Romans 15:14

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Romans 15:14, the Apostle Paul expresses profound confidence in the Roman believers, affirming their spiritual maturity and readiness for robust, mutual ministry within the church. He commends them for being thoroughly imbued with moral goodness and comprehensive spiritual knowledge, qualities that empower them to effectively counsel and instruct one another, thereby fostering a healthy and self-sustaining community of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears towards the conclusion of Paul's magnum opus, the Epistle to the Romans. Having meticulously laid out foundational doctrines of salvation by grace through faith (e.g., [Romans 3-5](/romans/3 "Romans 3-5 - Justification by Faith")), addressed the relationship between Jew and Gentile in God's plan (e.g., [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Sovereignty and Israel")), and provided practical exhortations for Christian living, particularly concerning unity and acceptance within the diverse body of Christ (e.g., [Romans 12-14](/romans/12 "Romans 12-14 - Practical Christian Living")), Paul now transitions to more personal remarks. Before detailing his travel plans and appealing for support, this commendation serves as a softening, pastoral touch, affirming the Roman believers and setting a positive tone for his subsequent requests and exhortations, especially those related to his missionary endeavors to Spain. It underscores that his instructions are not given to a spiritually immature group but to capable co-laborers in the gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Rome was a significant and diverse community, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. This diversity often led to tensions, particularly regarding dietary laws and observance of special days, as highlighted in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Principles of Christian Liberty"). Paul, writing from Corinth (likely around 57 AD), had not yet visited Rome, making his strong affirmation of their spiritual state particularly noteworthy. His knowledge of their condition likely came from reports by fellow believers (e.g., Priscilla and Aquila, mentioned in [Romans 16:3-5](/romans/16-3-5 "Romans 16:3-5 - Greetings to Fellow Workers")). In a world where hierarchical structures were common, Paul's emphasis on mutual admonition speaks to the radical, egalitarian nature of the early Christian community, where spiritual authority and responsibility were distributed among all mature members, not solely confined to designated leaders. This mutual care was crucial for the church's resilience and growth in a pagan, often hostile, Roman society.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 15:14 contributes significantly to several key themes within the letter. Firstly, it emphasizes **Christian Maturity and Competence**, showing that Paul expected believers to grow beyond basic understanding into a state where they could actively participate in the spiritual formation of others. This aligns with his broader call for believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices and be transformed by the renewal of their minds, as urged in [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifices"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Mutual Ministry and Community Responsibility**. The ability to "admonish one another" underscores the New Testament vision of the church as a body where every member contributes to the spiritual health and growth of the whole, rather than passively receiving instruction. This concept is foundational to the practical outworkings of love and unity he discusses in [Romans 13](/romans/13 "Romans 13 - Love and Law") and [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Principles of Christian Liberty"). Finally, the verse implicitly connects to the theme of **The Holy Spirit's Work**, as the "goodness" and "knowledge" Paul commends are ultimately fruits of the Spirit's indwelling and transformative power, enabling believers to live out their faith effectively.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Goodness (Greek, _agathōsýnē'_):** From G19, this term denotes moral excellence, virtue, and active beneficence. It's not merely the absence of evil but a positive, proactive disposition to do what is right and beneficial. In the context of the Spirit's fruit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), it implies a character that is intrinsically upright and seeks the welfare of others, acting out of a pure heart.
* **Knowledge (Greek, _gnōsis'_):** From G1108, this refers to spiritual understanding and insight into divine truth. It's more than intellectual accumulation of facts; it's a practical wisdom derived from knowing God's Word and His ways, enabling discernment and sound judgment in matters of faith and life. This knowledge is essential for effective spiritual counsel.
* **Admonish (Greek, _nouthetéō'_):** From G3560, this verb means "to put in mind," implying gentle caution, instruction, or reproof. It's a loving form of correction or warning, given with the aim of restoring, encouraging, or guiding someone towards spiritual well-being and right behavior, rather than condemning or shaming them. It highlights a proactive, caring posture within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren":** Paul begins with a powerful personal affirmation, using "I myself" (G1473, G846) for emphasis. The word "persuaded" (G3982) signifies a deep conviction, not just a casual opinion. He has a settled confidence in their spiritual state, referring to them affectionately as "my brethren" (G80), reinforcing the familial bond and mutual respect within the Christian community. This opening sets a tone of trust and positive expectation.
* **"that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge":** This clause describes the two primary qualities that form the basis of Paul's persuasion. "Full of goodness" (G3324, G19) indicates a pervasive moral excellence, a character marked by virtue and active benevolence. "Filled with all knowledge" (G4137, G3956, G1108) suggests a comprehensive and abundant understanding of God's truth, encompassing doctrine, spiritual discernment, and practical wisdom. The parallelism of "full" and "filled" emphasizes the completeness and saturation of these qualities within the Roman believers.
* **"able also to admonish one another":** This final clause presents the practical outcome and purpose of their goodness and knowledge. Their spiritual maturity has equipped them with the "ability" (G1410) to "admonish" (G3560) or instruct and counsel "one another" (G240). This highlights the reciprocal nature of Christian ministry within the community, where every mature believer has a role in the spiritual care and growth of their peers. It is the practical outworking of their internal spiritual wealth.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's commendation in Romans 15:14 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Pastoral Affirmation**, where Paul, as a spiritual leader, expresses genuine confidence and praise for the recipients. This serves to build rapport and encourage the Roman believers, validating their spiritual progress before offering further instruction or requests. There is also an element of **Emphasis** through repetition and parallelism in the phrases "full of goodness" and "filled with all knowledge," which collectively underscore the comprehensive nature of their spiritual maturity. This creates a **Cumulative Effect**, suggesting that their goodness and knowledge are not isolated traits but a holistic spiritual endowment. Furthermore, the phrase "able also to admonish one another" highlights **Mutual Responsibility**, emphasizing the horizontal, peer-to-peer nature of spiritual care within the body of Christ, a concept central to Paul's ecclesiology.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 15:14 profoundly articulates the New Testament vision of a mature Christian community, where spiritual health is not solely dependent on a few leaders but is a shared endeavor. Paul's commendation implies that true spiritual growth leads to a capacity for mutual care and instruction, reflecting the corporate nature of the body of Christ. The "goodness" and "knowledge" are not for personal edification alone but are gifts to be deployed for the benefit of the entire community, enabling believers to uphold one another in truth and love. This verse serves as a theological cornerstone for understanding the priesthood of all believers and the importance of every member's active participation in the spiritual formation of the church.

