Romans 15:17

KJV

¶ I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have {G2192} therefore whereof {G3767} I may glory {G2746} through {G1722} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} in those things which pertain to {G4314} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In union with the Messiah Yeshua, then, I have reason to be proud of my service to God;

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I exult in Christ Jesus in my service to God.

American Standard Version

I have therefore my glorying in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Romans 15:17, the Apostle Paul articulates the profound and legitimate basis for his confidence and "glorying" in his apostolic ministry. Far from self-aggrandizement, Paul declares that any ground for boasting he possesses is found exclusively "through Jesus Christ" and pertains entirely to the sacred work and divine purposes of God. This verse encapsulates Paul's deep humility and his unwavering conviction that his effectiveness as an apostle to the Gentiles is not a result of his own merit or power, but solely the enablement and initiative of God, channeled through Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15:17 is situated within Paul's concluding remarks to the Roman church, specifically in a section (chapters 14-15) that addresses Christian unity, mutual acceptance between Jewish and Gentile believers, and the nature of Paul's own apostolic mission. Having exhorted the strong to bear with the weak and to live in harmony (Romans 14:1-15:13), Paul transitions to explaining his unique calling and the authority he has received from Christ. He emphasizes his ministry to the Gentiles, stating in the preceding verse that he is "a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God" [Romans 15:16](/romans/15-16 "Romans 15:16 - Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles"). Verse 17 directly follows this declaration, providing the spiritual foundation for his confidence in this divinely appointed work. He is preparing the Roman believers for his anticipated visit and seeking their support for his journey to Spain, making his assertion of God-given authority crucial for their understanding and cooperation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry was revolutionary in its scope, extending the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins to the Gentile world. This created significant cultural and theological tensions, particularly within early Christian communities like the one in Rome, which likely comprised both Jewish and Gentile converts. Paul, a former zealous Pharisee, now championed the inclusion of Gentiles without requiring adherence to the Mosaic Law. His assertion of "glorying through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God" would have resonated with believers who understood the Jewish concept of "glorying in the Lord" (e.g., [Jeremiah 9:24](/jeremiah/9-24 "Jeremiah 9:24 - Boasting in the Lord")). However, it also served to distinguish his legitimate, God-centered boasting from the self-promotion or pride often associated with human achievements in the Greco-Roman world. His emphasis on God's work through him, rather than his own prowess, would have been a counter-cultural statement of humility and divine dependence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several major themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores **Christ-Centered Glory**, emphasizing that any true confidence or satisfaction Paul possesses is not rooted in his own abilities, intellect, or efforts, but entirely in and through the work of Jesus Christ. This contrasts sharply with worldly boasting based on human achievement, a theme Paul frequently addresses (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:29-31](/1_corinthians/1-29-31 "1 Corinthians 1:29-31 - No Boasting in the Flesh")). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Ministry and Purpose**, as the phrase "in those things which pertain to God" directly links Paul's "glory" to his sacred calling and the spiritual work he performs for God. This includes the proclamation of the Gospel, the establishment of churches, and the spiritual transformation of lives—all initiatives of God's redemptive plan. Finally, it exemplifies **Humility in Service**, demonstrating that despite his immense accomplishments as an apostle, Paul consistently directs all credit and glory back to God, modeling a posture of complete dependence and gratitude.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **glory (Greek, _kaúchēsis'_):** From G2746, this term denotes "boasting" or "rejoicing," and can carry either a positive or negative connotation. In this context, Paul uses it positively, referring to a legitimate ground for confidence or satisfaction. It is not self-exaltation but a profound sense of honor and joy derived from God's work through him.
* **through (Greek, _en'_):** From G1722, this primary preposition signifies "in," "at," or "by," denoting a fixed position, state, or instrumentality. Here, it indicates the sphere or means by which Paul's glory is made possible: "in" or "by means of" Jesus Christ. It highlights Christ as the indispensable medium and enabler of Paul's ministry and the source of his legitimate confidence.
* **pertain to (Greek, _prós'_):** From G4314, this preposition of direction means "forward to," "toward," or "pertaining to." In this context, "pertain to God" signifies matters that are aligned with God's will, character, and purposes. It indicates that the object of Paul's glory is not his own accomplishments but the divine, sacred work that originates from and is directed toward God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have therefore whereof I may glory":** Paul asserts that he possesses a legitimate and specific ground for confidence or boasting. The "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) connects this statement to his preceding discussion of his apostolic ministry to the Gentiles (Romans 15:16). His "glory" is not in himself, but in the divine enablement of his calling.
* **"through Jesus Christ":** This crucial phrase identifies the exclusive means and source of Paul's legitimate boasting. His confidence is not derived from his own strength, intellect, or past achievements, but entirely from and by the power and authority of Jesus Christ. Christ is the channel through whom divine power flows and by whom Paul's ministry is made effective.
* **"in those things which pertain to God":** This specifies the sphere or object of Paul's glory. His boasting is not in secular accomplishments or personal accolades, but in the sacred, spiritual work that is directly related to God's will, character, and redemptive plan. This includes the successful proclamation of the Gospel, the conversion of Gentiles, and the establishment of churches, all of which are God's initiatives and for His glory.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Apostolic Authority** in this declaration, asserting his God-given right and confidence in his ministry. This is not a boast of personal pride but a statement of divine commission. He also uses **Emphasis** through the prepositions "through Jesus Christ" and "in those things which pertain to God," which serve to direct the reader's focus away from Paul himself and entirely onto the divine source and sacred object of his glory. This creates a subtle **Paradox**, as Paul speaks of "glorying" (a term often associated with pride) but immediately qualifies it by grounding it solely in Christ and God, thereby transforming it into an expression of humility and divine dependence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 15:17 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian service and the source of true spiritual confidence. It teaches that legitimate "glorying" or boasting for a believer is never in self, but always in God and His work through Christ. This principle safeguards against human pride, ensuring that all praise and credit for spiritual accomplishments are directed to the rightful source. Paul's own example here serves as a model for all believers: our confidence in ministry, our joy in service, and our satisfaction in spiritual fruit must stem from God's enabling grace, not our own abilities. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that all good things come from God and are for His glory.

