Romans 15:25-27 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings.
Paul had been collecting money to take to the believers in Jerusalem. There is more information about this in 2 Corinthians 8-9. Evidently, there was a famine in Jerusalem at this time. Many believers there had sold everything they had after Pentecost, so they did not have a large financial base to draw from during a time of crisis like this. Also, many had experienced persecution over the years. Paul points out churches from Macedonia and Achaia who had served as examples of people who gave sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:1; 9:2). The connection Paul seems to intend here is that these were Gentiles giving to Jews. They were giving back because the Gentiles had received something even more significant. They had received the “spiritual blessings” of the gospel and eternal life. The message of this passage is significant for us today. Paul is showing how connected the church is across the world. When we see one part of the global church needing assistance, we should do our best as a collective to help out. In many churches today, this is experienced through giving towards special funds for missions. Paul is showing the interconnectedness of the early church. The gospel first came to the Jews who then shared this message to the Gentiles. Together, they formed on united church around the Roman Empire. The Roman church was part of this. Paul here connects one of the core messages of his letter to his future plans. He wanted to take the offering to Jerusalem and then head out in mission to far away Spain, stopping in Rome for assistance. This was an ambitious plan, a huge plan. He had to step out in faith with this type of plan.
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