Romans 15:1-6

1.    Verse 1 is a summary of all of chapter 14. What is the theme? Read and compare Galatians 6:1-5.

2.    Verse 2 shows Paul striking off toward another theme. How does he get there? These are no longer unconnected pieces of wisdom, but his logic seems almost free association.

3.    In verse 3, Paul puts Psalm 69:9 in Jesus’ mouth. Do you think the whole Psalm 69 works as a prayer of Jesus?

4.    In verse 4, what two things do we get through the Scriptures? Read and compare 1 Corinthians 10:11, and name another thing we get through the Scriptures. (Notice that in verses 9-12, he will quote again from the Old Testament.)

5.    Compare verses 5 and 13 for what Paul wishes. Then read and compare Philippians 2:1-11 (also 2 Cor 13:11 and 1 Peter 3:8).

6.    What joy or excitement comes to you from this text? What questions arise for you out of the reading of this text? What did you learn that was new to you, or a new way of looking at something? What does this text tell you about God and about yourself? About humans in general?

Three rules for Paul’s use of Scripture, from Richard B. Hays, Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul (New Haven, CT: Yale U P, 1989), 190-92.
1.    Must uphold God’s faithfulness to covenant promises to Israel.
2.    Must witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
3.    Must build up the church in the love of God to each other.