For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

ROMANS 15:26KJV
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Romans 15:26 (KJV)

What does Romans 15:26 mean?

Romans 15:26 says that the believers in Macedonia and Achaia decided to send a gift to help the poor Christians living in Jerusalem. The verse highlights the generosity of these groups and their concern for fellow believers far away.

Paul, the writer, is explaining to the Christians in Rome that the churches in Macedonia and Achaia (regions in Greece) have willingly collected money to support the needy believers in Jerusalem. This shows a real-life example of one group of Christians caring for another, even across great distance and cultural differences.

The Greek behind Romans 15:26

  • The word for "contribution" is κοινωνία (koinōnia), which often means "sharing" or "fellowship." Here, it points to a practical act of sharing resources, not just a financial transaction but a sign of close connection.
  • The word for "poor" is πτωχός (ptōchos), meaning those who are truly needy or destitute, not just people with less money. This emphasizes the seriousness of the situation in Jerusalem.
  • The word for "saints" is ἅγιος (hagios), which means "holy ones" or "set apart ones," a common way Paul refers to Christians. It reminds readers that these are not just any poor people, but fellow believers.

Why Romans 15:26 matters

  • Romans 15:26 clarifies that early Christian communities saw themselves as connected, with a responsibility to help one another, even across national and cultural lines.
  • The verse shows that generosity and practical care were central to the early church, not just spiritual encouragement.
  • This verse sets up Paul's explanation in the next verses about why this act of giving is important and how it reflects unity in the wider body of Christ.

Where else these words appear

“Achaia” Greek G882 · used in 11 verses

  • Acts 18:12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
  • Romans 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

“contribution” Greek G2842 · used in 18 verses

  • Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
  • Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

“them” Greek G2106 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • Romans 15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

“Macedonia” Greek G3109 · used in 22 verses

  • Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
  • Acts 20:3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.