Old Testament Quotes In Romans 15
Romans 15 contains several Old Testament quotations that underscore Paul's theological arguments, particularly concerning the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. Paul introduces these citations by stating, "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4 ESV). This verse establishes the enduring relevance of the Old Testament for Christian believers, indicating that these ancient texts provide instruction, endurance, encouragement, and hope [6].
The broader context of Romans 15 is Paul's continued exhortation for mutual affection and forbearance among believers, especially regarding differences in practices like dietary laws and the observance of days [7]. He urges those who are "strong" in faith to bear with the "infirmities of the weak," rather than seeking to please themselves, following the example of Christ [3, 5].
One significant Old Testament quotation appears in Romans 15:3: "For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, 'The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me'" (ESV). This is a direct quote from Psalm 69:9 [4]. Paul uses this psalm to illustrate Jesus' self-sacrificial suffering, which serves as a model for believers to prioritize the needs of others over their own desires [4]. Psalm 69 is frequently used in the New Testament to describe aspects of Jesus' suffering, including his thirst and the taunts he endured [4].
Paul then presents a series of Old Testament passages in Romans 15:9-12 to demonstrate God's long-standing plan to include Gentiles in His salvation, alongside the Jews. These quotations emphasize that Gentiles are now full members of God's people and are called to glorify God for His mercy [1, 2].
The first in this series is from Psalm 18:49 (also found in 2 Samuel 22:50): "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name" (Romans 15:9 ESV). This verse highlights the Gentile participation in praising God [2].
Next, Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:43: "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people" (Romans 15:10 ESV). This further reinforces the idea of Gentiles joining with Israel in worship and celebration [1].
A third quotation comes from Psalm 117:1: "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him" (Romans 15:11 ESV). This passage explicitly calls for universal praise from all nations, underscoring the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan [1].
Finally, Paul cites Isaiah 11:10: "The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope" (Romans 15:12 ESV). This prophecy from Isaiah points to the Messiah, a descendant of Jesse (David's father), who will not only rule Israel but also be a source of hope for the Gentiles [1]. This quotation ties the inclusion of Gentiles directly to the messianic hope.
These Old Testament citations collectively serve to validate Paul's mission to the Gentiles and to foster unity within the early Christian community, demonstrating that the inclusion of Gentiles was not a new or unexpected development but rather a fulfillment of ancient prophecies [1, 2]. Paul's use of these scriptures reinforces the idea that both Jews and Gentiles are called to glorify God together, reflecting the unity that Christ brings [3].
Sources
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 15:9: 15:9-12 These quotations from the Old Testament all emphasize God’s promise that Gentiles would join with Jews in praising God. Gentiles are now full members of God’s people.”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 15:9: that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy--A number of quotations from the Old Testament here follow, to show that God's plan of mercy embraced, from the first, the Gentiles along with the Jews. as it is written-- (Psa 18:49). I will confess to--that is, glorify thee among the Gentiles.”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 15 (introduction): The strong should bear the infirmities of the weak, and each strive to please, not himself, but his neighbor, after the example of Christ, Rom 15:1-3. Whatsoever was written in old times was written for our learning, Rom 15:4. We should be of one mind, that we might with one mouth glorify God, Rom 15:5, Rom 15:6. We should accept each other as Christ has accepted us, Rom 15:7. Scriptural proofs that Jesus Christ was not only the minister of the circumcision, but came also for the salvation of the Gentiles, Rom 15:8-12. The God of hope can fill us with a”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 15:3: 15:3 This quotation is from Ps 69:9. • A number of passages in the New Testament use Psalm 69 to describe Jesus’ suffering (Matt 27:34; Mark 15:35-36; Luke 23:36; John 15:25; 19:28-29). Paul’s quotation of just a small portion of that psalm evokes the whole experience of Jesus’ suffering.”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 15 (introduction): SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED AND CONCLUDED. (Rom 15:1-13) We then that are strong--on such points as have been discussed, the abolition of the Jewish distinction of meats and days under the Gospel. See on Rom 14:14; Rom 14:20. ought . . . not to please ourselves--ought to think less of what we may lawfully do than of how our conduct will affect others.”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 15:4: 15:4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us: All that God caused to be recorded in the Old Testament has supreme relevance to believers, who experience the fulfillment of God’s plan.”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 15 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO ROMANS 15 The apostle in this chapter pursues his exhortation to mutual affection and forbearance, notwithstanding their different sentiments about the use of meats, and observation of days; excuses his writing so freely to them, which they might bear with, in consideration of his being an apostle, especially an apostle of the Gentiles, and which office he magnified and fulfilled everywhere; gives them the reasons why he had not as yet been with them though he greatly desired it, encourages them to expect, a visit from him; and concludes”