Wherefore receive ye one another as Christ also received us to the glory of God.## Introduction - In Plain Language: Accept and welcome one another just as Christ accepted you — doing so brings praise to God. - Big idea: Christians are called to welcome each other into community the way Christ welcomed us, and that unity displays God’s glory. - Key points: - “Receive” means more than tolerate — it’s an active, hospitable acceptance modeled on Christ. - This command addresses real tensions in the early church (Jew/Gentile conflict) and applies to divisions today. - The purpose is not merely social harmony but the glory of God: our unity reflects God’s saving work. ## Context - Where this verse fits in: Romans 15:7 is part of Paul’s closing teaching on unity and mutual care (Romans 14–15). After addressing disputes over disputable matters (food, holy days), Paul urges believers to put love and unity into practice. - Story timeline: Written by Paul in the mid-50s AD to the mixed church in Rome — a community of both Jewish and Gentile believers who carried cultural and religious tensions. Paul writes as an apostle concerned that the church live out gospel unity. - Surrounding passage: - Verses before (Romans 15:1–6): Paul says the strong should support the weak, Christ didn’t seek his own advantage, and Scripture points Christians toward endurance, hope, and harmony. He calls for mutual encouragement so all may glorify God together. - Verses after (Romans 15:8–13): Paul explains how Christ ministered to Israel first and then extends the promise to the Gentiles, quoting the prophets to show God’s plan of inclusion and unity. ## Explanation - Quick take: Paul commands believers to welcome one another into the Christian community the way Christ welcomed us — that acceptance shows God’s glory by making his reconciling work visible. - In Depth: - The verb “receive” (δέξασθε) is an imperative: it’s a command, not just friendly advice. It implies active welcoming — hospitality, inclusion, bearing with differences. - Paul isn’t telling the church to ignore truth or discipline; he’s calling for relational acceptance that mirrors Christ’s grace. Christ received people who were outsiders, broken, or looked down on — and did so in love that pointed to God. - The phrase “to the glory of God” ties the practice to God’s reputation and purpose: when Christians show generous acceptance, they display the reality of God’s mercy and plan of reconciliation. Unity isn’t merely for peace’s sake; it testifies to God’s power and character. - In Paul’s context, Jewish believers sometimes expected Gentiles to adopt Jewish practices, and Gentiles could look down on Jewish customs. Paul’s call breaks down those barriers by centering acceptance in Christ’s example. - Practically, receiving one another can include inviting someone into your home or group, listening patiently, allowing differences in non-essential matters, and prioritizing relationship over winning arguments — while still holding to gospel truth when necessary. ## Key Words - Δέξασθε (δέχομαι, dechomai) — “receive,” “welcome,” “accept” (imperative: do this). - ἀλλήλους (allēlous) — “one another,” mutual relationship among believers. - ἐδέξατο (edexato) — “received” (aorist of dechomai) — points to Christ’s past action of accepting us. - δόξαν (doxan) — “glory” — the honor and reputation of God revealed through unified, gracious community. ## Background - Cultural note: In the Greco-Roman world, hospitality and honor mattered greatly. Welcoming someone into your house or table signified affiliation and status. Paul’s call to receive one another would have social implications and required risking reputation for the sake of inclusion. - Historical note: The Roman church included Jews who kept the Law and Gentiles who did not. Tensions about food, observance, and identity threatened unity. Paul consistently addresses these tensions by grounding acceptance in the gospel and Christ’s example. - Literary note: Romans 14–15 functions as a pastoral appendix to Romans, translating theological truths into communal living — how doctrine shapes relationships. ## Theology - Theological insights in plain language: - Unity is a theological act: accepting one another reflects the gospel and portrays God’s reconciling work. - Christ is the model and source of Christian acceptance — his reception of us enables and motivates our reception of others. - Christian acceptance serves God’s glory: our relationships are a living sermon about who God is. ## Application To Your Life - For workers: Practice receiving coworkers who hold different views — listen well, avoid gossip, and build trust that reflects Christ’s welcome. - For parents: Model acceptance in the home by creating space for questions and weaknesses; show love that invites growth rather than shame. - For church leaders: Cultivate environments where