* [1 Corinthians 1:31](/1_corinthians/1-31 "1 Corinthians 1:31 - Boasting in the Lord")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")
* [Philippians 3:3](/philippians/3-3 "Philippians 3:3 - Boasting in Christ Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:17 offers a vital lesson for all believers: our true source of confidence and satisfaction should be in God's work through us, not in our own strength or perceived successes. When we serve God, whether in grand ministries or humble daily tasks, any effectiveness or positive outcome is ultimately "through Jesus Christ" and "pertains to God." This perspective fosters genuine humility and directs all praise to where it belongs. It encourages us to boldly pursue God's calling, knowing that our ability to "glory" comes from His enablement. This frees us from the burden of self-reliance and the fear of failure, allowing us to serve with joy and abandon, knowing that our sufficiency is from God. It transforms our perspective on success, shifting it from personal achievement to divine accomplishment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary things I tend to "glory" or boast in? Are they rooted in my own abilities or in what God has done through me?**
* **How does understanding that my effectiveness comes "through Jesus Christ" change my approach to ministry or service?**
* **In what specific ways can I ensure that my efforts "pertain to God" and His purposes, rather than my own?**
* **How does Paul's example of humility in boasting encourage or challenge my own walk with Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "glory" in this verse, given that boasting is often seen negatively?**

Answer: In Romans 15:17, when Paul speaks of "glorying" (Greek: _kaúchēsis_), he is referring to a legitimate and God-honoring form of confidence or satisfaction, rather than arrogant self-exaltation. While "boasting" can indeed carry a negative connotation when it's in human achievement or pride, Paul frequently uses the term in a positive sense when the object of the boasting is God or Christ. For example, he instructs believers in [1 Corinthians 1:31](/1_corinthians/1-31 "1 Corinthians 1:31 - Boasting in the Lord") that "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." Here, Paul's "glory" is not in his own strength or accomplishments, but in the divine enablement and effectiveness of his apostolic ministry, which he explicitly states is "through Jesus Christ" and "pertains to God." It is a humble acknowledgment of God's power working through him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:17 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself, who perfectly embodied "glorying in those things which pertain to God." Jesus consistently directed all honor and power to the Father, declaring, "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me" [John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus' Dependence on the Father"). His entire life and ministry were "through" the Father, culminating in His perfect obedience on the cross, which was the ultimate act "pertaining to God" for the redemption of humanity [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"). Furthermore, it is through Christ's finished work—His death, resurrection, and ascension—that believers are empowered to "glory" in God. We are made partakers of His divine nature [2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of Divine Nature") and given the Holy Spirit, enabling us to perform works that truly "pertain to God," not by our own might, but by His Spirit [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power"). Thus, Paul's ability to glory is a direct outflow of his union with Christ, who is both the perfect example and the divine enabler of all true, God-centered glory.

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 Corinthians 2:14

Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

2 Corinthians 2:16

To the one [we are] the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who [is] sufficient for these things?

2 Corinthians 12:11

¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

2 Corinthians 12:21

[And] lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and [that] I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

Hebrews 5:1

¶ For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things [pertaining] to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

Philippians 3:3

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

2 Corinthians 7:4

Great [is] my boldness of speech toward you, great [is] my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.