King James Version

What Does Romans 15:31 Mean?

Romans 15:31 in the King James Version says “That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be a...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; do not: or, are disobedient”

Romans 15:31 · KJV

SalvationFaith

Context

29

And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

30

Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

31

That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; do not: or, are disobedient

32

That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

33

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea (ἵνα ῥυσθῶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀπειθούντων ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ, hina rhysthō apo tōn apeithountōn en tē Ioudaia)—Paul's first prayer request: rhysthō (be delivered, rescued) from tōn apeithountōn (those who disobey/disbelieve). Apeithountōn describes unbelieving Jews actively opposing Paul (not merely non-Christians but hostile opponents). Paul faced constant Jewish opposition throughout his ministry (Acts 9:23, 29, 13:45, 50, 14:2, 19, 17:5, 13, 18:12-13, 21:27-31). He feared assassination or mob violence in Jerusalem.

And that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints (καὶ ἵνα ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ εὐπρόσδεκτος τοῖς ἁγίοις γένηται, kai hina hē diakonia mou hē eis Ierousalēm euprosdektos tois hagiois genētai)—The second request: that his diakonia (service, ministry)—the collection—be euprosdektos (acceptable, well-received) by Jerusalem believers. This reveals Paul's concern: would Jerusalem Christians, given tensions with him (cf. Acts 21:20-21), accept his gift? Rejection would undermine Jewish-Gentile unity he'd worked years to foster. Acceptance would validate Gentile mission and symbolize unity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Both fears were realized in part. Acts 21:27-36 records his arrest by hostile Jews. Regarding acceptance, Acts 21:17-20a suggests the Jerusalem leaders received him gladly, implying the collection was delivered and accepted, though Luke doesn't explicitly mention it. Ironically, God 'delivered' Paul (v. 31a) through Roman arrest, protecting him from Jewish assassination plots (Acts 23:12-35).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's fear that his generous service might be rejected teach about the emotional and relational risks of Christian ministry?
  2. What does Paul's request for deliverance from danger reveal about the legitimacy of praying for safety while still obeying costly callings?
  3. Have you experienced offering service or generosity that risked rejection, and how did you navigate that vulnerability?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἵνα1 of 20

“That”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ῥυσθῶ2 of 20

“I may be delivered”

G4506

compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue

ἀπὸ3 of 20

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῖς4 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

ἀπειθούντων5 of 20

“them that do not believe”

G544

to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely)

ἐν6 of 20

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς7 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

Ἰουδαίᾳ8 of 20

“Judaea”

G2449

the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine

καὶ9 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἵνα10 of 20

“That”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τοῖς11 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

διακονία12 of 20

“service”

G1248

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

μου13 of 20

“my”

G3450

of me

τοῖς14 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

εἰς15 of 20

“I have for”

G1519

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

Ἰερουσαλὴμ16 of 20

“Jerusalem”

G2419

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

εὐπρόσδεκτος17 of 20

“accepted”

G2144

well-received, i.e., approved, favorable

γένηται18 of 20

“may be”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τοῖς19 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

ἁγίοις20 of 20

“of 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 15:31 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 15:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 3:22 Corinthians 8:4Romans 15:252 Corinthians 9:1Acts 21:17-312 Timothy 3:11

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
Judea 1Region · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E52 verses across 9 books
View all places in Romans 15 →

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