KJV
Rom 15:14
And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of
goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Rom 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,
Rom 15:16
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the
gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being
sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
Rom 15:17
I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which
pertain to God.
Rom 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,
Rom 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.
Rom 15:20
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I
should build upon another man's foundation:
Rom 15:21
But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they
that have not heard shall understand.
Main Points:
Paul states his motivations and intentions for the letter. He trusts they have
knowledge, but they still require some changes. More specifically these changes
deal directly to his ministry, which is bringing the gospel to the Gentiles.
6. How do verses 14-16 sum up the arguments made in Romans 14-15? Overall these chapters conclude that Christians should not be in the business of judging one another (within the context of faith and conscience). The subject is specific in its delivery: The stronger Christian is to consider the weaker Christian and help them develop their faith. Do not deride their actions when it concerns their conscience. Welcome them…they belong to God/Jesus. Paul attaches the inclusion of Gentiles to the work of God, and the work of Jesus, before he says it is also his work. As usual, he brings the highest authority to the conversation so there can be no viable argument.
7. Explain verses 20-21 how did Paul visualize the apostolic mission? Paul understood and obeyed the directives of the Holy Spirit. He also understood that each evangelist had territory to cover with specific goals. Each preacher had a responsibility to deliver the word and establish a body of converts. Paul respects that and is not looking to take credit for another’s work. Neither is he looking to change the basic structure of the *gospel that was delivered to them. The previous preaching was obviously sound. The issues he is dealing with have more to do with attitudes and a basic lack of understanding the SCOPE of Christ’s work. It includes the entire world! Stop thinking too highly of yourselves (the message to the Jews). This is understandable. The gospel is changing many, many hundreds of years of misunderstanding God and His message/plan. *Why does Paul say they are full of goodness and knowledge, then but…?
8. Why is Paul over-qualifying Himself in verses 17-19? Authority, authority, authority. Paul in typical manner puts the authority on God/Jesus/Holy Spirit. If you want to mess with him, criticize him, destroy him, it is the trinity you are fighting.
Full: G3324 μεστός mestos mes-tos'
Of uncertain derivative; replete (literally or figuratively): -
full
Filled: G4137 πληρόω plēroō play-ro'-o From G4134; to make replete, that is, (literally) to cram
(a net)
Build: G3618
οἰκοδομέω oikodomeō oy-kod-om-eh'-o
From the same as G3619; to be a house builder, that is, construct
