Scripture to Read: Romans 15:25–27
Today, before we get into the text, we need to understand that in Acts 16 & Acts 17, we find recorded the accounts of Paul, Silas, and Timothy planting churches in Macedonia. The churches God used these men to plant were in Philippi (Acts 16:12–40), Thessalonica (Acts 17:1–9), and Berea (Acts 17:10–14). In 1 Thessalonians, God used Paul to encourage these Gentile believers for their willingness to give to others because of the firm foundation they had received in getting sound doctrine taught to them by Paul, Silas, and Timothy. God also had Paul exhort them for their obedience to God’s Word through their lifestyle, which all glorified God. It’s important to understand that “Achaia” was a Roman province south of Macedonia. The Roman capital of Achaia was Corinth. At times, Achaia was called “Greece” or is mentioned with Macedonia (see Acts 19:21, Romans 16:5, 1 Corinthians 16:15, 2 Corinthians 11:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:7–8).” We find all of this info at https://www.gotquestions.org/Achaia-in-the-Bible.html. All of this will make more sense as we unpack Romans 15:25–27. As we first read Romans 15:26–27, we are taught that these churches in Macedonia and Achaia had been willing to give their material goods to help the poor in Jerusalem, who were also followers of Christ. God had Paul mention that these Gentile believers wanted to provide their material blessings since they had received spiritual blessings from Paul, Silas, and Timothy, whom the Jewish believers in Jerusalem had sent out.
Challenge & Application
We started our journey of coming to know Christ because of other people who invested in us, so who are those people?
How have you thanked and blessed those who have helped you in your walk with Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!