In this passage, Paul commands the Romans to be united, and to seek to edify one another. He begins by addressing the ones strong in faith. He commands them to tolerate the weaknesses of those who are weak in faith. Thus, he says, each Christian is to please others for their good, and for the purpose of building them up. The ultimate example of this is Christ, who did not please Himself, but was hated by those who hated God. Paul explains that this example, which is taken from Scripture, was written for the instruction of Christians, so that they would have hope through perseverance, and the encouragement of Scripture. Then, Paul concludes this section by wishing unity for his audience, so that they will be able to glorify God with one voice.

In verse 7, Paul gives a practical application of his wish for his audience’s unity: they are to accept one another in the same way that Christ accepted all of them. The way that Paul knows this is that Christ is a  servant to the Jews, or circumcised, for the sake of the promises given to the patriarchs, and to the Gentiles, so that they may glorify God. Paul proves these assertions by quoting Scripture: Scripture says that a child of God will praise God among Gentiles, commands Gentiles to rejoice with Jews, and that the Messiah, or “the root of Jesse,” will rule over the Gentiles, and be the One in whom they will hope.

Paul concludes by wishing a filling of joy and peace through believing upon his audience, so that they will abound in hope.