Romans 15:15

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless {G1161}, brethren {G80}, I have written {G1125} the more boldly {G5112} unto you {G5213} in {G575} some sort {G3313}, as {G5613} putting {G1878} you {G5209} in mind {G1878}, because {G1223} of the grace {G5485} that is given {G1325} to me {G3427} of {G5259} God {G2316},

Complete Jewish Bible

But on some points I have written you quite boldly by way of reminding you about them, because of the grace God has given me

Berean Standard Bible

However, I have written you a bold reminder on some points, because of the grace God has given me

American Standard Version

But I write the more boldly unto you in some measure, as putting you again in remembrance, because of the grace that was given me of God,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Romans 15:15, the Apostle Paul offers a nuanced explanation for the directness of his letter to the Roman believers. He clarifies that his "bold" instruction is not presumptuous, but rather a gentle reminder of established truths, made possible and necessary by the specific grace and apostolic commission he received from God to minister to the Gentiles. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, transitioning from his extensive theological exposition to more personal appeals and future plans, all underpinned by divine enablement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15:15 appears in the concluding section of Paul's magnum opus, the Epistle to the Romans. Having meticulously laid out foundational doctrines of justification by faith, sanctification, the role of Israel, and practical Christian living (chapters 1-11, 12-15:13 respectively), Paul now shifts to more personal matters concerning his apostolic ministry and future travel plans (chapters 15:14-33). Specifically, this verse follows Paul's commendation of the Roman believers (Romans 15:14), where he affirms their knowledge and ability to admonish one another. His "boldness" in writing, therefore, is not an accusation of their ignorance but a self-justification for his directness in addressing a church he did not found, preparing them for his anticipated visit and the collection for the saints in Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote Romans from Corinth, likely around A.D. 57-58, as he prepared to travel to Jerusalem. The church in Rome was diverse, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers, with inherent tensions regarding Mosaic Law, dietary practices, and Sabbath observance, which Paul addressed extensively in chapters 14-15:13. As an apostle specifically commissioned to the Gentiles (as seen in [Romans 11:13](/romans/11-13 "Romans 11:13 - Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles")), Paul felt a unique responsibility to instruct and unify this significant church in the heart of the Roman Empire, even though he had not established it. His "boldness" must be understood within the context of ancient letter-writing conventions, where an author might preemptively address potential objections to their authority or directness, especially when writing to a community not directly under their immediate oversight.
* **Key Themes:** This verse underscores several major themes prevalent throughout Romans and Paul's broader theology. It highlights **Apostolic Authority and Humility**, as Paul's boldness is immediately qualified by its source: "the grace that is given to me of God." This echoes his consistent emphasis that his ministry is a divine gift, not a personal achievement, as he states in [1 Corinthians 15:10](/1_corinthians/15-10 "1 Corinthians 15:10 - By the Grace of God I Am What I Am"). The central role of **Divine Grace** is paramount, signifying God's unmerited favor and empowering presence, which enables Paul to fulfill his unique calling. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the **Purpose of Pastoral Instruction**, clarifying that Paul's aim is not to introduce novel doctrines but to "put them in mind" of truths they already possess or should recall, a common pastoral approach seen in [2 Peter 1:12](/2_peter/1-12 "2 Peter 1:12 - Peter's Purpose to Remind"). This reinforces the idea that Christian growth often involves deepening understanding and application of existing truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **written (Greek, _gráphō_):** This primary verb signifies the act of "graving" or literally "writing," but also figuratively "describing." Here, it refers to Paul's composition of the letter to the Romans, emphasizing the intentionality and authority behind his communication. It underscores that his words are not casual remarks but a carefully constructed theological and pastoral treatise.
* **more boldly (Greek, _tolmēróteron_):** This adverb, derived from a root implying daring or venturing forth, describes the manner of Paul's writing. It suggests a confidence or directness that might otherwise seem presumptuous, particularly since he did not found the Roman church. However, Paul immediately qualifies this boldness, attributing it not to arrogance but to divine enablement. It speaks to a courageous, yet humble, exercise of his apostolic office.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris_):** This term is central to Paul's theology, denoting "graciousness" or "divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude." In this context, "grace" refers to God's unmerited favor and empowering gift that enabled Paul to be an apostle to the Gentiles. It is the divine source of his authority and the very foundation upon which he can "boldly" instruct and remind the Roman believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless, brethren,"**: Paul begins with a transitional particle ("dé" - G1161), often translated "but" or "and," here rendered "nevertheless" to introduce a slight contrast or qualification to his preceding commendation (Romans 15:14). Addressing them as "brethren" (G80, _adelphós_) maintains a pastoral, familial tone, softening the potential impact of his forthcoming "boldness" and affirming their shared spiritual kinship.
* **"I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort,"**: Paul acknowledges his directness ("more boldly," G5112, _tolmēróteron_) in his letter ("I have written," G1125, _gráphō_). The phrase "in some sort" (G575, _apó_ G3313, _méros_) can imply "in part" or "in a measure," suggesting that while he has been direct, he has done so within certain bounds, or perhaps that his boldness is directed towards certain aspects rather than a wholesale rebuke. This self-awareness highlights his pastoral sensitivity.
* **"as putting you in mind,"**: This clause clarifies the *purpose* of his boldness. Paul's intention is not to introduce new, unfamiliar doctrines, but to "put you in mind" (G1878, _epanamimnḗskō_) or remind them of truths they already know or should know. This gentle, reinforcing approach emphasizes pastoral care over authoritative imposition, aiming to refresh and strengthen their understanding of foundational Christian principles.
* **"because of the grace that is given to me of God,"**: This is the crucial justification for Paul's bold yet gentle approach. His authority and ability to write in this manner stem directly from "the grace" (G5485, _cháris_) that has been "given" (G1325, _dídōmi_) to him "of God" (G5259, _hypó_ G2316, _theós_). This divine bestowal of grace, specifically for his apostolic ministry to the Gentiles, is the ultimate source of his legitimacy and confidence in addressing the Roman church.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The use of **Apostolic Apologia** is prominent, where Paul defends or explains his actions and authority. He preemptively addresses any potential perception of arrogance in his directness by immediately grounding his "boldness" in divine enablement, thereby legitimizing his instruction. The **Pastoral Tone** is evident in his address "brethren" and his clarification that his aim is "putting you in mind," which suggests a gentle reminder rather than a harsh rebuke. This demonstrates his care for the Roman believers. Finally, there is a strong **Emphasis on Divine Grace**, which serves as the ultimate foundation for his ministry. By attributing his authority and boldness entirely to God's grace, Paul underscores a core theological principle that all ministry flows from God's unmerited favor and empowering presence, not human merit or presumption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 15:15 encapsulates a profound Pauline theological principle: true spiritual authority and boldness in ministry are not self-generated but are gifts of God's unmerited grace. Paul's willingness to speak directly to a church he did not found, reminding them of essential truths, is rooted in his divinely appointed role as an apostle to the Gentiles. This highlights that ministry, in its essence, is a stewardship of God's grace, enabling believers to serve and speak truth with both conviction and humility. It teaches us that our confidence in serving God should never be in our own abilities or wisdom, but solely in the divine enablement that flows from His sovereign grace.

