Romans 15:21 kjv
But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
Romans 15:21 nkjv
but as it is written: "To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand."
Romans 15:21 niv
Rather, as it is written: "Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand."
Romans 15:21 esv
but as it is written, "Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand."
Romans 15:21 nlt
I have been following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures, where it says, "Those who have never been told about him will see,
and those who have never heard of him will understand."
Romans 15 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Romans 1:5 | through whom we received grace and apostleship to call for... | Call to obedience through Him |
| Romans 6:16 | know that to whom you present yourselves slaves, to whom you... | Slavery to obedience/righteousness |
| 1 Corinthians 9:19 | For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave... | Willing servitude for gospel furtherance |
| 1 Corinthians 10:31 | So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to... | Doing all to the glory of God |
| Galatians 2:9 | when they saw that God had committed to me the gospel to the... | Gospel to uncircumcised; emphasis on Gentiles |
| 2 Thessalonians 1:8 | in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not... | Disobedience and judgment |
| 2 Thessalonians 3:14 | If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take... | Regarding obedience to apostolic instruction |
| 1 Peter 1:22 | Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for... | Obedience to truth leads to love for brethren |
| 1 Peter 4:17 | For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God... | Judgment begins with believers |
| Acts 15:9 | and he made no distinction between us and them, but purified... | God purifying hearts through faith, no distinction |
| Jeremiah 10:25 | Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not know you, and... | Nations not knowing God |
| Psalm 67:2 | that your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all... | Salvation and knowledge of God among nations |
| Isaiah 11:10 | Isaiah 11:10: In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand... | Nations seeking Him |
| Isaiah 42:4 | He will not be disheartened or discouraged till he has esta... | Nations waiting for His teaching |
| Isaiah 49:6 | he says: "It is too small a thing that you should be my se... | Light to the Gentiles |
| Isaiah 52:15 | So shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mo... | Nations amazed by His suffering |
| Isaiah 60:3 | Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightn... | Gentiles coming to the light of Israel |
| Luke 24:47 | and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be p... | Repentance and forgiveness preached to nations |
| John 12:32 | And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all p... | Jesus drawing all to Himself |
| Acts 10:34-35 | So Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I understand th... | God shows no partiality, accepts from every nation |
| Acts 26:17-18 | rescuing you from your people and from the Gentiles—to who... | Commission to turn Gentiles from darkness to light |
Romans 15 verses
Romans 15 21 Meaning
This verse expresses the Apostle Paul's foundational reason for evangelistic outreach: to bring Gentiles to obedience through the gospel. The goal is not just conversion, but a transformation that leads to submission to God's will as revealed in Christ. This obedience is spiritual and demonstrated through faith and a life aligned with God's Word.
Romans 15 21 Context
Romans chapter 15 is Paul's conclusion to his extended argument on justification by faith, particularly focusing on the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people alongside Jews. He addresses potential divisions within the church between Jewish and Gentile believers, urging mutual acceptance and bearing with one another's weaknesses. This verse summarizes his life's mission as an apostle, highlighting his dedication to evangelizing the Gentile world. His efforts are presented as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning God's salvation extending to all nations.
Romans 15 21 Word analysis
- Ellenistic-: Refers to the period of Greek culture and influence after Alexander the Great.
- Hierarches: A system of governance by priests or other religious authorities.
- Polemic: A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.
- transliteration: Romesthai
- meaning: to bring forth
- Ellenistes-: Refers to the period of Greek culture and influence after Alexander the Great.
- Pagans: People holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions.
- kyprioa-: This appears to be a misspelling or misunderstanding of the Greek word 'kyrios' (lord) or possibly relates to Cyprus. Assuming 'kyriou' (of the lord/Christ) or 'kyprioas' (Greeks) which is not a standard term. The closest meaningful Greek word in this context would be for "Greeks" or "Gentiles" to submit to Christ.
- Proserchomai: To come to, approach.
- Euthēneiē: Good ordering, success, well-being.
- latreia: Service, worship.
- sevasmos: Reverence, worship.
- agelatos: acceptable, pleasing.
Words group by words-group analysis
- "To bring the Gentiles to obedience": This phrase signifies the ultimate purpose of Paul's apostolic ministry among non-Jews. It implies not merely conversion but a transformed life that results in submission to the commands and Lordship of Christ.
- "by the gospel": This highlights the means through which this obedience is achieved. The good news of salvation through Jesus Christ is the divine power that leads to spiritual transformation and submission.
- "that my offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable": Paul sees his ministry to the Gentiles as an offering or sacrifice to God, made acceptable by the work of Christ and sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15 21 Bonus section
The concept of presenting "offerings" to God is deeply rooted in Old Testament sacrificial systems. Paul artfully uses this imagery to describe the Gentiles, who were once outside the covenant, now being brought into relationship with God through faith. This presentation is sanctified by the Holy Spirit, making the entire process acceptable to God, as stated in Romans 15:16. The obedience spoken of here is not a burdensome adherence to law but a natural outflow of a regenerated heart, responding in love and trust to the liberating good news of the gospel. This obedience is what makes the spiritual "offering" of Gentiles pleasing to God.
Romans 15 21 Commentary
Paul, reflecting on his extensive ministry, reveals the driving force behind his evangelistic zeal among the Gentiles: the ultimate purpose of their submission to Christ. This is not a forced subjugation but a willing, heartfelt obedience that stems from faith in the gospel. He views the conversion of the Gentiles as a priestly act, a spiritual offering to God that is made holy and pleasing through the atoning work of Jesus. His ambition is to present the Gentiles to God, transformed by the power of the Spirit, reflecting God's grace and fulfilling His redemptive purposes for all nations. This verse underscores the gospel's transformative power, leading to a life of faithful obedience, and highlights the apostolic mission as instrumental in presenting a perfected people to God.