King James Version

What Does Romans 15:25 Mean?

Romans 15:25 in the King James Version says “But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.”

Romans 15:25 · KJV

Context

23

But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

24

Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. with: Gr. with you

25

But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

26

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

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints (νυνὶ δὲ πορεύομαι εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ διακονῶν τοῖς ἁγίοις, nyni de poreuomai eis Ierousalēm diakonōn tois hagiois)—Paul shifts from future plans (Spain, v. 24) to immediate plans: Jerusalem. Diakonōn (ministering, serving) describes his mission: delivering the collection for Jerusalem's poor (v. 26). Tois hagiois (unto the saints) uses standard Christian designation for believers—the Jerusalem church, despite poverty and Jewish ethnic particularity, are 'saints' (holy ones), equal members of Christ's body with Gentile believers.

This Jerusalem trip was critical for Paul personally and theologically. Personally, it demonstrated his loyalty to the mother church and Jewish roots despite being apostle to Gentiles. Theologically, the collection symbolized Gentile-Jewish unity in Christ: Gentile churches honoring their spiritual debt (v. 27) to Jewish believers. This visible expression of unity mattered profoundly in a church divided over Jew-Gentile relations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul had been organizing this collection for years (1 Cor 16:1-4, 2 Cor 8-9, Acts 24:17). It was more than charity: a theological statement that Gentile and Jewish believers are one body. The trip was dangerous—Paul knew he risked arrest (v. 31, Acts 20:22-23)—but he deemed it essential. His arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-36) would lead to imprisonment, appeals, and eventual martyrdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's commitment to delivering financial aid to Jerusalem despite known danger demonstrate his values and priorities?
  2. What does the Jerusalem collection teach about economic sharing and mutual support across geographic and ethnic divides in the global church?
  3. In what ways might tangible acts of service and generosity (like Paul's collection) promote unity across Christian divisions today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
νυνὶ1 of 8

“now”

G3570

just now

δὲ2 of 8

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

πορεύομαι3 of 8

“I go”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

εἰς4 of 8

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἰερουσαλὴμ5 of 8

“Jerusalem”

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

διακονῶν6 of 8

“to minister”

G1247

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

τοῖς7 of 8
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἁγίοις8 of 8

“unto the saints”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 15:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 15:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 19:21Acts 24:17Acts 20:22Acts 20:161 Corinthians 16:1-3Acts 18:21

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Romans 15 →

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