Romans 15 14

Romans 15:14 kjv

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Romans 15:14 nkjv

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.

Romans 15:14 niv

I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.

Romans 15:14 esv

I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.

Romans 15:14 nlt

I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them.

Romans 15 verses

Romans 15 14 Meaning

Paul expresses his firm confidence and conviction in the Roman believers. He declares his satisfaction that they are thoroughly imbued with moral excellence and benevolence (goodness). Furthermore, they possess a complete understanding of spiritual truths (knowledge). This spiritual maturity and intellectual grasp equip them with the capacity and authority to lovingly instruct, counsel, and guide each other within the community.

Romans 15 14 Context

Romans 15:14 serves as a pivot point in Paul's letter, immediately following an extensive discussion (chapters 14 and 15:1-13) where he addresses tensions between "weak" and "strong" believers concerning dietary laws, Sabbath observance, and the importance of unity, mutual acceptance, and building up one another in love. After laying theological and ethical groundwork, Paul offers this profound commendation, affirming the spiritual maturity and capability of the Roman believers. This positive assertion establishes a foundation of trust, setting the stage for Paul to subsequently share his apostolic vision for global evangelism and his plans to visit Rome on his journey to Spain (Rom 15:15-33). He frames his later requests not as demands to a deficient church but as collaborative appeals to a spiritually equipped and capable community. The Roman church was diverse, comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts, and operated without a centralized hierarchical leadership, making mutual instruction among believers a crucial aspect of their spiritual health and function.

Romans 15 14 Word analysis

• I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers (Ἀνέχομαι δὲ περὶ ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί μου, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐγὼ):

  • The Greek verb Anechomai (ἀνέχομαι), translated as "I am satisfied" or "I am convinced," signifies a strong personal conviction and confidence in their spiritual state, moving beyond mere tolerance or secondhand knowledge. It reflects Paul's profound assurance.
  • Adelphoi mou (ἀδελφοί μου, my brothers) is a term of affection and inclusion, reinforcing the deep bond and shared identity within the Christian community, bridging any previous differences discussed.
  • The phrase kai autos egō (καὶ αὐτὸς ἐγὼ, even I myself) adds emphasis, asserting Paul's personal and emphatic conviction rather than a reported one.

• that you yourselves are full of goodness (ὅτι πλήρεις ἐστὲ ἀγαθωσύνης):

  • Plēreis este (πλήρεις ἐστὲ, you are full) describes a comprehensive and abundant spiritual state. It implies a thorough pervading of their being, signifying a well-developed, saturated condition of character.
  • Agathōsynēs (ἀγαθωσύνης, goodness) denotes moral excellence, uprightness, active kindness, and benevolence. It is an attribute linked with God's character (Ps 27:13; Ps 33:5) and identified as a fruit of the Spirit in believers (Gal 5:22; Eph 5:9), indicating intentional positive action rather than merely the absence of evil.

• filled with all knowledge (πεπληρωμένοι πάσης γνώσεως):

  • Peplērōmenoi (πεπληρωμένοι, filled) is a perfect passive participle, suggesting a completed action with lasting results, indicating a state of being fully equipped or thoroughly endowed. This "being filled" follows from being "full of goodness," implying an integral connection between character and understanding.
  • Pasēs gnōseōs (πάσης γνώσεως, all knowledge) refers not to secular facts but comprehensive spiritual understanding, discernment of divine truths, doctrine, and the practical implications for Christian living. This knowledge provides the theological wisdom to apply biblical principles to challenging situations, particularly the internal disputes they faced (1 Cor 8:1; Phil 1:9).

• and able to instruct one another (δυνάμενοι καὶ ἀλλήλους νουθετεῖν):

  • Dynamenoi (δυνάμενοι, able) indicates their spiritual capacity and inherent capability, which is a natural outgrowth of their goodness and comprehensive knowledge.
  • Allēlous (ἀλλήλους, one another) stresses the reciprocal and mutual nature of this ministry within the community, signifying that spiritual guidance flows horizontally among believers, not exclusively from designated leaders.
  • Nouthetein (νουθετεῖν, to instruct/admonish) is a key term meaning "to put into mind." It involves gentle, truth-based counsel, correction, warning, and encouragement, always aimed at moral and spiritual improvement. It is a loving, verbal challenge intended to help a fellow believer grow, avoid error, and develop Christlikeness. This capability is a hallmark of a healthy, mature Christian assembly (Col 3:16; 1 Thess 5:12,14).

Romans 15 14 Bonus section

This verse provides foundational insight into the dynamics of a healthy Christian community and underpins the concept of mutual ministry among all believers, effectively demonstrating the "priesthood of all believers" in practice. It implies that a local church deeply imbued with "goodness" (moral character and practical righteousness) and "knowledge" (comprehensive theological understanding and spiritual discernment) has reached a significant level of self-sufficiency in maintaining its internal spiritual health and growth. The ability to nouthetein allēlous encompasses more than mere correction; it includes exhortation, comforting, reinforcing good behavior, and stimulating faith, all driven by the desire for mutual Christ-likeness. This expectation subtly challenges a passive or consumerist approach to faith, emphasizing active participation and shared pastoral responsibility. By expressing such confidence, Paul is not merely flattering the Roman church but empowering them, signaling his expectation that they will embody these very attributes, particularly in continuing to foster unity and understanding across internal divisions.

Romans 15 14 Commentary

Paul’s affirmation in Romans 15:14 is a masterful pastoral approach. Rather than addressing a potentially deficient church, he commends a spiritually mature and capable one, thereby establishing trust before seeking their partnership in his broader mission. His "satisfaction" springs from their abundant moral goodness and comprehensive spiritual knowledge, which he presents as vital twin virtues. These attributes are not just individual traits but prerequisites for the essential communal function of "admonishing one another." This mutual instruction signifies a truly mature Christian community, where every believer possesses the spiritual insight and Christlike character to lovingly guide, counsel, and even correct fellow members, thereby fostering collective growth and unity without sole reliance on external apostolic oversight. This verse highlights the Holy Spirit's empowerment of ordinary believers for ministry to one another, making them active participants in building up the body of Christ.

• Examples for practical usage:
  • When a new believer struggles with understanding a specific biblical doctrine, a more seasoned church member patiently explains it using scripture.
  • Friends in a small group hold each other accountable to commitments to prayer and reading the Word, gently reminding each other of their shared goals.
  • A fellow Christian discerns a pattern of unhelpful grumbling in a brother or sister and, with love, points them to God's command for contentment and gratitude.