Romans 1:15 kjv

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

Romans 1:15 nkjv

So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

Romans 1:15 niv

That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.

Romans 1:15 esv

So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

Romans 1:15 nlt

So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News.

Romans 1 verses

Romans 1 15 Meaning

Romans 1:15 reveals the Apostle Paul's profound and earnest desire to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the believers in Rome. His readiness stems from an internal, zealous spirit, born of his apostolic calling and his conviction regarding the universal power and necessity of the Gospel for salvation. It signifies not merely a duty, but a deep longing to share the divine truth with all, including the influential community in the imperial capital.

Romans 1 15 Context

Romans 1:15 concludes Paul’s personal introduction in his epistle to the Roman believers. Following his initial salutation (vv. 1-7) and commendation of their faith (v. 8), Paul expresses his frequent prayers for them (vv. 9-10) and his fervent longing to visit Rome (vv. 11-13). Verse 14 sets the immediate stage by articulating his apostolic debt to all humanity—Greeks and barbarians, wise and unwise—which implies a universal commission. Thus, verse 15 naturally follows as the expression of his active eagerness to fulfill this obligation specifically to the important community in Rome. Historically, Rome was the center of the vast Roman Empire, a melting pot of cultures, religions, and philosophical ideas. The Church in Rome was already established, a diverse body of both Jewish and Gentile believers, whose faith was "spoken of throughout the whole world" (Rom 1:8). Paul's ambition was not to plant a church where none existed, but to strengthen, impart to, and gather fruit from an already existing, influential Christian community, as well as use Rome as a strategic launching point for future missions to the west (Rom 15:24, 28).

Romans 1 15 Word analysis

• "So" (οὕτως - houtōs): This adverb links to the preceding thought. It indicates "in this way" or "therefore," showing Paul's readiness arises from his apostolic "debt" (Rom 1:14) and his deep desire to visit Rome (Rom 1:11-13). It highlights his commitment as a direct outflow of his obligation.

• "as much as in me is" / "I am ready" (τὸ κατ᾽ ἐμὲ πρόθυμον - to kat' eme prothymon): This core phrase signifies Paul's disposition.

  • "τὸ κατ᾽ ἐμὲ" (to kat' eme): Literally, "the according to me" or "as far as it lies with me." It stresses that his readiness is a deeply personal, inner willingness, not contingent on external factors. It reflects the full extent of his earnest desire.
  • "πρόθυμον" (prothymon): An adjective used as a noun meaning "eager," "willing," or "zealous." This word conveys more than mere duty; it signifies a passionate, deep-seated enthusiasm of mind and spirit, showing a heart utterly committed to the task.

• "to preach the gospel" (τὸ εὐαγγελίσασθαι - to euangelisasthai):

  • "εὐαγγελίσασθαι" (euangelisasthai): The infinitive of euangelizō, "to proclaim good news," or "to evangelize." This refers to the core activity of publicly announcing the saving message.
  • "the gospel" (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον - to euangelion): The Greek term for "good news." For Paul, it is specifically the redemptive message of Jesus Christ—His death, resurrection, and Lordship (Rom 1:2-4), offering salvation by faith to all (Rom 1:16-17).

• "to you that are at Rome also":

  • "to you that are at Rome": Specifies the existing Christian community in Rome as his immediate target. Paul's aim is to minister to, encourage, and strengthen these believers rather than to primarily convert a pagan population from scratch.
  • "also": This crucial word demonstrates the universality of Paul's mission. It indicates that his readiness to preach to the influential community in Rome is consistent with his broader ministry elsewhere, including his mission to the Gentiles (Rom 1:13).

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "So, as much as in me is": This opening sets a profoundly personal and earnest tone. It signifies that Paul's desire is deeply internal and stems from his fundamental character and unreserved conviction, moving beyond mere obligation to heartfelt zeal.
  • "I am ready to preach the gospel": This phrase encapsulates Paul's divine commission and life’s singular purpose. His readiness is not for just any task but for proclaiming the powerful, life-transforming message of Christ, which he unashamedly champions (Rom 1:16). This underlines his ardent devotion.
  • "to you that are at Rome also": This highlights both the universal scope of the Gospel and Paul's strategic vision. The inclusion of Rome—the heart of the empire—and the word "also" signify the gospel's reach into influential centers and its continuity with his global ministry to Jews and Gentiles alike.

Romans 1 15 Bonus section

Paul’s longing expressed in Romans 1:15 finds a divine affirmation later in his ministry when the Lord tells him in Acts 23:11, "as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome," revealing his personal desire was aligned with God's overarching plan. Despite his initial hopes, Paul ultimately reached Rome not as a free missionary but as a prisoner (Acts 28:16-31), demonstrating his unyielding readiness to preach the Gospel even amidst confinement (Phil 1:12-14). This highlights that "readiness" in the biblical sense implies a spiritual state of unwavering determination and eagerness to fulfill one's calling, irrespective of challenges or personal cost, echoing the dedication required of all who bear the name of Christ.

Romans 1 15 Commentary

Romans 1:15 vividly captures the fervent passion and deep urgency that defined Paul's apostleship. It is not a detached statement of obligation, but a declaration rooted in his spiritual conviction, as implied by "as much as in me is," signifying an eager, inward disposition. This zeal was fueled by his belief that the Gospel, the powerful message of Christ’s salvation, was essential for all humanity (Rom 1:16). Although a Christian community already thrived in Rome, Paul's readiness reflects his purpose to nurture these believers, impart spiritual gifts, and contribute to their growth (Rom 1:11-13). He saw Rome as a strategic point from which the Gospel could be further extended, potentially into unreached territories like Spain (Rom 15:24, 28). This verse serves as a powerful testament to faithful stewardship of God's grace and an enduring example of a missionary heart devoted to Christ’s message, encouraging believers today to possess a similar readiness to share the life-transforming news.