Romans 15:18

KJV

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I will {G5111} not {G3756} dare {G5111} to speak {G2980} of any {G5100} of those things which {G3739} Christ {G5547} hath {G2716} not {G3756} wrought {G2716} by {G1223} me {G1700}, to make {G1519} the Gentiles {G1484} obedient {G5218}, by word {G3056} and {G2532} deed {G2041},

Complete Jewish Bible

for I will not dare speak of anything except what the Messiah has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience by my words and deeds,

Berean Standard Bible

I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed,

American Standard Version

For I will not dare to speak of any things save those which Christ wrought through me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Romans 15:18, the Apostle Paul humbly asserts that his ministry's effectiveness is solely attributable to the active work of Christ through him. He deliberately refrains from boasting about anything that Christ has not accomplished via his apostolic efforts, specifically highlighting the divine purpose of bringing the Gentiles into obedience through both the proclamation of the Gospel ("word") and tangible demonstrations of God's power ("deed"). This verse encapsulates Paul's Christ-centered approach to ministry, emphasizing divine enablement and the expansive reach of the Gospel to all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15:18 falls within the concluding section of Paul's Epistle to the Romans, where he shifts from deep theological exposition (chapters 1-11) and practical ethical instruction (chapters 12-14) to personal matters, including his apostolic mission, future travel plans, and an appeal for prayer. Specifically, chapter 15 serves as a bridge, reiterating themes of unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, emphasizing mutual acceptance and living for the glory of God. Paul's statement in verse 18 functions as a defense and validation of his unique apostolic calling, particularly to the Gentiles, setting the stage for his explanation of the signs and wonders that accompanied his ministry in [Romans 15:19](/romans/15-19 "Romans 15:19 - Paul's Ministry of Signs and Wonders"). He is not boasting in himself but in Christ's power working through him to achieve the mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry was conducted within the diverse and often volatile environment of the Roman Empire, where the Gospel message challenged established religious and cultural norms. As the self-proclaimed "apostle to the Gentiles" (cf. [Romans 11:13](/romans/11-13 "Romans 11:13 - Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles")), Paul faced skepticism and opposition from various quarters, including some Jewish Christians who questioned the legitimacy of his mission to non-Jews without requiring adherence to Mosaic Law. His emphasis on Christ's work "by word and deed" would have resonated with both Jewish and Hellenistic audiences. Jewish tradition valued both Torah study (word) and practical good works (deed), while Hellenistic culture often esteemed skilled orators and demonstrable power. Paul's assertion that Christ was the true agent behind his success was crucial for establishing his authority and the divine origin of the Gentile mission, especially in a city like Rome, which was the center of imperial power and diverse religious practices.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the **sovereignty of God in salvation and mission**, demonstrating that the expansion of the Gospel is not a human endeavor but a divine work. It highlights the **inclusion of the Gentiles** into God's covenant people, a central tenet of Paul's apostleship, which he elaborates on throughout [Romans 9-11](/romans/9-11 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel and Gentiles"). The phrase "to make the Gentiles obedient" points to the theme of the **"obedience of faith,"** introduced in [Romans 1:5](/romans/1-5 "Romans 1:5 - The Obedience of Faith"), signifying a life transformed by the Gospel, marked by submission to Christ's Lordship. Furthermore, the combination of "word and deed" emphasizes **holistic ministry**, where the proclamation of truth is accompanied by tangible demonstrations of God's power and love, a consistent theme in Paul's defense of his apostleship (e.g., [1 Corinthians 2:4](/1_corinthians/2-4 "1 Corinthians 2:4 - Spirit and Power in Preaching")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wrought (Greek, _katergázomai'_):** This verb signifies "to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion." Paul uses it to convey a complete and effective work, emphasizing that Christ has not merely initiated but fully brought to completion the work through him. It implies a powerful, active operation that achieves its intended result.
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "race" or "tribe," this term specifically refers to foreign, non-Jewish people, often with the implication of being pagan. Paul's use here highlights the radical nature of the Gospel, extending salvation beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel to all nations, fulfilling ancient prophecies (e.g., [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")).
* **obedient (Greek, _hypakoḗ'_):** This noun denotes "attentive hearkening, i.e. (by implication) compliance or submission." It is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative submission of one's life to God's will, a practical response of faith that results in a changed lifestyle. This "obedience" is the fruit of Christ's work through Paul.
* **deed (Greek, _érgon'_):** This word refers to "toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act." In the context of "word and deed," "deed" encompasses the tangible manifestations of God's power, such as miracles, signs, wonders, and the transformed lives of believers, which served as powerful corroboration of the spoken Gospel message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me,"**: Paul begins with a humble yet firm assertion. The phrase "not dare to speak" is an example of **litotes**, an understatement for emphasis, meaning he would *only* speak of what Christ *has* accomplished through him. This immediately redirects all glory and credit from himself to Christ, establishing the divine agency behind his ministry. His focus is exclusively on the verifiable, Christ-empowered results, not on personal achievements or eloquent speech.
* **"to make the Gentiles obedient,"**: This clause states the explicit purpose and outcome of Christ's work through Paul. The ultimate goal of Paul's mission, empowered by Christ, was to bring non-Jewish people into a state of submission and faithfulness to God. This "obedience" is a comprehensive response to the Gospel, encompassing belief, repentance, and a transformed life in Christ.
* **"by word and deed,"**: This phrase describes the dual means through which Christ accomplished His work via Paul. "Word" refers to the verbal proclamation of the Gospel message—preaching, teaching, and evangelism. "Deed" encompasses the tangible, demonstrable aspects of ministry, including miraculous signs and wonders, healings, exorcisms, and the visible transformation of lives, all serving as powerful confirmations of the truth of the "word." This highlights a holistic and dynamic approach to ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 15:18 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Litotes**, an ironic understatement, seen in Paul's declaration, "I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me." This is not a hesitant or fearful statement but a powerful, humble assertion that he will *only* speak of Christ's accomplishments through him, thereby redirecting all glory to God and validating his ministry as divinely authorized. There is also **Synecdoche** in the phrase "by word and deed," where "word" (preaching) and "deed" (miracles, transformed lives) represent the entirety of Paul's comprehensive, Spirit-empowered ministry. This concise pairing encapsulates the full scope of his apostolic work. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Emphasis** on divine agency; the repeated focus on "Christ hath wrought by me" underscores that the true power and efficacy of the mission reside not in Paul's human abilities but in the active, sovereign work of Jesus Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 15:18 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian ministry, emphasizing that genuine spiritual fruit is always the result of divine action, not human effort alone. Paul's humility in attributing all success to Christ establishes a foundational principle: ministry is Christ-centered, Christ-empowered, and Christ-directed. This verse highlights the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan, which includes the Gentiles, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his offspring. The "obedience" sought is not mere outward conformity but a transformation of heart and life that flows from genuine faith, underscoring the holistic impact of the Gospel. The combination of "word and deed" reveals that the Gospel is not merely a philosophical concept but a living, active power that transforms lives and is often accompanied by tangible demonstrations of God's presence.

