Devine Scripture

Romans 15:17

What does Romans 15:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 15:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 15:17 means

Because his ministry is God-given and Spirit-empowered, Paul can legitimately boast, but only in Christ Jesus concerning the things of God. His joy and confidence rest in what Christ has done through him, not in personal ability. Such boasting honors Christ as the true source of fruit. It also guards Paul from either self-exaltation or false humility; he celebrates grace at work. This Christ-centered glorying sets the tone for how he reports his labors—everything traced back to the Savior who called, empowered, and blessed his service among the Gentiles.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So I have pride in Christ Jesus in the things which are God's.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I have, then, a boasting in Christ Jesus, in the things pertaining to God,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I have therefore glory in Christ Jesus towards God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I have therefore [whereof to] boast in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain toGod.

Context

After describing his priestly ministry to the Gentiles (v.16), Paul clarifies the spirit in which he speaks about his work (v.17): he boasts in Christ alone. This leads directly into verses 18–19, where he recounts the results Christ achieved through him—obedience among the Gentiles, confirmed by signs and wonders, in the Spirit’s power. The flow keeps the focus on divine agency and prepares for the explanation of his missionary policy (vv.20–21).

v.16that I should be a minister of Christ Jesus unto the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

v.17This passage

v.18For 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,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:1

    I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

  • Hebrews 5:1

    For every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed 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, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh:

  • Hebrews 2:17

    Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:16

    I say again, Let no man think me foolish; but ifye do, yet as foolish receive me, that I also may glory a little.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:14

    But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place.

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