Paul Explains His Calling: Romans 15:14-16
“14) And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. 15) But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, 16) to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” Romans‬ ‭15:14-16‬
Paul recognized that the Gentile believers under the shadow of Rome were making great strides toward maturity and leadership development. They were full of goodness, becoming knowledgeable in the things of God and were doing a commendable job of ministering to one another.
But as the Apostle to the Gentiles he wanted to fulfill his ministry. (See Galatians 2:7-10) He wanted to do a thorough job of disciple making. He understood that he had a short time on earth and wanted the Gentile church to be totally established in the faith.
In verse 16 he makes the statement he was “ministering as a priest the gospel of God, that my offering of the Gentiles might become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” I believe he was using the priesthood as an analogy of his anointing and calling from God. He saw himself as “set aside for the gospel” just as a priest was set aside for his office. (See Romans 1:1)
Paul took his calling, his ministry and the gospel very seriously. Paul had the charge to both define and defend the gospel. (See Philippians 1:7) He was the Apostle God raised up to lay down the doctrine of justification by faith and defend the gospel message with his very life.
According to Galatians 2:11-21, he even took Peter to task over the pure application of the Gospel. He did not want the gospel message watered down or confused with keeping the Law or false legalism.
It is very easy for people to be religious but lost. Paul took every opportunity afforded him to rehearse, define and defend the Gospel. The book of Romans stands out as his classic defense of the gospel to the entire Christian world.
Make it your goal to master the book of Romans and clearly communicate the gospel message. Do not let the gospel message become watered down or confused with religion. It must be vigorously defended today with the same fervor and diligence of the Apostle Paul.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global