Romans 15:8-9

Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,

and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, and sing to Your name.”

Paul has been encouraging unity among believers. Here he gives another reason — Christ has ministered to all, Jews and Gentiles.

Verse 8 is saying that He came primarily for the Jews. Verse 9 explains that His ministry was a necessary foundation for the salvation of all nations.

The quote in verse 9 is from Psalm 18:49Therefore will I give thanks unto Thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto Thy name.

This verse has three levels:

  1. David celebrating his defeat of other nations.

  2. Gentiles thanking God for salvation.

  3. Ultimate fulfillment in the Millennium

was a minister — past tense. Christ’s earthly ministry. But He answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 15:24). While He was on earth, Christ was confirming the promises made to Israel.

Promises to Israel, mercy to Gentiles — but even this fulfilled a promise to Israel — And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed (Genesis 12:3).

Verses 9-12 are all confirmation of God’s promise to Israel that all Gentiles would be blessed. Paul’s ministry confirms this promise, but it won’t be fulfilled until the Millennium.

This entry was posted in Romans. Bookmark the permalink.