Romans 15:3
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For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
For even Christ pleased not--lived not to please himself; but, as it is written-- (Psa 69:9). The reproaches, &c.--see Mar 10:42-45.
Open source ↗The apostle, in this chapter, continues the discourse of the former, concerning mutual forbearance in indifferent things; and so draws towards a conclusion of the epistle. Where such differences of apprehension, and consequently distances of affection, are among Christians, there is need of precept upon precept, line upon line, to allay the heat, and to beget a better temper. The apostle, being desirous to drive the nail home, as a nail in a sure place, follows his blow, unwilling to leave the subject till he has some hopes of prevailing, to which end he orders the cause before them and fills his mouth with the most pressing arguments. We may observe, in this chapter, I. His precepts to them. II. His prayers for them. III. His apology for writing to them. IV. His account of himself and his own affairs. V. His declaration of his purpose to come and see them. VI. His desire of a share in their prayers.
Open source ↗15:3 This quotation is from Ps 69:9. • A number of passages in the New Testament use Psalm 69 to describe Jesus’ suffering (Matt 27:34; Mark 15:35-36; Luke 23:36; John 15:25; 19:28-29). Paul’s quotation of just a small portion of that psalm evokes the whole experience of Jesus’ suffering.
Open source ↗Cross-references
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because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross.
Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.
I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one.
It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
He who sent Me is with Me. He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.”
A second time He went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, may Your will be done.”