Readings for 2026-07-08 • Fast & Pray

St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans 15:14-29

Context

Paul has spent the majority of his letter to the Romans explaining the gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, addressing both Jewish and Gentile believers, and providing practical instruction on Christian living and unity. He has just concluded his discussion about accepting one another despite differences in practices, using Christ as the ultimate example of selfless service. Paul emphasized how the Scriptures were written for believers' instruction and encouragement, and he expressed his prayer that God would grant the Roman Christians unity so they might glorify Him together. He cited Old Testament prophecies showing that the Gentiles would praise God and hope in the Messiah, demonstrating that their inclusion in God's family was always part of His plan. Paul is now transitioning from his theological teaching to personal matters regarding his ministry and travel plans.

[14] Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. [15] Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, [16] that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. [17] Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. [18] For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— [19] in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. [20] And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, [21] but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand.” [22] For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. [23] But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, [24] whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. [25] But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. [26] For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. [27] It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. [28] Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. [29] But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

Matthew 15:21-28

Open source text

Context

Jesus has just confronted the Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem who criticized his disciples for not following ceremonial hand-washing traditions. He rebuked them for elevating human traditions above God's commandments and explained to his disciples that moral defilement comes from within the heart, not from external sources like unwashed hands or certain foods. After this intense confrontation with the religious leaders, Jesus departed from that region and traveled northward toward the coastal area of Tyre and Sidon, leaving Jewish territory and entering predominantly Gentile regions. This geographical shift marks a significant transition as Jesus moves away from the conflict with the Pharisees into foreign territory where he would encounter people outside the covenant community of Israel.

[21] Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. [22] And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” [23] But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” [24] But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” [25] Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” [26] But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” [27] And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” [28] Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.