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.

ROMANS 15:16KJV
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Romans 15:16 (KJV)

What does Romans 15:16 mean?

Romans 15:16 describes Paul’s work of bringing God’s good news to Gentiles, people who were not Jews. Paul pictures these Gentiles as an offering made acceptable to God through the work of the Holy Ghost, another name for the Holy Spirit.

Paul uses the language of a priest presenting an offering to God. After mentioning the grace given to him in verse 15, Paul describes his service in terms that would bring temple worship to mind.

The Greek behind Romans 15:16

  • “minister” — λειτουργός (leitourgos): This word can mean a servant who performs a public or religious duty. Here it helps introduce Paul’s picture of his work as a kind of service to God.
  • “ministering” — ἱερουργέω (hierourgeō): This word carries the sense of performing a priestly service. Paul uses it to describe his work with the gospel, or good news, of God.
  • “offering up” — προσφορά (prosphora): This word means an offering presented to someone, including an offering made to God. It gives the Gentiles a central place in Paul’s picture of worship.

Why Romans 15:16 matters

  • Paul presents the Gentiles themselves as the offering, rather than describing an offering that they bring. The phrase is “the offering up of the Gentiles.”
  • The Holy Ghost has a role in making that offering acceptable. The word “sanctified” means made holy or set apart for God.
  • Paul sees his work among Gentiles as part of a wider pattern. In Romans 15:9–12, he quotes earlier writings that speak of Gentiles praising and placing their hope in God.

Where else these words appear

“minister” Greek G3011 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
  • Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
  • Hebrews 1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

“acceptable” Greek G2144 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
  • 2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
  • 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

“up” Greek G4376 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
  • Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
  • Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

“sanctified” Greek G37 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
  • Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
  • Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,