Bible Strands
Romans 15:16
to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes this statement to the Roman church as he concludes his explanation of the grace given to him for his recent bold reminder. He positions his work not as personal ambition but as a direct response to divine commission.
The words — λειτουργὸν (leitourgon) translates literally to "minister" or "priestly servant," denoting a public official or cultic attendant. The preposition εἰς (eis) marks purpose, indicating his role exists for the specific aim of presenting the Gentiles as an offering.
The thread — Paul echoes his earlier designation as a servant set apart for the gospel (Romans 1:1) and his claim to magnify his ministry to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). He also fulfills the directive given in Acts 9:15 to carry the name before Gentiles and their kings.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that Christian service functions as a priestly duty rather than a secular occupation. It requires readers to view their own work as a means of presenting others to God through the Spirit's sanctifying work.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Romans 11:13 I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry
- Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—
- Acts 9:15 “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.
- Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
- 1 Timothy 1:11 that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.
- 2 Timothy 1:11 to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.
- Isaiah 66:19 I will establish a sign among them, and I will send survivors from among them to the nations—to Tarshish, Put, and the archers of Lud; to Tubal, Javan, and the islands far away who have not heard of My fame or seen My glory. So they will proclaim My glory among the nations.
- Acts 20:24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
- Romans 15:18 I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed,
- Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.