* [Acts 14:3](/acts/14-3 "Acts 14:3 - Paul and Barnabas Speak Boldly with Signs and Wonders")
* [1 Corinthians 2:4-5](/1_corinthians/2-4-5 "1 Corinthians 2:4-5 - Paul's Preaching in Power")
* [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:18 serves as a profound model for every believer engaged in God's work, whether in formal ministry or daily witness. It calls us to cultivate a posture of profound humility, recognizing that any good accomplished through us is ultimately Christ's work, not our own. This perspective liberates us from the burden of self-reliance and the temptation to boast in human achievements, redirecting all glory to God. It also underscores the necessity of divine empowerment; true spiritual impact flows from dependence on the Holy Spirit, not from our own wisdom, eloquence, or strength. We are reminded that our witness for Christ should be holistic, encompassing both the clear proclamation of the Gospel ("word") and the tangible demonstration of its transforming power through our lives, actions, and character ("deed"). This means living out our faith authentically, serving others, and allowing God to work through us in ways that confirm the truth we speak. Ultimately, this verse challenges us to align our hearts and efforts with Christ's mission, trusting Him to accomplish His purposes through our willing participation, knowing that the goal is always to bring others into the "obedience of faith."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's humility in Romans 15:18 challenge my own tendencies to seek recognition or credit for spiritual accomplishments?**
* **In what specific ways can I ensure that my efforts in ministry or witness are truly "Christ-wrought" and not merely human-driven?**
* **How can I more effectively integrate both "word" (proclamation) and "deed" (demonstration) into my daily life and witness for Christ?**
* **What does it mean for me to seek the "obedience" of others, and how can I pray for and participate in that process?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me"?**

