Romans 15:17

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

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}.

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

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

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

Romans 15:17 is a powerful declaration by the Apostle Paul, revealing the source and nature of his confidence in his apostolic ministry. In this verse, Paul articulates a legitimate and God-honoring form of "glory" or boasting.

Context

This verse is situated within a broader section of Romans (chapters 14-15) where Paul discusses Christian unity, mutual acceptance, and his own apostolic mission. Paul is explaining his unique calling and the authority he has received from Christ, particularly his ministry to the Gentiles. He is preparing the Roman believers for his anticipated visit and seeking their support for his journey to Spain. His "glory" is not in self-aggrandizement, but in the divine enablement for his work, as he states in the preceding verse, being a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.

Key Themes

  • Christ-Centered Glory: Paul's declaration, "I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ," emphasizes that any true confidence or satisfaction he 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.
  • Divine Ministry and Purpose: The phrase "in those things which pertain to God" highlights that Paul's glory is tied 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 of which are God's initiatives.
  • Humility in Service: Despite his immense accomplishments as an apostle, Paul consistently directs all credit and glory back to God. His confidence is not born of arrogance but of a deep conviction that God is working powerfully through him, making his ministry effective.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "glory" here is kauchesin (καύχησιν), which can also be translated as "boasting" or "rejoicing." While boasting often carries a negative connotation of pride, Paul frequently uses it in a positive sense when the object of the boasting is God or Christ. For example, he instructs believers to "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:31). This is distinct from boasting in the flesh or in human accomplishments.

The phrase "through Jesus Christ" (dia Christou Iesou) underscores Christ as the indispensable mediator and enabler of all spiritual blessings and effective ministry. It is the channel through which divine power flows.

"Pertain to God" (ta pros ton Theon) signifies matters that are aligned with God's will, character, and purposes. Paul's work is not secular but sacred, directly related to God's redemptive plan.

Practical 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, much like Paul learned that God's strength is made perfect in weakness.

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 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.

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