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Romans 15:14–16
Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God (Rom. 15:15).
We have arrived at the beginning of the end of the book of Romans. With verse 13, Paul concluded his last major teaching section. In a sense, as Dr. James M. Boice points out, verse 13 was the end of the theological treatise that began in 1:18, and with verse 14 Paul resumes the letter that he started in 1:1–17. Indeed, what we now find is a series of personal notes and short admonitions. However, there are great truths to be mined even from this less-doctrinal section.
Paul was complimentary of the Roman church in 1:8, reporting that the people’s faith was being spoken about all over the Roman world. Now he compliments them again, expressing his belief that the Romans are “full of goodness” (a fruit of the Holy Spirit according to Gal. 5:22–23, one that has to do with moral uprightness), “filled with all knowledge” (“a sound, practical understanding of the Christian faith,” according to our commentator, Dr. James M. Boice), and “able also to admonish one another” (“able” essentially means “powerful” or “effective,” while “admonish” has to do with instruction that corrects). In other words, in Paul’s opinion, the Romans are genuine believers who are well grounded in the faith.
Why does Paul choose to give his readers this reassuring compliment at this point in his letter? It is because he knows he has taught them some very deep theological truths, and sometimes quite forcefully and pointedly. He doesn’t want them to conclude that he has taught in this manner because he has doubts about the sincerity of their faith. Rather, he says, he was just doing his “job.” Paul sees himself as “a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles” with the task of “ministering the gospel of God,” or proclaiming and teaching (or, in the case of the Romans, “reminding”) the truths of the Good News of Christ. He sees the source of this ministry as “the grace given to me by God.” And he sees the goal of this ministry as being “that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” Paul wants to see Gentiles “sanctified,” or set apart to God, through salvation and growth in Christ. He has already said that he considers the Romans to be sanctified ones, or “saints” (1:7). Thus, his work among them is aimed at helping them grow, and that has been the purpose of his letter and the powerful teaching it contains.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
The Romans were running their race well, and yet Paul saw the need to remind them of some of the great truths of the faith. We, too, need reminders of Christian truth. That is why Scripture study and fellowship with other believers are important parts of the Christian life. Avail yourself of these channels of reminding as often as you can.
For Further Study
- Psalm 77:6
- Ecclesiastes 1:11
- 2 Peter 1:12, 15
- 2 Peter 3:1