Romans 15:18-19
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, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul is saying that he'll only talk about what Christ has accomplished through him, not about what Christ hasn't accomplished. This isn't just about boasting; it's a profound statement that his entire ministry, both his words and his actions, are solely the work of Christ empowering him.
Paul is asserting his legitimate grounds for boasting in Christ, emphasizing that any success in ministry is entirely Christ's work through him. He declares he will only speak of what Christ has accomplished through his efforts, which involved both his preaching and miraculous deeds in bringing Gentiles to faith. This sets the stage for him to explain the vast reach of his apostolic mission.
Why does Paul say he 'will not dare' to speak of certain things? What's behind this strong language?
Paul isn't being shy; he's being incredibly precise and humble. He states he will not speak of anything except what Christ accomplished through him. This means his boasting isn't about his own abilities or achievements, but strictly about the results of Christ's power working in and through him. He won't take credit for anything that wasn't directly orchestrated by Christ's divine power. This radical dependence on Christ sets a high bar for anyone who claims to speak for God.
What does it mean for Gentiles to become 'obedient' through Paul's ministry, and how did he achieve it?
Paul's goal was to bring the Gentiles to 'obedience.' This isn't about forced submission but a willing, heartfelt yielding to the Gospel – an obedience of faith. He accomplished this through both 'word and deed.'
The Power of the Word:
This refers to the preaching of the Gospel, the good news of what Christ has done. It's the foundational message that calls people to believe.
The Significance of Deeds:
This encompasses more than just good actions. It includes the miraculous signs and wonders that authenticated Paul's message, demonstrating God's power was truly at work. It also points to his tireless efforts and perhaps his own godly example, which reinforced the message he proclaimed.
Understand the original words
hypakoē · Greek Noun
The state of being submissive to God's will and revealed Word, which is the necessary response of faith to the message of the gospel.
sēmeia kai terata · Greek Noun phrase
Miraculous events or divine displays intended to authenticate the message of the gospel and reveal the reality of God's kingdom.
Paul's assertion in Romans 15:18 comes from a place of immense experience and success in Gentile missions. He grounds his authority not in personal achievement, but in the undeniable work Christ accomplished *through* him, both in proclamation ('word') and powerful demonstrations ('deed'), highlighting the supernatural enablement of his ministry.
c. AD 30-33
Paul's Conversion and Early Ministry
After his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul begins his ministry, initially focused on Jewish communities.
c. AD 40-49
First Missionary Journeys
Paul embarks on extensive missionary journeys throughout Asia Minor and into Europe, establishing numerous churches among Gentile populations.
c. AD 49
Jerusalem Council
A pivotal council addresses whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law, ultimately affirming their inclusion without full adherence to Mosaic customs. This decision is crucial for Paul's ongoing Gentile mission.
c. AD 50-52
Second Missionary Journey
Paul continues his ministry, strengthening churches and facing opposition, further solidifying the Gentile mission.
This passage parallels Paul's recognition that God was at work in him to bring the Gentiles to faith, echoing the idea that his ministry's success wasn't his own doing but Christ's power working through him.
1 Corinthians 15:10Paul here attributes his extraordinary effectiveness and labor to the grace of God, aligning with his statement in Romans that he only speaks of what Christ accomplished through him.
Colossians 1:29This verse reveals Paul's tireless effort and struggle in his ministry, fueled by Christ's power within him, which directly supports his claim in Romans of only boasting in what Christ worked through him by word and deed.
Acts 14:3The book of Acts records Paul and Barnabas boldly proclaiming the Word and the Lord bearing witness to it through signs and wonders, illustrating the 'word and deed' of Romans 15:18 through miraculous confirmation.
Philippians 1:6Paul expresses confidence that God who began a good work in believers will carry it on to completion, reflecting his own perspective that the work of bringing Gentiles to obedience was a divine, ongoing accomplishment through his ministry.
jfbRomans 15:18: "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,"
18-22. For I will not dare to speak of any—"to speak aught"of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me—a modest, though somewhat obscure form of expression, meaning, "I will not dare to go beyond what Christ hath wrought by me"—in which form accordingly the rest of the passage is expressed. Observe here how Paul ascribes all the succes…
gillRomans 15:18: "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,"
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things,.... He suggests that the false teachers did speak of things which were not done by them at all, and much less were what Christ had done by them; and signifies that he was a conscientious man, and could speak nothing but what was truth; his conscience would not suffer him, nor could he allow…
Paul is saying that he'll only talk about what Christ has accomplished through him, not about what Christ hasn't accomplished. This isn't just about boasting; it's a profound statement that his entire ministry, both his words and his actions, are solely the work of Christ empowering him.
Paul is asserting his legitimate grounds for boasting in Christ, emphasizing that any success in ministry is entirely Christ's work through him. He declares he will only speak of what Christ has accomplished through his efforts, which involved both his preaching and miraculous deeds in bringing Gentiles to faith. This sets the stage for him to explain the vast reach of his apostolic mission.
Paul is asserting his legitimate grounds for boasting in Christ, emphasizing that any success in ministry is entirely Christ's work through him. He declares he will only speak of what Christ has accomplished through his efforts, which involved both his preaching and miraculous deeds in bringing Gentiles to faith. This sets the stage for him to explain the vast reach of his apostolic mission.
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c. AD 53-57— this verse
Third Missionary Journey and Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends significant time in Ephesus, a major Gentile center, extending his reach and encountering both success and fierce resistance. This period allows for reflection on his life's work.
c. AD 57
Writing of Romans
From Corinth, Paul writes his letter to the Roman church, summarizing his theology and mission strategy, aiming to prepare them for his eventual visit.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is under house arrest in Rome, continuing to preach and write letters, reflecting on his apostolic authority and the spread of the Gospel.
"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, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and…" — Paul is saying that he'll only talk about what Christ has accomplished through him, not about what Christ hasn't accomplished. This isn't just about boasting; it's a profound statement that his e…
