Romans 15:11 – “And again, ‘Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.'”

Extended Explanation

This verse is another proof from the Old Testament that God’s plan was always to include both Jews and Gentiles in His salvation. Paul quotes Psalm 117:1, which is a call for all nations to praise the Lord.

The phrase “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles” makes it clear that worship of God is not just for Israel. God has always intended for people from every nation to know Him and glorify Him. The word “extol” means to lift up, celebrate, or give high praise. Paul is emphasizing that God is worthy of worship from every tribe, language, and nation.

By using this verse, Paul is showing that Gentile inclusion is not a new idea—it was part of God’s plan from the very beginning. Now that Jesus has come and made salvation available to all, the time has come for all people to worship and glorify God together.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to the church in Rome, a city with a mix of Jewish and Gentile Christians. There was tension between these two groups—some Jewish believers thought that Gentiles needed to follow the Law of Moses to be fully accepted, while some Gentile believers saw Jewish traditions as outdated.

Paul is using Scripture to prove that God’s plan always included the Gentiles. He is not introducing a new idea—he is reminding the church that God had already declared that all nations would worship Him.

Psalm 117, which Paul quotes here, is the shortest psalm in the Bible, but it carries a powerful message: God’s love and faithfulness extend to all people. Paul is showing that the Gentiles are not outsiders—they are invited into the same worship and relationship with God as the Jews.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key spiritual truths:

1. God is the God of All Nations – He is not just for one group of people; He desires worship from all humanity.
2. Salvation is for Everyone – Anyone, regardless of background, can come to God through Jesus Christ.
3. Praise is the Right Response to Salvation – Those who receive God’s mercy should naturally respond with worship.
4. The Old Testament Points to the Inclusion of the Gentiles – Paul’s use of Psalm 117:1 shows that God had always planned for the Gentiles to glorify Him.

Literary Analysis

This verse is simple, but its meaning is deep:

• “And again” – Paul continues to build his case, showing that multiple Old Testament passages confirm God’s plan to include the Gentiles.
• “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles” – This is a direct command for non-Jews to worship the God of Israel.
• “Let all the peoples extol him” – The phrase “all the peoples” emphasizes universal worship, meaning that God is not just for one nation but for all.

Paul’s use of Psalm 117:1 in this context is brilliant. He is proving to his audience—especially the Jewish Christians—that the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s family is not a mistake or a sudden change. It was always part of God’s perfect plan.

Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 117:1-2 – “Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.”
• Isaiah 42:6 – “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.”
• Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
• Revelation 7:9 – “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For modern believers, this verse is a reminder of God’s global mission. The gospel is not just for one country, one culture, or one group of people—it is for everyone.

This verse challenges today’s Christians to:

• Recognize that God’s love is for all people. No one is excluded from His mercy.
• Rejoice in salvation. Worship and praise should be a daily response to God’s goodness.
• Take the gospel to the nations. Since all peoples are called to worship God, Christians should be active in sharing the good news with those who have never heard it.
• Embrace unity in the church. God’s family includes people from all backgrounds, and believers should welcome each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His invitation to all nations to worship Him. He does not limit His mercy to a select group—He desires a relationship with every person on earth.

This verse also shows that God is faithful to His promises. He declared in the Old Testament that the Gentiles would praise Him, and now, through Jesus, that prophecy has come true. God’s love is unchanging, and His desire is for all people to know Him and glorify Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the reason the Gentiles can now praise God.

1. Jesus Opened the Way for the Nations – Through His death and resurrection, He made salvation available to all (John 3:16).
2. Jesus Commissioned His Followers to Go to All Nations – Before returning to heaven, He commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
3. Jesus is the Lamb Worthy of Universal Praise – Revelation 5:9 describes people from every nation worshiping Him, fulfilling this verse’s prophecy.
4. Jesus is the Fulfillment of God’s Plan – He is the one who brings Jews and Gentiles together into one family of faith (Ephesians 2:14-16).

Without Jesus, this verse would not be possible. But because of Him, the Gentiles can now rejoice in the salvation of the Lord.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse change the way you think about God’s plan for the nations?
2. Do you see worship as a privilege and joy, or is it just a habit? How can you grow in your praise of God?
3. What are some ways you can be part of God’s plan to reach the nations with the gospel?
4. How does this verse challenge the way you think about other believers from different backgrounds?
5. If God desires all people to worship Him, how should that shape your prayers and actions?