What does Romans 15:13 mean?
It's Paul's prayer that God, the source of all real hope, would fill believers with joy and peace as they trust Him, until hope spills over by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
What it means
“The God of hope” means God is where hope comes from. Hope in the Bible isn't wishful thinking. It's sure expectation, based on what God has promised and has already done in Jesus.
Notice the order. Joy and peace come as you believe in Him, as you keep trusting. And overflowing hope isn't something you work up. It comes “by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Your part is to trust. His part is to fill.
The verses around it
This prayer closes a long section about Jewish and non-Jewish Christians accepting one another (Romans 15:7). Earlier in the chapter, Paul says Scripture was written so that through endurance and encouragement we might have hope (verse 4).
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
The lies it answers
The thoughts this verse speaks to, in the words people use for them.
“Nothing is ever going to get better.”
Hope isn't something you have to produce. It comes from the God of hope.
Bible verses for when it feels like nothing will get better“What's the use? I'm too tired to keep trying.”
When you're running on empty, ask the God of hope to fill you.
Bible verses for when you feel like giving up“I've lost. There's no point trying again.”
Hope by the Spirit's power doesn't depend on how strong you feel.
Bible verses for when you feel defeated
Say it out loud
God is the God of hope. I ask Him to fill me with joy and peace as I trust Him, so my hope overflows by the power of the Holy Spirit.
More Bible declarations like this
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Questions people ask
What does “the God of hope” mean?
It means God is the source of hope. In Romans 15:13 Paul prays that the God of hope will fill believers with joy and peace.
How can I have hope when I feel hopeless?
Start by telling God the truth about how you feel. Hope in the Bible rests on God, not on your mood. Read one promise and hold on to it. Tell someone you trust. If you're thinking about ending your life, call or text 988 now.
Is Romans 15:13 a prayer or a promise?
It's a prayer, a blessing Paul prays over the church. It shows what God loves to give: joy, peace and hope through the Holy Spirit. You can pray it for yourself and for others.
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