Romans 15 18

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 verses

Romans 15 18 Meaning

Romans 15:18 highlights Paul's humble perspective on his missionary work. He clarifies that he only recounts what Christ Himself, through Paul as His instrument, has achieved. The specific accomplishment is bringing Gentiles to a state of obedience that stems from faith, evidenced and brought about by both Paul's proclamation of the gospel and the powerful demonstrations accompanying it. This verse fundamentally attributes the effectiveness and scope of Paul's Gentile mission not to his own abilities, but to the empowering work of Christ.

Romans 15 18 Context

Romans 15:18 concludes Paul's discourse on Christian unity, mutual acceptance, and his own apostolic mission, setting the stage for his explanation of his travel plans. Chapters 14-15:13 address the diverse practices and convictions within the Roman church, urging strong believers to bear with the weak and for all to welcome one another, just as Christ welcomed them. Paul grounds these exhortations in Christ's example (Rom 15:3) and Old Testament promises regarding Gentile inclusion (Rom 15:9-12).

Starting from Rom 15:14, Paul transitions to discussing his apostleship. He acknowledges the Roman believers' goodness but reaffirms his right to write boldly as "a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles" (Rom 15:16). He views his missionary task as priestly service, presenting the "offering of the Gentiles" to God. Verse 18 then introduces the scope and source of his successful mission among the Gentiles, explaining what Christ enabled him to do before detailing where (from Jerusalem to Illyricum) and why (to preach where Christ had not been named). This verse clarifies that any boast or reporting of achievements is directed not to Paul's personal skill, but to Christ's power actively working through him, validating his claim and the legitimacy of the Gentile mission. Historically, Paul's mission would have been unique and controversial to some Jewish believers, making it crucial for him to attribute its success entirely to Christ.

Romans 15 18 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): A particle indicating explanation or reason. It connects this statement directly to Paul's previous affirmation of his grace and priestly duty (Rom 15:15-16), explaining the basis of his authority to speak about his ministry.

• I will not venture to speak (οὐ τολμήσω τι λαλεῖν - ou tolmēsō ti lalein):

  • I will not venture (οὐ τολμήσω - ou tolmēsō): From tolmáō, meaning "to dare," "be bold enough," "venture." Paul exhibits humility. He’s not avoiding boasting because he has nothing to say, but because he directs the boast appropriately. It’s a circumlocution of saying, "I will only speak of..." showing discretion.
  • to speak (λαλεῖν - lalein): Encompasses preaching, proclaiming, discussing, recounting.

• of anything (τι - ti): Any matter, any work, any achievement. It emphasizes that Paul’s restraint is comprehensive, extending to anything not attributed to Christ.

• except (ἀλλ’ ὧν - all' hōn): "But of what" or "except those things which." A strong adversative conjunction indicating a clear demarcation. Paul shifts from what he won't speak about to what he will.

• what Christ has accomplished (κατειργάσατο Χριστὸς - kateirgasato Christos):

  • has accomplished (κατειργάσατο - kateirgasato): Aorist middle voice of katergazomai, meaning "to work out, perform fully, achieve, bring about successfully." This is a strong verb indicating complete and effective action. The middle voice emphasizes the action as personal or self-interested for Christ, or it simply points to Christ as the primary actor, even when using an instrument. It underscores the decisive and comprehensive nature of Christ's work.
  • Christ (Χριστὸς - Christos): The Lord Jesus Christ is the singular and ultimate agent. Paul consistently attributes the fruit of his labor to Christ's divine initiative and power, not his own human efforts or eloquence.

• through me (δι’ ἐμοῦ - di’ emou):

  • through (δι’ - di’): Preposition denoting agency or instrumentality. Paul functions as an instrument, a channel, not the originating power. He is the chosen vessel (Acts 9:15), a steward (1 Cor 4:1), but the actual work is Christ's.

• to bring the Gentiles to obedience (εἰς ὑπακοὴν ἐθνῶν - eis hypakoēn ethnōn):

  • to bring... to (εἰς - eis): Preposition indicating purpose or result. The ultimate goal of Christ's work through Paul.
  • obedience (ὑπακοήν - hypakoēn): Not just intellectual assent, but active, committed, obedient faith. It's a transformative surrender to the lordship of Christ, resulting in changed behavior and life. This refers to the obedience that flows from genuine faith (as in Rom 1:5; 16:26), a readiness to hear and comply with the Gospel.
  • Gentiles (ἐθνῶν - ethnōn): Non-Jews. The focus of Paul's particular apostleship, confirming the breadth of God's redemptive plan beyond Israel.

• by word and deed (λόγῳ καὶ ἔργῳ - logō kai ergō):

  • by word (λόγῳ - logō): Refers to Paul's preaching, teaching, and proclamation of the Gospel message. It includes evangelism and systematic instruction.
  • and deed (καὶ ἔργῳ - kai ergō): Refers to accompanying actions. This often implies miracles, signs, wonders (Rom 15:19), healings, and the manifestation of spiritual power (1 Cor 2:4-5). It also encompasses the practical impact of the Gospel, demonstrated by Paul's own Christ-like conduct and the transformed lives of converts. The gospel's authenticity was validated by divine demonstrations.

Romans 15 18 Bonus section

• The structure of Paul's sentence "I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished..." functions as an ethical boundary on his communication. It sets a standard for boasting: one only boasts in what God has done. This preempts any accusation of personal pride.
• The comprehensive nature of "by word and deed" meant that the message of the gospel was never just theory. It was practically demonstrated through Christ's power breaking into the lives and circumstances of people. This provided irrefutable evidence of the truth being preached, making the Gentiles' conversion and obedience deeply rooted, rather than superficial.
• The phrase "obedience of faith" (compare Rom 1:5, 16:26) is a Pauline idiom that goes beyond mere intellectual assent to the gospel message. It means an obedient act of believing that results in conversion and living a life of submission to God's will. It describes both the initial act of faith that answers the call of the gospel, and the continuing posture of obedient discipleship.

Romans 15 18 Commentary

Romans 15:18 is a profoundly Christocentric statement defining the essence of Paul's apostolic ministry. Paul deliberately restricts his reporting to what "Christ has accomplished," explicitly distancing himself from self-aggrandizement. This humility doesn't diminish his role but accurately attributes success to the true Source of power. The ultimate aim of Christ's work through Paul was to lead the Gentiles to "obedience," a term consistently tied to faith and surrender to the Gospel throughout Romans. This isn't mere ritualistic compliance but a wholehearted embrace and lived out response to the saving truth. The method of this accomplishment—"by word and deed"—is critical. Paul didn't merely speak persuasively; his verbal proclamation was accompanied by powerful divine demonstrations (miracles, signs) and a life that embodied the message. This dual approach ensured the gospel was not merely human philosophy but a divine, transformative reality. The verse encapsulates Paul's passion for the inclusion of the Gentiles, empowered by Christ and evident through supernatural confirmation, providing a model for all Spirit-empowered ministry.