newcomers and those on the margins are intentionally welcomed, while shepherding truth with gentleness. - For seekers/new believers: You are invited in. The church’s task is to welcome you in Christ’s name and help you grow. - Reflection question(s): - Who in my life am I tempted to exclude or judge rather than receive? - What practical step can I take this week to welcome someone different from me? - Short prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to welcome others as you welcomed me, that my life would point to your glory. ## Translation Comparison - ESV: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” - NIV: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” - KJV: “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” - NRSV: “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” - Note on differences: The main verbs (welcome, accept, receive) are close in meaning but carry different shades: “welcome” emphasizes hospitality and invitation; “accept” emphasizes inclusion despite differences; “receive” sounds more formal but covers both. Translators also vary “to the glory of God” vs. “in order to bring praise to God,” but the sense is the same: unity serves God’s honor. These choices matter for tone and how you picture the action — a warm meal, an open arm, or formal affirmation — all legitimate shades of the Greek. ## FAQs - Q: Does Romans 15:7 mean I must accept people’s sinful choices without correction? Short answer: No — receiving someone into Christian fellowship doesn’t mean abandoning truth or neglecting loving correction. Paul’s command is about relational acceptance: inviting people into community, showing hospitality, and not ostracizing those who differ in disputable matters. At the same time, Scripture calls the church to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and practice pastoral care that may include rebuke or discipline when sin is harmful or public. The balance is to welcome the person (not enabling sin) while lovingly guiding them toward repentance and growth. The aim of both welcome and correction is restoration and God’s glory. - Q: Is this command mainly for Jews and Gentiles in the early church, or does it apply today? Short answer: It applies today. While Paul addresses a specific Jewish–Gentile tension in Rome, his principle is universal: the gospel creates a new community that crosses cultural and personal divisions. Whether the divisions are ethnic, social, political, theological, or generational, Christians are called to practice Christlike acceptance. The exact actions (what to accept, how to relate) will vary by context, but the posture—humble hospitality modeled after Christ—remains the same. ## Cross References - Romans 14:1 — “Welcome those who are weak in faith” (same theme of acceptance). - Ephesians 2:14–16 — Christ breaks down the wall of hostility between groups. - John 13:34–35 — Love for one another is the mark of Christ’s disciples. - Galatians 3:28 — In Christ there is no Jew or Greek — unity in him. - 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 — The church as one body with diverse members. ## Deeper Study - Commentary synthesis (high-level): Most commentators see Romans 15:7 as a practical command flowing from Paul’s theological exposition of unity in Christ. The verse connects New Testament ethics (how to live together) to Christ’s example and God’s purpose. Scholars emphasize the imperatives in Romans 14–15 as pastoral application for congregational life amid diversity. - Group study bullets: - Read Romans 14–15 aloud; identify specific tensions Paul addresses (food, observance, identity). - Share examples from your community where acceptance is needed — brainstorm concrete ways to welcome people. - Role-play conversations where someone holds a different conviction; practice receiving without compromising gospel truth. - Map ways your church currently displays God’s glory through unity; identify one improvement. ## Related verses (compare and contrast) - Romans 14:1 — “Accept the one who is weak in faith” — Why: Immediate parallel; both urge inclusion but show Paul’s focus on conscience and forbearance. - Ephesians 2:14 — “He is our peace, who has made both one” — Why: Stresses Christ’s work of reconciling hostile groups; Romans 15:7 calls believers to live out that reconciliation. - Galatians 3:28 — “There is neither Jew nor Greek…” — Why: Declares the theological ground of equality in Christ that makes mutual reception possible. ## Talk to the Bible Try the ‘Talk To The Bible’ feature to explore this verse more interactively. Suggested prompts: - “Show me examples in the New Testament where believers welcome others; how did those situations play out?” - “Help me write a short bulletin announcement to invite newcomers based on Romans 15:7.” - “Give a short 3-point mini-sermon on Romans 15:7 for a small group discussion.”
