Book of Romans - Chapter 15 - Verse 18
Meaning
In this verse, the apostle Paul is emphasizing his humility and dependence on Christ for his ministry among the Gentiles. He acknowledges that he does not dare to speak of anything that Christ has not accomplished through him. Paul's goal is to bring the Gentiles to obedience through his words and actions, entirely reliant on the power and work of Christ in his life. By making the Gentiles obedient, Paul shows his commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission and spreading the message of salvation to all nations. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to stay humble, giving all glory to Christ for any successes in ministry and recognizing that it is Christ who works through them to bring about obedience and transformation in the lives of others.
Theological Overview
Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes the importance of the authority and calling he has received from Christ to make the Gentiles obedient through both his words and actions. Through a theological interpretation of this verse, we see that Paul recognizes that his ministry is not of his own accord but rather a work of Christ through him. This highlights the necessity of understanding one's role in spreading the message of Christ and the importance of humility in acknowledging the power and guidance of God in carrying out this mission. By focusing on the word "wrought," we can see that Paul is acknowledging that it is only through the work and power of Christ that he is able to effectively reach the Gentiles and bring them to obedience. This verse serves as a reminder to all believers that our actions and words should always be guided by the teachings and example of Christ, reflecting His love and truth to those around us.