Daily Devotions
Romans
"A certain contribution..."
Text: Romans 15:26
INDEBTED HEARTS
As Paul wrote about his desire to serve the needs of the poor in Jerusalem, he also wrote with words of high commendation of Gentile believers who were as deeply concerned.
“For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make
a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who
are in Jerusalem.”
Romans 15:26
1. From Macedonia and Achaia
a) These regions were reached in the 2nd missionary journey of Paul (Cf. Acts 16 ff)
b) Paul’s powerful preaching ministry caused many to open their hearts to the Lord
2. It pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia
a) Their concern for the poorer brethren stemmed from the following:-
i) Genuine hearts of faith that brought about good works that befit faith.
ii) Genuine hearts of love that felt compassion for the less fortunate.
iii) Genuine and practical concern for the poor.
b) Their effort to minister to the saints was something that they really wanted to do.
c) Their decision to give to meet needs was something that the Christians from Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to do.
HIGH COMMENDATION FROM THE APOSTLE PAUL
Paul commended the Macedonian churches in his letter to the Corinthians!
“Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God
bestowed on the churches of Macedonia,
that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy
and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their
liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability,
yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,
imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift
and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.”
2 Corinthians 8:1-4
What a tremendous example of giving the Macedonian churches has set for us!