Romans 15:8
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
Study Note
Study Note
The declaration that 'Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers' frames Christ's entire historical ministry as Israel-directed fidelity — the fulfilment of the patriarchal covenant. This is significant for understanding Paul's view of the relationship between the testaments: the gospel does not cancel the Abrahamic promises but ratifies them in Christ. The immediately following verse (15:9) expands the mission to include the Gentiles 'that they might glorify God for his mercy,' creating a two-stage structure (Israel confirmed, Gentiles included through mercy) that mirrors Romans 9-11. The verse is crucial for reading Paul's citations of the Psalms and the Prophets in 15:9-12 as missionary texts rather than merely ethical proof-texts.
Other Translations
For I say that Christ hath been made a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises given unto the fathers,
And I say Jesus Christ to have become a ministrant of circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises to the fathers,
Now I say that Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision to give effect to the undertakings given by God to the fathers,
Cross References
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Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life …
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?
What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is …
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I …