Romans 15 continues the discussion in Romans 14 about believers living in harmony with each other. This peace among believers; i.e., unity, being in one accord, is necessary if a congregation expects to be able to glorify the Lord.
Secondly, the churches were instructed to help each other, without the discord created by bigotry. The Gentile churches sent donations to the impoverished Jewish church in Jerusalem.
Thirdly, harmony among believers made possible corporate prayer that was given in one accord. The Apostle Paul asked the Roman church to "strive together with me in your prayers to God for me...." (Ro 15:30).
Secondly, the churches were instructed to help each other, without the discord created by bigotry. The Gentile churches sent donations to the impoverished Jewish church in Jerusalem.
Thirdly, harmony among believers made possible corporate prayer that was given in one accord. The Apostle Paul asked the Roman church to "strive together with me in your prayers to God for me...." (Ro 15:30).
The harmony under discussion is not the same as tolerance. Believers were also instructed to "admonish" one another (Ro 15:14). (See 1 Corinthians 5 for a discussion of church discipline for immoral conduct.) Also, believers were not to tolerate false teaching (Titus 3: 9-11; see also 2 Ti 3; 2 Pe 2; Jude).
The instructions in Romans 15 concern bickering over man-made rules that restricted the believers' behavior in areas where the Lord Himself did not impose any restrictions; in a word, pharisaism (legalism). It is noteworthy that the Pharisees were strict on matters of insignificance while the immorality, idolatry, and hypocrisy ran rampant. Should the church not examine itself in view of these admonitions?
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