Romans 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.

And {G1161} I {G1473} myself {G846} also {G2532} am persuaded {G3982} of {G4012} you {G5216}, my {G3450} brethren {G80}, that {G3754} ye {G846} also {G2532} are {G2075} full {G3324} of goodness {G19}, filled {G4137} with all {G3956} knowledge {G1108}, able {G1410} also {G2532} to admonish {G3560} one another {G240}.

Now I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and well able to counsel each other.

I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, brimming with knowledge, and able to instruct one another.

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

In Romans 15:14, the Apostle Paul expresses deep confidence and commendation for the believers in Rome. This verse serves as a warm affirmation of their spiritual maturity and readiness for mutual ministry within the church community.

Context

This verse appears towards the end of Paul's letter to the Romans, a comprehensive theological treatise. After addressing weighty doctrines and practical issues concerning Christian living, particularly the disputes between Jewish and Gentile believers (as seen in Romans chapter 14), Paul transitions to discussing his future travel plans. Before doing so, he reassures the Roman church of his positive estimation of them. This commendation softens the tone, demonstrating his pastoral heart and preparing them for his upcoming exhortations and requests.

Key Themes

  • Paul's Trust and Affirmation: Paul's opening words, "I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren," reveal his genuine belief in the spiritual state and capabilities of the Roman Christians. This is not mere flattery but a sincere acknowledgment of their growth.
  • Fullness of Goodness: The believers are described as "full of goodness" (Greek: agathosyne), a term denoting moral excellence and active virtue, often associated with the fruit of the Spirit. It implies a character marked by integrity, kindness, and moral uprightness.
  • Abundance of Knowledge: They are also "filled with all knowledge" (Greek: gnosis), indicating a deep understanding of God's truth, doctrine, and spiritual discernment. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but practical, enabling them to live wisely and discern God's will.
  • Capacity for Mutual Admonition: The culmination of their goodness and knowledge is their ability to "admonish one another." This means they are capable of offering gentle, instructive correction, encouragement, and counsel to fellow believers. It highlights the importance of peer-to-peer spiritual care within the church.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "goodness," agathosyne, signifies a moral excellence that is not passive but actively seeks to do good. It's a comprehensive term encompassing uprightness and benevolence.
  • "Knowledge," gnosis, in this context refers to spiritual understanding and insight into divine truth, not just intellectual accumulation of facts. It's the practical wisdom that comes from knowing God's Word.
  • "Admonish," noutheteo, carries the sense of gently putting something into someone's mind, warning, or instructing. It implies correction given out of love and concern for another's spiritual well-being, aiming at restoration and growth rather than condemnation. This concept is central to healthy Christian community life.

Practical Application

Romans 15:14 offers several key takeaways for believers today:

  • Mutual Responsibility: It underscores that spiritual growth and accountability are not solely the pastor's or leader's job but a shared responsibility within the body of Christ. Every mature believer has a role in caring for others.
  • Foundation for Counsel: Effective admonition must stem from genuine goodness of heart and sound biblical knowledge. We cannot truly help others without these foundations.
  • Encouragement for Growth: Paul's affirmation encourages us to strive for maturity in both character (goodness) and understanding (knowledge), so we can be equipped to serve and support fellow believers.
  • Building Healthy Communities: A church where members are "full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another" is a vibrant, growing, and mutually supportive community where spiritual health thrives.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Peter 1:12

    ¶ Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know [them], and be established in the present truth.

  • 1 Corinthians 8:1

    ¶ Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

  • 1 John 2:21

    I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:5

    That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and [in] all knowledge;

  • 1 Corinthians 8:10

    For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

  • 1 Corinthians 8:7

    ¶ Howbeit [there is] not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat [it] as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11

    ¶ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
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