* [Ephesians 3:7-8](/ephesians/3-7-8 "Ephesians 3:7-8 - Paul's Ministry by Grace")
* [2 Corinthians 3:12](/2_corinthians/3-12 "2 Corinthians 3:12 - Boldness in the New Covenant")
* [Romans 12:6](/romans/12-6 "Romans 12:6 - Gifts of Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:15 offers a powerful and enduring model for all believers, particularly those in positions of spiritual influence or leadership. It challenges us to examine the source of our confidence and the motivation behind our actions in ministry. If we are called to speak truth, to teach, or to lead, our "boldness" must never stem from self-importance, but from a profound awareness of the "grace that is given to me of God." This verse encourages a posture of humble dependence, recognizing that any spiritual effectiveness we possess is a direct result of God's unmerited favor and empowering presence. Furthermore, it reminds us that much of our spiritual work involves "putting others in mind" of what they already know or should know, reinforcing foundational truths rather than constantly seeking novel insights. This approach fosters spiritual maturity and unity, building up the body of Christ on the solid ground of shared understanding and divine grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's explanation of his "boldness" challenge my understanding of authority and humility in ministry?**
* **In what areas of my life or service do I need to rely more on "the grace that is given to me of God" rather than my own strength or wisdom?**
* **How can I, like Paul, effectively "put others in mind" of biblical truths in a way that is both direct and pastoral?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "more boldly" in this context?**

Answer: When Paul says he has written "the more boldly," he is referring to the directness or frankness of his instruction to the Roman church. This boldness is not born of arrogance or presumption, especially since he did not found the church in Rome. Instead, it stems from a deep conviction in his God-given apostolic commission, particularly to the Gentiles. He is essentially explaining why he, as an outsider to their direct founding, feels authorized to offer such comprehensive theological instruction and practical guidance, justifying it by the divine grace bestowed upon him for this specific purpose.

**What is the "grace that is given to me of God" that Paul refers to?**

Answer: The "grace" Paul speaks of is God's unmerited favor and divine enablement that empowered him for his unique apostolic ministry. It refers specifically to his calling and gifting as the Apostle to the Gentiles, as he frequently emphasizes elsewhere (e.g., [Romans 1:5](/romans/1-5 "Romans 1:5 - Grace and Apostleship")). This grace is the source of his authority to preach, teach, and write, granting him the right and ability to address the Roman believers with confidence and directness. It underscores that his ministry is not a human achievement but a divine appointment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:15, while focused on Paul's apostolic ministry, finds its ultimate fulfillment and pattern in Christ. Paul's "boldness" rooted in "grace" perfectly mirrors the ministry of Jesus, who spoke with unparalleled authority and truth, yet always from a place of divine commission and humble obedience to the Father. Jesus, the embodiment of God's grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), was given all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")), enabling Him to teach, heal, and ultimately offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Just as Paul's ministry was a "putting in mind" of truths, Christ's teaching often reminded His disciples of the Law and Prophets, fulfilling them in His person and work. The grace given to Paul for his mission is a participation in the greater grace that flows from Christ, who empowers His followers through the Holy Spirit to continue His work with divine boldness ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). Thus, Paul's self-justification in [Romans 15:15](/romans/15-15 "Romans 15:15 - Paul's Apostolic Boldness") is a testament to the Christ-like pattern of ministry: authority derived from God, exercised in humility, and empowered by grace for the sake of His kingdom.

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

Romans 12:3

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Romans 12:6

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

Romans 1:5

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

1 John 5:13

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

2 Peter 3:15

And account [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

1 Peter 4:10

As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.