Romans 15:14
And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Original Language Analysis
Πέπεισμαι
am persuaded
G3982
Πέπεισμαι
am persuaded
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
1 of 22
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
3 of 22
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὶ
myself
G846
αὐτοὶ
myself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
8 of 22
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὶ
myself
G846
αὐτοὶ
myself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πεπληρωμένοι
filled
G4137
πεπληρωμένοι
filled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
16 of 22
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
γνώσεως
knowledge
G1108
γνώσεως
knowledge
Strong's:
G1108
Word #:
18 of 22
knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge
Cross References
2 Peter 1:12Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.1 John 2:21I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.1 Corinthians 8:7Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.1 Corinthians 8:10For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;1 Corinthians 8:1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.1 Thessalonians 5:11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Historical Context
Paul had never visited Rome when he wrote this letter (1:10-13), yet he addresses them with pastoral authority and confidence. This balance—respecting their maturity while offering apostolic instruction—was crucial for accepting this letter. Paul's affirmation (v. 14) softens what might otherwise seem presumptuous in a thirteen-chapter letter of theological correction and exhortation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's model of affirming believers' goodness and knowledge before offering correction challenge or inform your approach to fellow Christians?
- In what ways are you exercising your ability to 'admonish one another' in your Christian community?
- What is the relationship between being 'filled with all knowledge' and being 'able to admonish'—how does doctrinal understanding enable mutual correction?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness (Πέπεισμαι δέ, ἀδελφοί μου, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐγὼ περὶ ὑμῶν, ὅτι καὶ αὐτοὶ μεστοί ἐστε ἀγαθωσύνης, pepeismai de, adelphoi mou, kai autos egō peri hymōn, hoti kai autoi mestoi este agathōsynēs)—Paul begins the letter's personal conclusion with affirmation. Pepeismai (I am persuaded) is perfect tense: settled conviction. Autos egō (I myself) is emphatic—despite not founding this church, Paul is confident about their spiritual state. Mestoi (full) indicates they possess, not lack, agathōsynē (goodness)—moral excellence, virtue.
Filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another (πεπληρωμένοι πάσης γνώσεως, δυνάμενοι καὶ ἀλλήλους νουθετεῖν, peplērōmenoi pasēs gnōseōs, dynamenoi kai allēlous nouthetein)—they have gnōsis (knowledge) of gospel truth and capacity to nouthetein (admonish, instruct, warn) mutually. Nouthesia combines teaching with corrective warning. Paul's letter, while instructive, hasn't treated them as ignorant or immature but as capable of mutual ministry. This models healthy pastoral posture: affirm believers' giftedness while providing additional guidance.