### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb G5112 τολμηρότερον (tolmēróteron) is the neuter comparative form of the adjective τολμηρός (tolmēros), meaning "daring" or "bold." It is derived from the verb `{{G5111}}` τολμάω (tolmaō), which signifies "to dare," "to venture," "to be bold," or "to have courage." The comparative suffix -τερον indicates a higher degree, thus τολμηρότερον translates as "more daringly," "more boldly," or "with greater confidence than otherwise." Its semantic range encompasses a heightened level of courage or audacity, often in the context of speech or action that might otherwise be deemed presumptuous or inappropriate. It implies a justified or necessary boldness, rather than recklessness or arrogance, stemming from a deep conviction or divine commission.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G5112 τολμηρότερον appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle to the Romans:
* **[[Romans 15:15]]**: "But I have written to you more boldly (τολμηρότερον) in some respects, as a reminder, because of the grace given me by God."
* In this pivotal verse, the Apostle Paul uses τολμηρότερον to describe the manner in which he has addressed the Roman believers. He acknowledges that some of his statements might be perceived as "more daring" or "more bold" than might typically be expected from someone writing to a church he did not found.
* Crucially, Paul immediately qualifies this boldness. First, he states that his purpose is "as a reminder" (ἀναμιμνῄσκων), indicating that he is not introducing new doctrines but reinforcing truths they already know. Second, and more significantly, he attributes his boldness directly to "the grace given me by God" (τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ). This grace is specifically identified in the following verse as his apostolic commission to be "a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles" ([[Romans 15:16]]).
* Thus, Paul's use of τολμηρότερον is not an admission of arrogance but a self-aware assertion of his divinely sanctioned authority and responsibility. His boldness is not a personal trait but a function of his Spirit-empowered ministry, enabling him to speak with conviction and directness for the sake of the Gospel. It is a boldness rooted in humility and obedience to God's calling.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G5111}}` τολμάω (tolmaō):** The verbal root, meaning "to dare," "to be bold." This verb is used in various contexts, including daring to question or challenge authority ([[Mark 15:43]]), or daring to approach God ([[Hebrews 4:16]]). It highlights the underlying concept of venturing beyond the ordinary or expected.
* **`{{G3954}}` παρρησία (parrēsia):** Often translated "boldness," "frankness," or "courage." While not etymologically related, παρρησία shares a significant semantic overlap with τολμηρότερον, particularly in the context of speaking truth openly and confidently, especially in the face of opposition or potential disapproval. Both terms describe an unreserved manner of communication.
* **Apostolic Authority and Commission:** The concept that undergirds Paul's specific use of τολμηρότερον. His boldness is not self-generated but flows from his unique calling and empowerment by God to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles. This divine mandate justifies his directness and confidence.
* **Grace (χάρις):** Paul explicitly links his boldness to the grace given to him by God. This underscores that true spiritual boldness is not a human achievement but a divine enablement, always serving God's purposes.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of G5112 τολμηρότερον in [[Romans 15:15]] carries profound theological weight, particularly concerning the nature of apostolic ministry and the proclamation of the Gospel.
1. **Justified Boldness in Ministry:** The word highlights a form of boldness that is not presumption but a necessary and Spirit-empoured characteristic of those called to proclaim God's truth. Paul's boldness is not an act of human arrogance but an expression of faithful obedience to his divine commission. It suggests that there are times when a greater degree of directness and confidence is required for the effective communication of the divine message.
2. **Humility and Authority Intertwined:** Paul's use of "somewhat more boldly" demonstrates a remarkable blend of humility and firm apostolic authority. He acknowledges the potential perception of his tone ("somewhat more boldly") while simultaneously justifying it by his calling and God's grace. This teaches that true spiritual authority is not dismissive of others' perceptions but operates with a clear understanding of its divine source and purpose.
3. **Grace as the Foundation of Ministry:** The explicit connection between Paul's boldness and "the grace given me by God" underscores a fundamental theological principle: all effective ministry, including the courage to speak difficult truths, is rooted in God's unmerited favor and empowerment. It is not human strength or rhetorical skill, but divine grace, that enables the minister to fulfill their calling.
4. **The Nature of Gospel Proclamation:** The context implies that the proclamation of the Gospel, especially to those who may be resistant or unfamiliar, sometimes requires a daring and confident approach. This is not to be confused with belligerence, but rather a conviction that allows the messenger to speak truth clearly and without compromise, even when it challenges existing norms or comforts.
### Summary
G5112 τολμηρότερον signifies "more boldly" or "with greater confidence," a comparative adverb derived from the verb `{{G5111}}` τολμάω (to dare, to be bold). Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[Romans 15:15]], illuminates the nature of apostolic ministry. Paul uses it to describe his directness in writing to the Roman believers, attributing this "more daring" tone not to personal arrogance but to the specific grace and apostolic commission he received from God. This word thus points to a divinely sanctioned and Spirit-empowered boldness that is essential for the proclamation of the Gospel and the effective exercise of spiritual authority, always rooted in humility and God's enabling grace. It underscores that true spiritual courage is not a human trait but a gift for God's purposes.
TRV