NOTES for Rom 15:14-33

In the final part of the epistle, the apostle seems to justify himself before the Roman community. He travels a great deal, one might think, and could have come to Rome to meet face to face with those waiting for his pastoral word. But however pleasant it may be to associate with like-minded people and share in the life of Christian communities, his labor is dedicated to bearing witness to Christ crucified and risen among those who do not even know of the one God. The example of the apostle Paul is very important for us too. Not because no one has heard of Christ, but, on the contrary, because the example Christians give is not a very successful proclamation to the world. Because it is often awkward and embarrassing simply to pronounce one's Creed in public. It is far easier to remain within the narrow circle of those with whom one no longer has to find a common language and before whom one does not have to answer for every little thing not yet surrendered to Christ. But the apostle tells us that we must go and bear witness to what we have seen and know, answer for our lives and bear witness no matter what. Not with words, but with deeds, with an entire life given to Jesus.