Romans 15:5

Commentary on Romans 15:5

1. The Text

Romans 15:5 (King James Version):
“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.”

2. Exegetical Commentary

2.1 Immediate Context: Romans 15

Romans 15[i] continues Paul’s extended teaching on how Christians are to live together in unity, especially when they differ in matters of conscience. Paul has just urged believers to bear with the failings of the weak, to avoid pleasing themselves, and to follow the example of Christ, who did not seek His own comfort but gave Himself for others.

Romans 15:1–3 (KJV):
“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.”

Paul grounds Christian unity not in human niceness but in the self-giving love of Jesus Christ. The Scriptures, he says, were written to teach us endurance and encouragement.

Romans 15:4 (KJV):
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

It is on the back of this statement that Paul prays verse 5.

2.2 “The God of patience and consolation”

Paul describes God by His character and His actions. God is:

• The God of patience: He is long-suffering, steadfast, and faithful.
• The God of consolation: He comforts, strengthens, and encourages His people.

These are not merely attributes of God; they are gifts He imparts to His people through His Spirit and His Word. Paul’s prayer assumes that unity is not something we can manufacture. It must be granted by God.

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2.3 “Grant you to be likeminded one toward another”

The phrase “likeminded” does not mean uniformity of opinion. Paul is not calling for identical views on every matter. Instead, he is calling for a shared posture of humility, love, and mutual consideration.

This echoes earlier teaching:

Romans 12:16 (KJV):
“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”

Unity in the church is relational, not merely intellectual. It is a unity of heart and purpose.

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2.4 “According to Christ Jesus”

This is the theological centre of the verse. The unity Paul prays for is:

• Modelled on Christ
• Empowered by Christ
• Directed toward Christ

Christ is the pattern: His humility, His self-giving love, His obedience to the Father.

Christ is the power: unity is a work of grace, not human effort.

Christ is the purpose: unity exists so that the church may glorify Him.

Paul makes this explicit in the next verse:

Romans 15:6 (KJV):
“That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Unity is not an end in itself. It is for worship.

3. Theological Teaching

3.1 Unity is a gift of God grounded in His character

God is patient and consoling, and He forms His people to reflect His character. Christian unity is not a human achievement but a divine work.

3.2 Christ is the pattern for Christian relationships

Christ did not please Himself. He bore the reproaches of others. His humility shapes our life together.

3.3 Scripture is the means by which God forms patient, hopeful people

Verse 4 reminds us that Scripture trains us in endurance and encouragement. Unity grows where Scripture is read, believed, and obeyed.

3.4 Unity is for the glory of God

The goal is not simply a peaceful church but a worshipping church that honours God with one voice.

4. Application to Modern Christian Living

4.1 Cultivating patience with one another

In a fast-paced, opinionated culture, patience is countercultural. Christians are called to slow down, listen, and bear with one another’s weaknesses.

4.2 Choosing encouragement over criticism

God is the God of consolation. His people should be known for building others up, not tearing them down.

4.3 Holding secondary matters lightly

Romans 14 and 15 deal with disputable matters. Modern equivalents include:

• worship styles
• dietary choices
• schooling decisions
• political preferences
• approaches to Christian freedom

Unity does not require agreement on everything. It requires humility and love.

4.4 Looking to Christ as the model for relationships

Christ’s self-giving love is the pattern. When we feel frustrated, misunderstood, or wronged, we look to Him.

4.5 Seeking unity for the sake of worship

A divided church cannot sing with one voice. Unity is not optional; it is essential for the church’s witness and worship.

5. Meditation Guide

5.1 Reflective Reading

Read Romans 15:1–7 slowly. Notice the flow from Christ’s example to Scripture’s encouragement to God’s gift of unity.
15 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
² Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
³ For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
⁴ For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
⁵ Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
⁶ That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
⁷ Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

5.2 Questions for Reflection

• Where am I tempted to “please myself” rather than serve others?
• How has God shown patience and consolation to me?
• Are there believers I find difficult to be “likeminded” with? Why?
• What would it look like to relate to them “according to Christ Jesus”?
• How might my church better reflect unity for the sake of worship?

5.3 Prayer

“God of patience and consolation, form in me the mind of Christ. Grant me humility, love, and endurance. Make me a person who builds up others. Give our church unity that glorifies You with one voice. Amen.”

5.4 Practical Steps

• Choose one person to encourage this week.
• Let go of one minor issue you have been holding too tightly.
• Pray regularly for unity in your church.
• Read Scripture daily, asking God to shape your heart.

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[i] Romans 15

King James Version

15 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

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

9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

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

11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

13 Now 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 Ghost.

14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:

21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.