New Testament

Romans 15:3

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Romans 15:3, Paul emphasizes that Jesus Christ did not seek to please Himself but instead took on the burdens and insults directed at God.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

For even Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, 'The insults of those who insulted you fell on me.'

KJVKing James Version

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Romans 15:3, Paul emphasizes that Jesus Christ did not seek to please Himself but instead took on the burdens and insults directed at God. This quote highlights the selflessness of Christ, who endured reproach for the sake of others. By referencing this scripture, Paul encourages believers to follow Christ's example of humility and service. The verse serves as a reminder that true strength lies in self-sacrifice and caring for others, rather than seeking personal comfort or recognition. It challenges us to consider how we respond to criticism and to bear the burdens of others, reflecting Christ's love and grace in our actions. This attitude fosters unity and support within the Christian community, urging believers to prioritize the needs of others over their own desires. Ultimately, this verse calls us to embody the spirit of Christ in our daily lives, promoting a culture of love and understanding among one another.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 15:3 to your life

To apply this verse, we should strive to put others' needs before our own. This can be as simple as listening to a friend in need or helping someone who is struggling. By embodying Christ's selflessness, we foster a supportive community and reflect His love in our actions.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 15:3 mean?

Romans 15:3 means that Jesus Christ did not focus on His own comfort but instead took on the insults and burdens meant for others. This verse highlights His selflessness and encourages believers to follow His example by serving others.

What is the meaning of selflessness in Romans 15:3?

Selflessness in Romans 15:3 refers to the act of prioritizing the needs and feelings of others over one's own desires. It illustrates how Jesus endured reproach for the sake of others, urging believers to adopt a similar attitude of humility and service.

How can I apply Romans 15:3 in my life?

You can apply Romans 15:3 by actively putting the needs of others before your own. Simple actions like listening to someone in distress or helping those in need reflect Christ's selflessness and foster a caring community.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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