Romans 15 17

Romans 15:17 kjv

I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

Romans 15:17 nkjv

Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.

Romans 15:17 niv

Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.

Romans 15:17 esv

In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God.

Romans 15:17 nlt

So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God.

Romans 15 verses

Romans 15 17 Meaning

This verse encapsulates the Apostle Paul's qualified confidence and deep satisfaction concerning his God-assigned mission to the Gentiles. His "reason to be proud" or "boast" is not in personal achievement, but solely "in Christ Jesus" and entirely "for God." It asserts that his apostolic service, marked by divine power and spiritual fruit among the nations, provides a legitimate basis for glory, a glory that ultimately redounds to Christ and God, not himself. This is a humble yet bold affirmation of God's effective work through him, setting the stage for his subsequent discussion of his missionary labors.

Romans 15 17 Context

Romans 15:17 stands within Paul's concluding exhortations and personal reflections at the end of his letter. The broader context of Romans chapters 12-14 has dealt with practical Christian living, unity in the church, and matters of conscience, especially concerning dietary laws and the observance of days between Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul emphasizes that the strong should bear with the weak, imitating Christ's selfless example, who served both Jew and Gentile (Rom 15:1-13).

In the immediate context (Rom 15:14-16), Paul has been gently defending his audacious letter to the Roman believers, who he has not yet met in person. He asserts his right as an apostle to the Gentiles to write boldly, reminding them of the grace given to him by God for this specific ministry. He sees himself as a "minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles," likening his work to a priestly service where the "offering of the Gentiles" is made acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Verse 17 thus serves as a summary of the genuine basis for the "glorying" he alluded to; his confidence is rooted not in his own abilities, but in his commission and the divine enablement for his distinctive task within God's salvation plan for both Jew and Gentile, fostering their unity in worship. He's explaining why he has the authority and the grounds to address them with such confidence.

Romans 15 17 Word analysis

• In Christ Jesus (ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, en Christō Iēsou):

  • In: Denotes sphere, source, union, and instrumentality. Not merely by Christ, but within the sphere of His person and authority.
  • Christ Jesus: The full redemptive name. Highlights the messianic office and the personal saving work. Emphasizes that this "boasting" is possible only because of Paul's spiritual union with Christ and Christ's own work through him. This is a foundational theological phrase throughout Paul's letters, indicating the believer's new identity and standing.

• then (οὖν, oun):

  • Then/Therefore: A logical connective. Links this statement to Paul's preceding argument in verses 14-16, where he outlined his unique apostolic call to the Gentiles and the grace he received. It signals a conclusion drawn from those statements about his ministry.

• I have (ἔχω, echō):

  • I have/I possess: A direct, personal assertion. Paul claims this possession directly. It expresses his confidence and ownership of the ground for boasting, though immediately qualified by "in Christ Jesus." While personal, it is not self-centered; it highlights the unique personal commission God gave to Paul.

• reason to be proud (καύχησιν, kauchēsin):

  • Reason to be proud/Boasting/Glorying: The noun form of kauchaomai. In Greek thought, kauchesis could be used positively for legitimate pride, or negatively for vain self-exaltation. In Christian context, Paul often contrasts worldly, fleshly boasting (e.g., in status, law-keeping) with boasting "in the Lord." Here, it signifies a legitimate, Spirit-empowered confidence and glory, one rooted entirely outside of Paul's personal merit. It refers to a deep satisfaction and public acknowledgment of something true and excellent.

• of my work for God (τὰ πρὸς Θεόν, ta pros Theon):

  • Of my work for God/The things concerning God/With respect to God: Ta (the plural article "the") refers to his acts or accomplishments within his ministry. Pros (the preposition "for/towards") with Theon (God) indicates the direction, purpose, and object of these things. It means his actions, his ministry, his service, everything pertaining to his apostolic endeavor, is directed towards God, performed for God's glory, and is considered an "offering" to God (as in Rom 15:16). It covers all aspects of his apostolic mission, from preaching to establishing churches.

• "In Christ Jesus... for God": This phrase group is critical. It defines the entire context of Paul's boasting. It is through Christ, by Christ's enablement, in union with Christ that Paul has a legitimate ground to glory. And the ultimate end of this glory, its direction and purpose, is always for God. This framing protects his "boasting" from any hint of prideful self-promotion and transforms it into an expression of God's power and faithfulness.

Romans 15 17 Bonus section

The strong affirmation "I have reason to be proud" highlights Paul's profound identification with his apostolic calling. While personal, this is not mere self-congratulation; rather, it underscores the weighty responsibility he felt as a steward of the mystery of Christ among the Gentiles. His "boasting" serves to demonstrate the validity and divine authority of his ministry, especially crucial for a group of believers like those in Rome who had not been directly discipled by him and might question his boldness in addressing them. The "boasting" is also anticipatory; he has already detailed much of his arduous journey and the opposition he faced in earlier letters. Here, in Romans, it's a statement of assured apostolic integrity. The very use of the word kauchesis echoes a common challenge Paul faced from false teachers who boasted in external accomplishments or lineage, setting a powerful example that only spiritual fruit born of Christ and directed for God constituted a worthy boast. It's a redefinition of honor and success from a divine perspective.

Romans 15 17 Commentary

Romans 15:17 encapsulates the paradoxical nature of true Christian confidence in ministry. Paul's "reason to be proud" (καύχησιν) is a legitimate form of boasting, but it is radically re-centered. It finds its exclusive foundation "in Christ Jesus," meaning his apostolic success and all the fruit of his ministry are entirely dependent on Christ's presence, power, and authorization, not his own capabilities. Furthermore, the object of this boasting is precisely "the things concerning God" or "for God," emphasizing that the purpose and ultimate recipient of any glory or satisfaction are God alone. This humble audacity reveals a deep spiritual maturity: a personal acknowledgment of great work done, but absolute clarity regarding its divine origin and destination. Paul isn't celebrating himself as the actor, but God as the agent working powerfully through a willing servant. This perspective ensures that ministry remains focused on God's glory and never descends into self-promotion or human accomplishment.

• Example: A pastor celebrates conversions, but immediately attributes the change of hearts to the Holy Spirit and Christ's redemptive work.
• Example: A missionary joyfully reports the establishment of new churches, always stressing God's provision and empowerment in overcoming obstacles.