Romans 15 15

Romans 15:15 kjv

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

Romans 15:15 nkjv

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God,

Romans 15:15 niv

Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me

Romans 15:15 esv

But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God

Romans 15:15 nlt

Even so, I have been bold enough to write about some of these points, knowing that all you need is this reminder. For by God's grace,

Romans 15 verses

Romans 15 15 Meaning

This verse explains why Paul, though confident in the Roman believers' goodness and knowledge, wrote to them with a certain degree of directness and confidence. His boldness in addressing certain topics was not to imply their deficiency, but rather stemmed from his divinely appointed apostolic commission as a minister of Christ Jesus, particularly to the Gentiles. He saw his letter as a means of reminding them of crucial truths, empowered and necessitated by the grace God had specifically given him for this ministry.

Romans 15 15 Context

Romans 15:15 sits within the latter section of Paul's epistle, where he transitions from doctrinal exposition (Ch. 1-11) and ethical exhortation (Ch. 12-14) to his personal apostolic ministry plans and their relevance to the Roman church. Prior to this verse, Paul commends the Roman believers for their goodness, knowledge, and ability to instruct one another (Rom 15:14). This commendation is crucial as it sets a polite and respectful tone before Paul explains why, despite their maturity, he still felt compelled to write boldly to them. He then immediately proceeds to articulate his identity as a "minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles" (Rom 15:16), making it clear that his boldness flows directly from this divine calling. Historically, Paul, as the Apostle to the Gentiles, had not founded the Roman church, nor had he yet visited it. Therefore, he carefully articulates the basis of his authority to speak into their spiritual lives, ensuring his words are received as a legitimate apostolic instruction rather than an unsolicited intrusion.

Romans 15 15 Word analysis

• But (ἀλλὰ - alla): A strong conjunction signifying contrast or a shift in focus, indicating Paul is clarifying his prior statement of confidence in the Roman believers.
• on some points (ἀπὸ μέρους - apo merous): Implies not everything he wrote was boldly stated, nor were all believers equally mature. It softens the preceding "very boldly," indicating he was selective and judicious.
• I have written (ἔγραψα - egrapsa): A simple past tense, referring to the completed act of composing this letter. It’s an apostolic pronouncement.
• to you (ὑμῖν - hymin): Specifically addressed to the community of believers in Rome.
• very boldly (τολμηρότερον - tolmeroteron): A comparative adjective, meaning "more boldly" or "rather boldly." It conveys a pastoral assertiveness rather than aggressive rudeness. This "boldness" is not arrogance but Spirit-given confidence (Acts 4:31).
• by way of reminder (ὡς ἐπαναμιμνῄσκων - hos epanamimneskon): Lit. "as reminding again." This explains the purpose of his bold writing. He wasn't introducing completely foreign concepts but recalling existing truths, strengthening their understanding, and helping them apply what they already knew (2 Pet 1:12, Jud 1:5).
• because of (διὰ - dia): Identifies the cause or reason for his actions.
• the grace (τῆς χάριτος - tes charitos): Divine, unmerited favor. Here, it is the enabling power and spiritual gift given by God for ministry (Rom 12:6, 1 Cor 3:10, 1 Pet 4:10).
• God (τοῦ Θεοῦ - tou Theou): The ultimate source of all grace and Paul's calling.
• gave me (τῆς δοθείσης μοι - tes dotheises moi): A past participle signifying an action completed in the past with ongoing effects. This highlights the specific and personal nature of the grace bestowed upon Paul. It directly pertains to his apostolic calling and authority (Rom 1:5, Gal 1:15-16).

• "But on some points I have written to you very boldly": This phrase highlights Paul's intentional and tempered assertiveness. He isn't lecturing ignoramuses but directly addressing specific matters within a community he deeply respects, balancing confidence in them (Rom 15:14) with apostolic responsibility.
• "by way of reminder": This grouping clarifies his pastoral heart. His aim isn't to impart wholly new doctrine (they are already full of goodness and knowledge, v.14) but to reinforce, recall, and re-emphasize fundamental truths that might have been forgotten or misunderstood in practice, especially regarding unity between diverse groups.
• "because of the grace God gave me": This provides the foundational legitimation for his entire action. Paul's boldness and the act of reminding are not based on personal merit, ambition, or self-appointed authority, but solely on the undeserved divine favor and specific apostolic commission bestowed upon him by God, particularly as an apostle to the Gentiles. This grace empowers and compels his ministry.

Romans 15 15 Bonus section

Paul's explanation of his "boldness" here pre-empts any potential misinterpretation of his apostolic tone, especially given he hadn't personally founded the church in Rome. In a culture that valued proper social protocol, Paul carefully delineates the source of his confidence, grounding it squarely in God's specific enabling grace and commission, rather than any perceived human standing or the Roman believers' perceived shortcomings. This nuanced communication demonstrates both Paul's wisdom and the humility of one serving under divine authority. His pastoral intent for the Romans' growth and unity shines through, even in his direct admonishments.

Romans 15 15 Commentary

Romans 15:15 reveals Paul's delicate balance of respect and apostolic authority. He graciously acknowledges the Roman believers' spiritual maturity while gently asserting his right, and even obligation, to write boldly to them. This boldness is not a mark of arrogance but an overflow of his unique, God-given grace—his apostolic calling, specifically for the Gentiles. His intention is pastoral, framed as a "reminder," suggesting he is reinforcing known truths or guiding them in applying principles already understood, rather than presenting novel revelation. This act underscores that legitimate spiritual leadership is founded on divine grace and aims for the edification of the body, even when delivered with directness. Paul's approach serves as a model for exercising authority with humility and clarity, rooted in God's commissioning.