Romans 15:18 kjv
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
Romans 15:18 nkjv
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient?
Romans 15:18 niv
I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done?
Romans 15:18 esv
For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience ? by word and deed,
Romans 15:18 nlt
Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them.
Romans 15 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 15:18 | For I will dare not to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me . | NT - Paul's self-assessment |
| 1 Cor 1:17 | For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel... | NT - Paul's mission |
| 1 Cor 3:9 | For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. | NT - Co-workership with God |
| 2 Cor 3:5 | Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, | NT - Sufficiency from God |
| 2 Cor 10:13 | But we will not boast beyond limits, but within the limits of the sphere that God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even unto you. | NT - Proper Boasting boundaries |
| 2 Cor 11:12 | But what I am doing I will continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to boast about that in which they glory. | NT - Preventing false boasting |
| 2 Cor 12:11 | I have become a fool; you forced me. For I ought to have been commended by you. For I am not at all inferior to the super-apostles, even though I am nothing. | NT - Defense against false apostles |
| Gal 1:16 | to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles; I did not confer with flesh and blood, | NT - Divine revelation for ministry |
| Eph 3:7 | of which I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace which was given to me by the working of his power. | NT - Ministry by God's power |
| Col 1:25 | of which I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for you, to make the word of God fully known, | NT - Stewardship for the Church |
| Phil 4:13 | I can do all things through him who strengthens me. | NT - Strength through Christ |
| Acts 9:15 | But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. | NT - Paul's divine calling |
| Acts 13:2 | As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” | NT - Holy Spirit's calling |
| Gal 2:8 | For he who worked effectively in Peter for his apostolate to the circumcised worked effectively in me for my apostolate to the Gentiles, | NT - Equivalence of apostolic work |
| Gen 1:28 | God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…” | OT - God's command for dominion |
| Isa 61:1 | “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted... | OT - Messianic prophecy |
| Jer 1:7 | But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you you shall go, and whatever I command you you shall speak. | OT - God's commission to Jeremiah |
| Psa 119:89 | Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly set in the heavens. | OT - The enduring Word of God |
| Rom 1:5 | through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, | NT - Grace and apostleship |
| 2 Tim 1:11 | of which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher. | NT - Paul's appointed roles |
| Eph 2:20 | building us on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, | NT - Foundation of apostleship |
Romans 15 verses
Romans 15 18 Meaning
Paul asserts that he will not dare to speak of anything beyond what Christ has accomplished through him. This declaration highlights Christ's power and the effectiveness of his ministry, which was the focus of Paul's apostolic work.
Romans 15 18 Context
In Romans chapter 15, Paul is discussing his ministry and his desire to visit Rome to bring a financial contribution from the Gentile churches to the poor believers in Jerusalem. He emphasizes his role as a minister to the Gentiles and his reliance on God's power to fulfill this commission. This verse is part of Paul's summary of his life's work and his justification for his apostolic authority, demonstrating that his accomplishments were not by his own merit but by the power of Christ working through him. He is indirectly addressing those who might question his apostleship or his message, reaffirming that his authority and effectiveness come solely from Christ.
Romans 15 18 Word Analysis
- "For" (Gk: gar): Introduces a reason or explanation for the preceding statement.
- "I will dare not" (Gk: ou tolmēsei): This is a strong negation expressing a deliberate abstention from an action, indicating caution and humility, not cowardice. It means "I will not presume," "I will not venture."
- "to speak" (Gk: lalēsai): Refers to speaking, talking, or uttering words.
- "of any" (Gk: oudenos): None; not anything. Emphasizes the scope of what Paul will not claim credit for.
- "of those things" (Gk: tōn logōn): Literally "the words" or "the things." Refers to specific matters or achievements.
- "which Christ has not accomplished" (Gk: hou ou kathērgāsato Christos): This is the core of the verse. Kathērgāsato is the aorist middle indicative of kathērgazomai, meaning "to work out," "accomplish," "bring to completion." The negative (ou) signifies that Paul will not boast about anything that Christ has not accomplished. This implies that all his accomplishments have been accomplished by Christ.
- "through me" (Gk: di' emou): "Through me." This prepositional phrase clarifies that the agency of accomplishment is Christ, and the means or channel through which it happens is Paul.
Word Group Analysis:
- "dare not to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished": This entire phrase underscores Paul's humility and his understanding of his ministry as entirely dependent on Christ. It’s a testament to his reliance on God's enabling power rather than his own ability.
Romans 15 18 Bonus Section
This verse directly addresses the theme of humility in ministry. Paul’s declaration serves as a model for how believers should approach their God-given gifts and responsibilities. It highlights that true effectiveness in ministry stems from Christ's work, not human prowess. By stating he will not speak of anything Christ has not accomplished through him, Paul implicitly affirms that all his ministry has been accomplished by Christ. This is a form of self-differentiation from false apostles who boasted in their own achievements or credentials (cf. 2 Cor 11:12-13). It also echoes the Old Testament principle where prophetic messages were often prefaced with "Thus says the LORD," acknowledging divine authorship.
Romans 15 18 Commentary
Paul asserts his unwavering commitment to crediting Christ for all that he has done. He will not take credit for any aspect of his ministry or its successes, as he views himself as a mere instrument. The power and effectiveness of his work are entirely attributed to Christ’s sovereign activity through him. This reflects a profound humility and a clear understanding of the source of his apostolic authority and achievements. It is a principle that guards against pride and emphasizes dependence on God, a theme prevalent in Paul's writings (cf. 2 Cor 3:5; Phil 4:13).
Practical Usage:
- When sharing successes in work, ministry, or personal life, consciously acknowledge God's role.
- Be wary of boasting or taking undue credit for achievements, recognizing that any ability or opportunity comes from God.
- Cultivate a spirit of gratitude for what Christ accomplishes through us, rather than pride in our own efforts.