Paragraph 15:30–32

15:30a

Now: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Now introduces a new but related topic. It is not a time word. Translate it in a way that is natural for starting to write about a new topic or theme.

I urge you, brothers: The word brothers is in the end of what Paul said to them, both in the Greek and in the Berean Standard Bible. In some languages this word must be first. For example:

Brothers, I appeal to you

I urge you: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as urge has a wide range of meaning. Many scholars believe it means “exhort” here. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

I appeal to you (English Standard Version)
-or-
I encourage you (God’s Word)

brothers: This word refers to all the believers living in Rome, both men and women. The word indicates a close relationship between believers because God has made them his (adopted) children. See how you translated this word in 1:13 or 15:14.

15:30b

by our Lord Jesus Christ: This phrase indicates that Paul appealed to the Roman believers in the name of Jesus Christ. Paul asked them to pray for him because they all believed in Jesus and this is something that Jesus wanted them to do. For example:

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (New Living Translation (2004))

by the love of the Spirit: This phrase indicates that love from the Holy Spirit is the basis for Paul appealing to them to pray for him. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

by the love that the Spirit creates (God’s Word)
-or-
on the basis of the love from the Spirit
-or-
because of…the love that the Holy Spirit gives us (New Century Version)

15:30c

to join me in my struggle by praying: Here the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as struggle refers to working hard at helping someone. Here it refers to earnestly praying for Paul, as Paul prayed for himself in taking the collection of money to Jerusalem. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
to join fervently with me in prayer to God on my behalf (NET Bible)

for me: This phrase indicates that Paul wanted the Roman believers to pray for him, as he explained in 15:31a–b.

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