Romans 15:2

2 Let every one of us give pleasure to his neighbour for his good, to make him strong.

Romans 15:2 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 15:2

Let everyone of us please his neighbour
Every man, particularly his Christian friend and brother, whom he should seek to please in all things, and by all means lawful; he should carry it affably and courteously, should make himself agreeable to him; should condescend and accommodate himself to his weakness, and bear his infirmities, and deny himself rather than displease him. The Vulgate Latin version and some copies read, "let everyone of you"; but the other reading is preferable, and best agrees with the context, ( Romans 15:1 Romans 15:4 ) .

For his good;
or as the Syriac renders it, (atbjb) , "in good things"; for he is not to be pleased, gratified, and indulged, in any thing that is evil: we are not to please any man in anything that is contrary to the Gospel of Christ, for then we should not be faithful servants of his; nor in anything repugnant to the commands of God, and ordinances of Christ, who are to be obeyed and pleased, rather than men; nor in anything that is of an immoral nature, we are not to comply with, though it may be to the displeasure of the dearest relation and friend; but in everything that is naturally, civilly, morally, or evangelically good, we should study to please them; and in whatsoever may be for their good, temporal, spiritual, or eternal: and

to edification:
of our neighbour, brother, and Christian friend, for the establishment of his peace, the increase of his spiritual light, and the building of him up in his most holy faith; and also of the whole community, or church, to which each belong, whose peace and edification should be consulted, and everything done, which may promote and secure it; and among which this is one, every man to please his neighbour, in things lawful and laudable.

Romans 15:2 In-Context

1 We who are strong have to be a support to the feeble, and not give pleasure to ourselves.

2 Let every one of us give pleasure to his neighbour for his good, to make him strong.

3 For Christ did not give pleasure to himself, but, as it is said, The bitter words of those who were angry with you came on me.

4 Now those things which were put down in writing before our time were for our learning, so that through quiet waiting and through the comfort of the holy Writings we might have hope.

5 Now may the God who gives comfort and strength in waiting make you of the same mind with one another in harmony with Christ Jesus: