Romans 15:17 Meaning Explained

Romans 15:17

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

English Standard Version (ESV)

Paul isn't just boasting about his achievements; he's highlighting that his "glorying" – his deep sense of rejoicing and praise – is specifically in Christ Jesus and regarding things pertaining to God. This means his entire ministry, every success and effort, wasn't about his own ego, but was a testament to God's work through him, finding its ultimate source and validation in Jesus.

What Romans 15:17 means

Paul is concluding his lengthy argument about unity between Jewish and Gentile believers. He's just established that Christ served both groups and urged the stronger believers to bear with the weaker. Now, he pivots to talk about his own unique apostolic ministry to the Gentiles, highlighting its divine authorization and success as a testament to God's power. This reflection on his work sets the stage for him to explain his aspirations to visit Rome, further solidifying his authority and purpose.

Glorying Rooted in Divine Commission

When Paul talks about his 'work for God,' he's not just talking about his own effort. He's pointing to something much bigger.

Paul's pride isn't about his personal achievements or his own cleverness. Instead, he grounds his boasting in the fact that his ministry was a sacred office given to him by Christ himself. It wasn't something he devised or earned; it was a divine commission.

This means the source of his confidence and the basis for his authority came directly from God through Jesus. His work 'pertained to God' – it was focused on worship, religious functions, and God's purposes. This highlights that true spiritual impact is always a result of God's initiative and empowerment.

The 'God-ward' Focus of Apostolic Service

What does it mean for work to 'pertain to God'? It's more than just religious activity; it's a specific way of functioning that mirrors heavenly priorities.

The phrase 'things which pertain to God' (or 'things God-ward') has a special meaning here. It points to the functions of worship and the sacred duties related to God's service, much like the responsibilities of priests in the Old Testament.

Paul's ministry, therefore, wasn't just about spreading general information. It was about engaging in specific, God-ordained activities – proclaiming the Gospel, establishing churches, and making the obedience of the Gentiles real before God. His boasting was in how Christ worked through him in these divine matters.

Boasting Found Only in Christ's Power

Paul isn't claiming personal victory. His success is proof of someone else's power at work.

Paul's declaration, 'I have reason to glory... in Christ Jesus,' is crucial. His boasting is not 'in himself' but 'in Christ Jesus.' This means his ministry, his commission, and its results were all experienced and realized through his union with Christ and by Christ's power.

He acknowledges that any success or effectiveness in his work wasn't due to his own strength or ability, but a direct result of Christ's enabling power working through him. This is why he can boldly speak of his achievements – they are not achievements, but demonstrations of God's power unleashed in Christ.

Historical context

Written: Around 57 AD
Author: Paul the Apostle
Location: Written from Corinth, Greece
Genre: Epistle (Letter) with strong rhetorical elements, including lists and appeals.

Historical background

Paul writes Romans from Corinth, reflecting on his extensive ministry to the Gentiles. He's establishing his authority and the validity of his apostleship, particularly for the church in Rome, which he hasn't personally founded. His 'boasting' isn't self-promotion but a testament to God's power working through him to bring the gospel to a wide reach, fulfilling prophecy.

c. AD 30-33
Paul's Conversion and Early Ministry
After his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul spent time in Arabia and Damascus before returning to Jerusalem and then Antioch, beginning his mission to the Gentiles.
c. AD 46-58
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul undertook several extensive journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches in Asia Minor, Greece, and beyond, facing significant opposition.
c. AD 50-52
Ministry in Corinth
During his second missionary journey, Paul spent a significant amount of time in Corinth, a major Roman city, where he ministered to both Jews and Gentiles and established a strong church.
c. AD 57— this verse
Writing of Romans from Corinth
While in Corinth, Paul wrote his Epistle to the Romans, likely during a stay of about three months. He was preparing for a trip to Jerusalem and then hoped to travel to Rome.

Key themes

01Glorying in God's work
02Apostolic authority affirmed
03Ministry through Christ
04God's divine commission

Cross-references

1 Corinthians 1:31

This passage emphasizes that any boasting should be directed to the Lord, aligning with Paul's focus on glorying 'in Christ Jesus' and for 'things pertaining to God' rather than personal achievement.

Galatians 6:14

Here, Paul explicitly states that his own boasting is found in the cross of Christ, mirroring the sentiment in Romans 15:17 where his 'glorying' is rooted in his union with Christ and his God-given ministry.

2 Corinthians 10:17

This verse reiterates the principle that 'whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord,' which directly supports Paul's assertion in Romans 15:17 that his reason for pride is found 'in Christ Jesus' and in service to God.

Philippians 3:3

Similar to Romans 15:17, this verse shows Paul finding his true spiritual standing and 'confidence in the flesh' not in his own works, but in his service rooted in Christ and God's purposes.

Hebrews 5:1

This verse defines the role of a high priest as one taken from among men to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins, providing context for Paul's use of the phrase 'things which pertain to God' as relating to sacred priestly service and ministry.

Scholarly commentary

Romans 15:17: "I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God."

(17) This is really the title on which I rest my claim. I can boast of a specially sacred office and ministry, given to me by Christ, and not merely of my own devising. The sphere of this office is a religious sphere, it relates to “ the things pertaining to God.”
ellicott

Romans 15:17: "I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God."

I have therefore whereof I may glory—or (adding the article, as the reading seems to be), "I have my glorying."through—"in"Christ Jesus in those things which pertain to God—the things of the ministry committed to me of God.

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What Romans 15:17 means

Historical background

c. AD 30-33

Paul's Conversion and Early Ministry

After his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul spent time in Arabia and Damascus before returning to Jerusalem and then Antioch, beginning his mission to the Gentiles.

c. AD 46-58

Paul's Missionary Journeys

Paul undertook several extensive journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches in Asia Minor, Greece, and beyond, facing significant opposition.

c. AD 50-52

Ministry in Corinth

During his second missionary journey, Paul spent a significant amount of time in Corinth, a major Roman city, where he ministered to both Jews and Gentiles and established a strong church.

c. AD 57— this verse

Writing of Romans from Corinth

While in Corinth, Paul wrote his Epistle to the Romans, likely during a stay of about three months. He was preparing for a trip to Jerusalem and then hoped to travel to Rome.