Answer: Paul is employing a rhetorical device called litotes, which is an understatement used for emphasis. He is not saying he is afraid to speak, but rather that he *will only* speak about the things Christ has accomplished through him. It's a humble yet firm assertion that his ministry's effectiveness and legitimacy are entirely due to Christ's active power, not his own abilities or efforts. He is intentionally redirecting all glory and credit to Jesus Christ, emphasizing that he is merely an instrument in God's hands. This also implicitly validates his apostolic ministry as divinely authorized and effective.

**What is the significance of "to make the Gentiles obedient"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the primary purpose and outcome of Christ's work through Paul's ministry. "Gentiles" refers to non-Jewish people, emphasizing the expansive, universal nature of the Gospel, which breaks down ethnic and cultural barriers (cf. [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down Barriers")). "Obedient" (Greek: _hypakoē_) signifies more than mere intellectual assent; it implies a transformative submission to the Lordship of Christ, leading to a life lived in accordance with God's will. It's the "obedience of faith" that Paul mentions in [Romans 1:5](/romans/1-5 "Romans 1:5 - The Obedience of Faith"), a comprehensive response to the Gospel that includes belief, repentance, and a changed lifestyle.

**How does "by word and deed" describe Paul's ministry, and how is it relevant today?**

Answer: "By word and deed" describes a holistic approach to ministry. "Word" refers to the verbal proclamation of the Gospel—preaching, teaching, and sharing the truth of Christ. "Deed" encompasses the tangible demonstrations of God's power, which in Paul's time included miraculous signs, wonders, and healings (as mentioned in [Romans 15:19](/romans/15-19 "Romans 15:19 - Paul's Ministry of Signs and Wonders")), as well as the transformed lives and practical acts of love and service that accompanied his preaching. This combination shows that the Gospel is not just a theoretical message but a dynamic power that impacts lives tangibly. Today, it reminds us that our witness should involve both clearly articulating the truth of Christ and living out that truth through our actions, character, and service, demonstrating the love and power of God in practical ways.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the supreme embodiment of "word and deed." Christ Himself was the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), whose entire earthly ministry was a perfect synergy of authoritative teaching (the "word") and powerful, transformative actions (the "deed"). He preached the kingdom of God with unparalleled clarity and demonstrated its reality through countless miracles, healings, and acts of compassion ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus' Ministry of Healing")). Paul's ministry, therefore, is a continuation and extension of Christ's own mission, empowered by the same Spirit who indwelt and empowered Jesus ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). The "obedience" sought among the Gentiles is ultimately obedience to Christ, who, by His death and resurrection, secured salvation for all who believe ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Thus, Paul's humble declaration that Christ "hath wrought by me" is a profound theological statement affirming that all true ministry flows from and points back to the finished work and ongoing reign of the resurrected Christ, who continues to build His church through His Spirit-empowered servants until the consummation of His kingdom ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

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

Acts 15:12

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

Romans 1:5

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

Acts 21:19

And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

Galatians 2:8

(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

Proverbs 25:14

¶ Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift [is like] clouds and wind without rain.

2 Thessalonians 2:17

Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Romans 16:26

But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: