Romans 15:31 (KJV)

What does Romans 15:31 mean?

Romans 15:31 records Paul asking for prayer that he would be rescued from those in Judea who do not believe, and that the help he is bringing to Jerusalem would be well received by the believers there. Paul is expressing concern for his safety and for the success of his mission among both non-believers and fellow Christians.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, sharing his travel plans and asking for their prayers as he prepares to deliver a gift to the church in Jerusalem. He knows there is real danger from those in Judea who oppose his message, and he also wants the believers in Jerusalem to accept his service with gratitude. This verse shows both the risks Paul faced and his desire for unity among the early Christians.

The Greek behind Romans 15:31

• The word "delivered" (ῥύομαι, rhyomai) means to be rescued or saved from danger. Paul is not just asking for general safety, but specifically to be pulled out of a threatening situation.
• The phrase "do not believe" (ἀπειθοῦντες, apeithountes) refers to those who are disobedient or refuse to be persuaded, highlighting the active resistance Paul expected from some in Judea.
• The word "service" (διακονία, diakonia) is often used for practical ministry or acts of help, showing that Paul’s mission to Jerusalem was about meeting real needs, not just spiritual teaching.
• "Accepted" (εὐπρόσδεκτος, euprosdektos) means well-received or pleasing, emphasizing Paul’s hope that the Jerusalem believers would welcome his help without suspicion or division.

Why Romans 15:31 matters

• This verse shows Paul’s vulnerability and humility, as even an apostle asks for prayer and support from other believers.
• It highlights the tension in early Christianity between Jewish and Gentile believers, and the practical steps Paul took to bridge those divides.
• Romans 15:31 connects Paul’s personal concerns to the larger mission of the church, reminding readers that spiritual work often involves real risks and the need for unity.