Devine Scripture

Romans 15:18

What does Romans 15:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 15:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 15:18 means

Paul refuses to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through him to bring the Gentiles to obedience, by word and deed. The aim of his ministry is not mere profession but obedient faith—lives submitted to Jesus. This happens through preaching and practice, showing that message and life go together. Paul’s reticence to claim credit highlights both humility and theological conviction: it is Christ who converts and transforms. Any true obedience among the nations is Christ’s work mediated through His servants, and therefore praise rightly returns to Him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And I will keep myself from talking of anything but those things which Christ has done by me to put the Gentiles under his rule in word and in act,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for I will not dare to speak anything of the things that Christ did not work through me, to obedience of nations, by word and deed,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I will not dare to speak anything of the things which Christ has not wrought by me, for [the] obedience of [the] nations, by word and deed,

Context

Continuing his Christ-centered boasting (v.17), Paul specifies the nature and fruit of his ministry (v.18): Gentile obedience through Christ’s work by his words and deeds. Verse 19 will expand on the divine power attending this ministry—signs, wonders, and the Holy Spirit—along with the geographic scope. These verses validate Paul’s authority and explain why he has been hindered from visiting Rome (v.22): his pioneering task has consumed him.

v.17I have therefore my glorying in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God.

v.18This passage

v.19in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Holy Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and round about even unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ;

Cross references

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

  • Romans 6:17

    But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;

  • Hebrews 11:8

    By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

  • Hebrews 5:9

    and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;

  • Acts 15:12

    And all the multitude kept silence; and they hearkened unto Barnabas and Paul rehearsing what signs and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles through them.

  • Acts 14:27

    And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles.

  • James 1:22

    But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves.

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