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This week, I learned a very relevant historical fact that alters the way I read and understand the book of Romans. The very first house churches in Rome would have been comprised of mostly Jews. This means that the first Christian churches probably looked very Jewish in style. In 49 AD, Roman Emperor Claudius kicked the Jews out of Rome. Jewish Christians who had formed these house churches would have been kicked out as well. This temporarily left the future of the church to the Gentile believers in Rome.
After Claudius died in 54 AD, the Jews slowly began trickling back into Rome. The Christian church, now firmly established under the Gentiles, was faced with the issue of integrating the Jewish believers back into the church. Paul’s letter here in Romans would have landed around 57 AD. Taking all this into consideration, it makes sense as to why Paul bounces back and forth from the Jews to the Gentiles as he seeks to correct some of the issues that were cropping up between these brothers in Christ.
Unity was a major issue.
Here in Romans 15, Paul boldly addresses the call to bear with one another despite our differences.
Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement allow you to live in harmony with one another, according to the command of Christ Jesus, 6 so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with a united mind and voice.
Romans 15:5-6 HCSB
To the Jews who couldn’t possibly believe that the Gentiles had been grafted into God’s plan, Paul would reach back to the writings of Isaiah…
Again it says: Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people! 11 And again: Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; all the peoples should praise Him! 12 And again, Isaiah says: The root of Jesse will appear, the One who rises to rule the Gentiles; the Gentiles will hope in Him.
Romans 15:10-12 HCSB
All of this was done with grace. Paul knew that the authentic believers who were inspired by the Holy Spirit would take his correction to heart and cooperate by changing their attitude and behavior. We have the same obligation today. We will not like every believer we meet. Most likely, some will annoy us and others will offend us. In these moments, we will discover if Jesus is the Lord of our life.
Two people who love Jesus and have the Holy Spirit in their hearts should always be able to find mutual love and respect for one another. This doesn’t mean you will like everyone, but it does mean that you can work to put aside your issues in order to see Jesus glorified within the body.