Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say "welcome each other," but "welcome one another as Christ welcomed you." This points to receiving people with the same grace and acceptance Christ showed us, not based on our own merit but as a gift from God for His own glory.
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is concluding his extended discussion on how Christians, whether Jewish or Gentile, should live in unity despite their differing practices and convictions regarding religious customs. He's urging the stronger believers not to cause offense to the weaker ones and to focus on building each other up, ultimately pointing to Christ's example of selfless love and obedience. This verse serves as a powerful call to embrace one another fully, mirroring the inclusive welcome Christ offers to all believers.
Why does the Apostle Paul tell us to welcome one another? He grounds this command in the most radical act of welcome imaginable: how Christ welcomed us.
Paul's instruction in Romans 15:7 isn't just a nice suggestion; it's a theological imperative. He tells believers to "welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you." This means our acceptance and embrace of fellow believers should mirror Christ’s own reception of us.
Think about it: how did Christ welcome you? He welcomed you not based on your merit, your strength, or your perfect understanding of every doctrine. He welcomed you when you were still a sinner, lost and estranged from God. His welcome was an act of immense grace, a demonstration of love that bridged the deepest divide.
This is the standard Paul sets. We are to extend that same radical, grace-filled welcome to others, especially those who might be different from us, perhaps weaker in faith or holding different opinions on secondary matters. Our willingness to welcome others flows directly from the boundless welcome we ourselves have received.
When we extend radical welcome to one another, we're not just being nice. There's a profound purpose behind it that reaches all the way to heaven.
The verse concludes with a powerful "for the glory of God." This isn't an afterthought; it's the ultimate aim of our mutual welcome. When we, as a diverse community of believers, embody Christ's inclusive welcome, we visibly demonstrate His character and work to the world.
Imagine the impact: Jews and Gentiles, strong and weak, people with differing cultural backgrounds and opinions, all united in Christ, extending grace and acceptance. This harmony and love within the church become a testimony to God's power and goodness. It shows that Christ's work is sufficient to break down barriers and reconcile people to Himself and to each other.
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Our unity, forged through mutual welcome rooted in Christ's example, becomes a living advertisement for the gospel. It declares that God is indeed at work, bringing people from all walks of life into His glorious kingdom, and this brings Him honor.
Understand the original words
proslambanō · Greek Verb
A term meaning "to receive into one’s home, circle of friends, or fellowship." In a church context, it refers to accepting others into the Christian community with the same gracious, unconditional acceptance that Christ extended to the believer.
This verse directly addresses the deep divisions within the Roman church between Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul urges them to 'welcome one another' by mirroring Christ's inclusive reception of both groups, a crucial message for a community fractured by ethnic and religious differences.
c. 49 AD
Claudius Expels Jews from Rome
Emperor Claudius expelled Jewish people from Rome due to disturbances related to 'Chrestus.' This likely dispersed Jewish Christians, some of whom may have later returned or settled elsewhere.
c. 50-60 AD— this verse
Jewish and Gentile Christians Worship Together
The church in Rome was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. Disagreements, particularly concerning the observance of Mosaic law and dietary practices, created tension between these groups.
c. 62-64 AD
Paul Writes to the Romans
While imprisoned (likely in Rome or Caesarea), Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, addressing the divisions and encouraging unity, particularly between Jewish and Gentile believers.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome and Nero's Persecution
The Great Fire of Rome led to severe persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero. This shared suffering may have further solidified the church's identity, albeit under duress.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Romans 15:7 by urging believers to be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as God in Christ forgave them, mirroring the 'welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you' theme.
Colossians 3:13Similar to Romans 15:7's call for acceptance, Colossians 3:13 instructs believers to bear with one another and forgive anyone who has a complaint against them, emphasizing the compassionate way Christ has treated them.
Philippians 2:5This verse provides the foundational example for Romans 15:7, stating 'Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.' It calls for the humility and selfless love Christ showed, which is the very basis for welcoming others as He welcomed us.
1 Peter 4:10This passage highlights the gracious way God has gifted each believer, urging them to use these gifts to serve one another. This aligns with Romans 15:7's principle that our acceptance of others should reflect the acceptance and gifting we've received from God, ultimately for His glory.
ellicottRomans 15:7: "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."
(7) Received us. —There is again a division of the best authorities, the Vatican and Claromontane MSS. reading “us,” while the Sinaitic, Alexandrine, Paris rescript, and others, read “you.” The latter is, perhaps, to be preferred, but with no real difference to the sense. The word “received” is the same as that at the beginning of Romans 14, the subject of which chapter is still continued, and is no…
cambridgeRomans 15:7: "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."
7 . receive ye , &c.] See on Romans 14:1 . Cp. Colossians 3:13 . as Christ also received us ] “He receiveth sinners,” to be His “brethren.”—Better, perhaps, received you . to the glory of God ] Christ received us “to the praise of the glory of His Father’s grace;” Ephesians 1:6 . But possibly a comma should stand after “received us:” q. d., “receive one another, (as Christ received us;) for this wil…
The verse doesn't just say "welcome each other," but "welcome one another as Christ welcomed you." This points to receiving people with the same grace and acceptance Christ showed us, not based on our own merit but as a gift from God for His own glory.
Paul is concluding his extended discussion on how Christians, whether Jewish or Gentile, should live in unity despite their differing practices and convictions regarding religious customs. He's urging the stronger believers not to cause offense to the weaker ones and to focus on building each other up, ultimately pointing to Christ's example of selfless love and obedience. This verse serves as a powerful call to embrace one another fully, mirroring the inclusive welcome Christ offers to all believers.
Paul is concluding his extended discussion on how Christians, whether Jewish or Gentile, should live in unity despite their differing practices and convictions regarding religious customs. He's urging the stronger believers not to cause offense to the weaker ones and to focus on building each other up, ultimately pointing to Christ's example of selfless love and obedience. This verse serves as a powerful call to embrace one another fully, mirroring the inclusive welcome Christ offers to all believers.
"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." — The verse doesn't just say "welcome each other," but "welcome one another as Christ welcomed you." This points to receiving people with the same grace and acceptance Christ showed us, not based on…
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Last reviewed October 2026