Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 15:1

"Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." — Romans 15:1 (ASV)

ROMANS Chapter 15

It may be important to state that between the last verse of the preceding chapter and the first verse of this, the Arabic version, some manuscripts, and many of the Greek fathers, such as Chrysostom, Theodoret, Theophylact, and others, have introduced Romans 16:25-27. Why this was done has been a matter of controversy. The discussion, however, is of no practical importance, and most critics concur in the opinion that the present arrangement of the Greek text is genuine.

We then that are strong. The apostle resumes the subject of the preceding chapter and continues the exhortation to brotherly love and mutual kindness and forbearance. By the strong here he means those strong in faith regarding the matters under discussion—those whose minds were free from doubts and perplexities. His own mind was free from doubt, and many others, particularly among the Gentile converts, shared the same views. However, many others, particularly among the Jewish converts, had many doubts and scruples.

Ought to bear. This word bear properly means to lift up, to bear away, to remove. But here it is used in a larger sense: to bear with, to be indulgent to, to endure patiently, not to contend with (Galatians 6:2; Revelation 2:2, Thou canst not bear them that are evil).

And not to please ourselves. This means we should not make it our main object to gratify our own wills. We should be willing to deny ourselves if by doing so we can promote the happiness of others.

This refers particularly to opinions about meats and drinks, but it can be applied to Christian conduct generally, indicating that we are not to make our own happiness or gratification the standard of our conduct, but are to seek the welfare of others.

See the example of Paul (1 Corinthians 9:19, 22); see also Philippians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 13:5, Love seeketh not her own; 1 Corinthians 10:24, Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Also see Matthew 6:24.