* [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word Dwell Richly")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:14](/1_thessalonians/5-14 "1 Thessalonians 5:14 - Admonish the Idle")
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Mutual Encouragement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:14 offers a powerful mirror for contemporary believers and churches. It challenges us to assess the depth of our own "goodness" and "knowledge"—not as ends in themselves, but as foundational capacities for serving others. Are we cultivating characters marked by active virtue and hearts filled with comprehensive biblical understanding? More importantly, are we actively deploying these spiritual resources to "admonish one another" in love? This verse calls us to move beyond passive consumption of spiritual teaching to active participation in the discipleship of our peers. It reminds us that a healthy church is one where members are equipped and willing to offer gentle correction, wise counsel, and loving encouragement, fostering a culture of mutual accountability and spiritual growth that strengthens the entire body.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways am I actively cultivating "goodness" and "knowledge" in my own life?**
* **How does my "goodness" and "knowledge" currently equip me to "admonish" (gently counsel and instruct) others in my Christian community?**
* **What steps can I take to become more "able" to participate in the mutual spiritual care of my fellow believers?**
* **How can my local church foster an environment where mutual admonition is practiced in love and humility?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "goodness" and "knowledge" in this verse?**

Answer: By "goodness" (Greek: _agathōsýnē_), Paul refers to a deep moral excellence and active virtue that permeates a believer's character. It's not just being "nice" but possessing an uprightness that actively seeks to do what is right and beneficial for others. "Knowledge" (Greek: _gnōsis_) here signifies a comprehensive spiritual understanding and insight into God's truth, doctrine, and His will. It's a practical wisdom that enables discernment, not merely an accumulation of facts. Both qualities are essential for effective and loving spiritual guidance, as they ensure that admonition is rooted in righteous character and sound biblical truth, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking Truth in Love").

**Is "admonish" a harsh or negative term in this context?**

Answer: No, the Greek word _nouthetéō_ (admonish) carries the connotation of gently "putting something into someone's mind," or providing loving instruction, caution, or mild reproof. It's a pastoral act, done out of love and concern for another's spiritual well-being, aiming at restoration, growth, and correction rather than condemnation or accusation. It's distinct from harsh rebuke and is meant to be constructive and restorative, similar to the instruction found in [Proverbs 27:6](/proverbs/27-6 "Proverbs 27:6 - Faithful are the Wounds of a Friend"). The fact that the Roman believers are "able" to do this implies a maturity that ensures the admonition is delivered with wisdom and grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:14, while commending the Roman believers for their inherent qualities, ultimately points to Christ as the source and perfect embodiment of the "goodness" and "knowledge" that enable mutual admonition. Christ Himself is the ultimate standard of goodness, perfectly righteous and benevolent in all His actions, as declared in [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus' Goodness"). He is also the fount of all true "knowledge" and wisdom, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). Believers are "full of goodness" and "filled with all knowledge" precisely because they are united with Christ, who indwells them by His Spirit, transforming them into His likeness ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into Christ's Image")). Furthermore, Christ is the supreme example of one who "admonishes" His disciples with perfect love and truth, guiding them into all righteousness ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Therefore, the ability of believers to admonish one another is a manifestation of Christ's character and wisdom working through His body, fulfilling His command for His followers to love and serve one another, building each other up in faith ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Building Up the Body of Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.