very mission of Christ. His life is the blueprint, showing us that true love means laying aside our own preferences for the eternal welfare of others.
"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." — Paul isn't just saying be nice; he's urging us to be strategic in our kindness. The phrasing "for his good, to build him up" shows our goal isn't just a fleeting feeling of being pleased, but a lasti…