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)
Paul doesn't just mention preaching the gospel; he uses a word that implies he completed the mission by "filling up" a vast geographical area with Christ's message. This wasn't just about proclaiming the good news, but about saturating regions from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum, demonstrating a thorough and expansive fulfillment of his apostolic calling.
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)
Paul is explaining the foundation of his apostleship and the vast geographical scope of his ministry, emphasizing that his success in bringing the gospel to the Gentiles was not through his own strength but by God's power. He points to miraculous signs and wonders, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as evidence that validated his message and ministry from the heart of the Jewish world in Jerusalem all the way to the Roman province of Illyricum. This incredible reach demonstrates the Spirit's power working through Paul to "fulfill" or complete the spread of the gospel in those regions.
Paul speaks of 'signs and wonders' and 'the power of the Spirit of God.' How are these connected, and what does it tell us about God's work?
Paul doesn't just mention miracles; he links them directly to the Spirit's power. This isn't just about impressive displays; it's about the Spirit of God actively working to authenticate the gospel message.
Signs and Wonders: God's Seal
The Spirit's Role
Paul makes it clear that these 'signs and wonders' weren't a result of his own strength or ability. He says, 'by the power of the Spirit of God.' This underscores that genuine spiritual impact and God’s undeniable presence are always initiated and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It's a reminder that God's work is supernatural, not merely human effort.
Paul declares he has 'fully preached the gospel... from Jerusalem... to Illyricum.' What does 'fully preached' mean in this context, and what was the scope of his mission?
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Paul's statement about 'fully preaching' isn't just about talking; it's about the extensive and comprehensive spread of the gospel message.
A Wide Geographical Scope
The Meaning of 'Fully Preached'
Understand the original words
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 declaration in Romans 15:19 reflects the vast geographical scope of his ministry, spanning from the very birthplace of Christianity in Jerusalem to the far northwestern edges of the Roman Empire in Illyricum, all accomplished through miraculous signs and the power of the Holy Spirit.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry and Pentecost
The foundational events of Christianity occur in Jerusalem with Jesus' ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, marking the official start of the Church.
c. 33-47 AD
Early Church in Jerusalem and Antioch
The early Christian community begins in Jerusalem, with significant growth and eventual persecution. The church in Antioch becomes a major center for Gentile missions.
c. 46-58 AD— this verse
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul undertakes extensive missionary journeys throughout Asia Minor, Greece, and potentially reaching the borders of Illyricum, establishing churches and spreading the gospel.
c. 57 AD
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea and Rome
Following his extensive ministry, Paul is arrested in Jerusalem and later imprisoned in Caesarea and Rome, during which time he likely wrote some of his epistles, including Romans.
c. 60-62 AD
Paul's Ministry in Rome
Under house arrest in Rome, Paul continues to preach and teach, receiving visitors and writing letters, further extending the reach of the gospel.
This passage directly describes the 'mighty signs and wonders' Paul performed, showing the tangible evidence of God's power accompanying his ministry, just as he mentions in Romans 15:19.
2 Corinthians 12:12Paul reiterates that the 'signs and wonders and mighty works' were evident in his ministry, underscoring that the power at work was undeniably God's, aligning with his statement in Romans.
Isaiah 52:15This Old Testament prophecy foretold that the message of God's salvation would be revealed to nations that had never heard it, which Paul sees as fulfilled in his extensive missionary work described in Romans 15:19.
Acts 20:24Paul states his goal was to finish his course and the ministry he received from the Lord Jesus, which directly echoes the sense of 'fully preached' or 'fulfilled' in Romans 15:19, emphasizing the completion of his appointed task.
Galatians 1:17Here, Paul mentions withdrawing to Arabia early in his ministry, indicating that his gospel work began even before his extensive journeys from Jerusalem, adding a layer to the 'from Jerusalem' starting point mentioned in Romans.
barnesRomans 15:19: "Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ."
Through mighty signs and wonders - By stupendous and striking miracles; see the note at Acts 2:43 . Paul here refers, doubtless, to the miracles which he had himself performed; see Acts 19:11-12 , "And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul," etc. By the power of the Spirit of God - This may either be…
jfbRomans 15:19: "Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ."
- Through mighty—literally, "in the power of"signs and wonders—that is, glorious miracles.by the power of the Spirit of God—"the Holy Ghost," as the true reading seems to be. This seems intended to explain the efficacy of the word preached, as well as the working of the miracles which attested it.so that from J…
Paul doesn't just mention preaching the gospel; he uses a word that implies he completed the mission by "filling up" a vast geographical area with Christ's message. This wasn't just about proclaiming the good news, but about saturating regions from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum, demonstrating a thorough and expansive fulfillment of his apostolic calling.
Paul is explaining the foundation of his apostleship and the vast geographical scope of his ministry, emphasizing that his success in bringing the gospel to the Gentiles was not through his own strength but by God's power. He points to miraculous signs and wonders, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as evidence that validated his message and ministry from the heart of the Jewish world in Jerusalem all the way to the Roman province of Illyricum. This incredible reach demonstrates the Spirit's power working through Paul to "fulfill" or complete the spread of the gospel in those regions.
Paul is explaining the foundation of his apostleship and the vast geographical scope of his ministry, emphasizing that his success in bringing the gospel to the Gentiles was not through his own strength but by God's power. He points to miraculous signs and wonders, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as evidence that validated his message and ministry from the heart of the Jewish world in Jerusalem all the way to the Roman province of Illyricum. This incredible reach demonstrates the Spirit's power working through Paul to "fulfill" or complete the spread of the gospel in those regions.
"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;" — Paul doesn't just mention preaching the gospel; he uses a word that implies he completed the mission by "filling up" a vast geographical area with Christ's message. This wasn't just about proclaimi…
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Last reviewed October 2026