Acceptable service

Step 6 concludes lesson “Send the Light” and is based on Romans 15:31-32. Paul asked the Roman Christians to pray that Paul’s service would be acceptable to the Jerusalem Christians. Hmmm? What concern does Paul have and what is his desire?

The Amplified’s rendering of the prayer in verse 31b is “that my mission of relief to Jerusalem may be acceptable and graciously received by the saints”. This indicates Paul was also concerned that the gift would be acceptable. I suppose he was concerned that the Jerusalem Christians would find the gift lacking, or short of their expectations. Maybe they would take the offering for granted?

The Message paraphrase states verse 31b as “Pray also that my relief offering to the Jerusalem Christians will be accepted in the spirit in which it is given.” So the nature of the Jerusalem Christians’ acceptance also concerns Paul—would the gift be received in the spirit that it was offered?

The New Living Translation writes verse 31b as “Pray also that the Christians there will be willing to accept the donation I am bringing them.” The insight here is that the Jerusalem Christians might not be willing to accept a gift brought by Paul.

My suggestion is to cover verse 31b from multiple translations and paraphrases and discuss the meaning of “acceptable service” with the class. Ask members to discuss their experience with concerns about the acceptability of some gifts they have offered. For example, they may think their tithe is too small and not acceptable to the church. Ask God in prayer to teach each person His will concerning the verse.