Romans 15:15-16
But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul's statement that he wrote "in some sort" reveals his humility; he's not claiming to have written exhaustively, but rather to have touched on certain points "here and there." He clarifies that this boldness stems from his divine commission as an apostle, not from any presumption, and that his aim is merely to remind them of truths they already know.
Paul is wrapping up his extensive letter to the Roman believers. Having just addressed significant issues of unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians, particularly concerning disputable matters and their shared hope in Christ, he now offers a concluding reflection on his own ministry and their response. He asserts his apostolic authority, given by God, as the basis for his bold admonitions, while also expressing confidence in their spiritual maturity and the Holy Spirit's work among them.
Ever felt like you were being too direct or too soft? Paul navigates this delicate balance in his letter to the Romans.
Paul uses the word "boldly" here, but it’s crucial to understand what he means. He's not talking about being rude or aggressive. Instead, he's acknowledging that he's stepping out with a certain confidence and directness in his writing.
A Delicate Balance
He qualifies this by saying "in some sort" or "in part." This shows humility – he’s not claiming to cover everything, nor is he trying to dominate their understanding. It's more like he’s touching on specific points with a bit more earnestness than one might expect from someone who is largely a stranger to them, as he is to the Roman church.
The Goal: Reminder, Not Rebuke
His intention isn't to introduce entirely new ideas but to stir up their existing knowledge. He calls it "putting you in mind," which implies they already know the truth but might need a gentle nudge or a refresher. This approach is designed to be encouraging and strengthening, not condescending.
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Paul grounds his boldness not in his own personality or authority, but in the "grace given me by God." This points to his divine commission as an apostle.
God's Appointed Messenger
This grace wasn't just a personal favor; it was the specific endowment and authority given to him by God to serve as the Apostle to the Gentiles. This unique calling gave him the mandate and the confidence to address the Roman church, which was largely Gentile.
Humility and Commission
It's a beautiful blend of deep personal humility and a clear, unwavering conviction of his God-given mission. He isn't boasting; he's simply stating the source of his confidence and the basis for his instruction. His authority allows him to speak with a certain gravity, reminding them of truths essential for their spiritual well-being, because that's precisely what God called him to do.
Understand the original words
charis · Greek Noun
The unmerited favor of God bestowed upon individuals, particularly for salvation and empowerment for ministry. It is the foundation of the believer's standing before God and their ability to serve Him.
leitourgos · Greek Noun
One who serves as an attendant or agent, specifically in a religious or public capacity, indicating a role of humble service under authority.
hierourgeō · Greek Verb
The act of performing priestly or liturgical duties, emphasizing the sacred and sacrificial nature of the service offered to God.
euangelion · Greek Noun
The good news concerning the person, work, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which brings salvation to all who believe.
prosphora · Greek Noun
That which is presented to God, often involving sacrifice, devotion, or dedication, denoting something set apart for His holy use.
hagiazō · Greek Verb
To be set apart, consecrated, or made holy by the action of God, separating an object or person from common use for divine purposes.
pneuma hagion · Greek Noun phrase
The third person of the Trinity, who indwells believers, guides them into truth, empowers them for ministry, and performs the work of sanctification.
Paul's bold reminders in Romans stem from his divinely appointed role as the apostle to the Gentiles, a crucial theological and historical context for understanding his arguments to the Roman church.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Corinth and Athens, establishing the church in Corinth, a key Gentile center. This journey solidifies his mission to the Gentiles.
c. AD 52-56
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends an extended period in Ephesus, further strengthening his ministry to Gentiles and gathering support for Jerusalem. This period likely sees him formulating his theological arguments for the inclusion of Gentiles.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul writes Romans from Corinth
While in Corinth, Paul writes his letter to the Roman church, a largely Gentile congregation with some Jewish believers. He sends Phoebe, a deaconess from Cenchreae, to deliver the letter.
c. AD 57-58
Paul travels to Jerusalem
Paul travels to Jerusalem with the collection for the poor saints, intending to visit Rome afterward. This journey leads to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment.
Peter also uses the idea of reminding believers of things they already know, emphasizing the value of staying grounded in truth, similar to Paul's approach in Romans.
1 Corinthians 4:14Paul expresses a similar paternal tone, not seeking to shame the Corinthians but to remind them as his beloved children, reflecting the 'reminder' aspect of his writing to the Romans.
Galatians 2:9This passage highlights the specific grace given to Paul to minister to the Gentiles, directly supporting his claim in Romans 15:15 about the 'grace given me by God' for his apostolic mission.
Ephesians 3:7Paul explicitly calls himself a 'minister' according to the gift of God's grace, a concept that mirrors his justification for his bold, yet mindful, apostolic writing in Romans 15:15.
ellicottRomans 15:15: "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,"
(15) Nevertheless, brethren. —Apologetic. Holding this good opinion of you as I do, I nevertheless presumed somewhat upon my position as an Apostle, and especially as an Apostle of the. Gentiles, to write with an earnestness which I should, perhaps, otherwise not have ventured to show. Brethren.—The weight of evidence in the MSS.…
clarkeRomans 15:15: "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,"
Nevertheless - I have written - Not withstanding I have this conviction of your extensive knowledge in the things of God, I have made bold to write to you in some sort, απο μερους, to a party among you, as some learned men translate the words, who stand more in need of such instructions than the others; and I do this, because of t…
Paul's statement that he wrote "in some sort" reveals his humility; he's not claiming to have written exhaustively, but rather to have touched on certain points "here and there." He clarifies that this boldness stems from his divine commission as an apostle, not from any presumption, and that his aim is merely to remind them of truths they already know.
Paul is wrapping up his extensive letter to the Roman believers. Having just addressed significant issues of unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians, particularly concerning disputable matters and their shared hope in Christ, he now offers a concluding reflection on his own ministry and their response. He asserts his apostolic authority, given by God, as the basis for his bold admonitions, while also expressing confidence in their spiritual maturity and the Holy Spirit's work among them.
Paul is wrapping up his extensive letter to the Roman believers. Having just addressed significant issues of unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians, particularly concerning disputable matters and their shared hope in Christ, he now offers a concluding reflection on his own ministry and their response. He asserts his apostolic authority, given by God, as the basis for his bold admonitions, while also expressing confidence in their spiritual maturity and the Holy Spirit's work among them.
"But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentil…" — Paul's statement that he wrote "in some sort" reveals his humility; he's not claiming to have written exhaustively, but rather to have touched on certain points "here and there." He clarifies that th…
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