Romans 15:19
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Original Language Analysis
δυνάμει
mighty
G1411
δυνάμει
mighty
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
2 of 23
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
σημείων
signs
G4592
σημείων
signs
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
3 of 23
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δυνάμει
mighty
G1411
δυνάμει
mighty
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
7 of 23
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
8 of 23
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
θεοῦ·
of God
G2316
θεοῦ·
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὥστε
so
G5620
ὥστε
so
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
10 of 23
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ἀπὸ
that from
G575
ἀπὸ
that from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
12 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
G2419
Ἰερουσαλὴμ
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2419
Word #:
13 of 23
hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κύκλῳ
round about
G2945
κύκλῳ
round about
Strong's:
G2945
Word #:
15 of 23
i.e., in a circle (by implication, of g1722), i.e., (adverbially) all around
μέχρι
unto
G3360
μέχρι
unto
Strong's:
G3360
Word #:
16 of 23
as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰλλυρικοῦ
Illyricum
G2437
Ἰλλυρικοῦ
Illyricum
Strong's:
G2437
Word #:
18 of 23
(the) illyrican (shore), i.e., (as a name itself) illyricum, a region of europe
πεπληρωκέναι
have fully preached
G4137
πεπληρωκέναι
have fully preached
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
19 of 23
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.Hebrews 2:4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?Galatians 3:5He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?2 Timothy 4:17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Historical Context
Illyricum represents the western/northern limit of Paul's mission by AD 57. Acts doesn't record ministry in Illyricum specifically, but Paul's summary here indicates broader travels than Luke narrates. The arc from Jerusalem to Illyricum traces Paul's three missionary journeys, establishing the geographic scope of his Gentile mission.
Questions for Reflection
- How do 'signs and wonders' function in confirming the gospel message, and what role (if any) do they play in the church's mission today?
- What does Paul's summary of extensive missionary travel reveal about apostolic priorities and commitment?
- How can the Spirit's power be manifested in your ministry context, even if not through the same miraculous signs Paul experienced?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God (ἐν δυνάμει σημείων καὶ τεράτων, ἐν δυνάμει πνεύματος θεοῦ, en dynamei sēmeiōn kai teratōn, en dynamei pneumatos theou)—Sēmeiōn kai teratōn (signs and wonders) is standard biblical language for miracles authenticating divine messengers (Exod 7:3, Deut 6:22, Acts 2:22, 43). Paul's ministry included miracle-working power, not self-generated but en dynamei pneumatos theou (in/by the power of the Spirit of God). The Spirit, not the apostle, is the power source. This authenticates Paul's apostleship: true apostles manifest Spirit-empowered signs confirming their message (2 Cor 12:12, Heb 2:3-4).
So that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ (ὥστε με ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλὴμ καὶ κύκλῳ μέχρι τοῦ Ἰλλυρικοῦ πεπληρωκέναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, hōste me apo Ierousalēm kai kyklō mechri tou Illyrikou peplērōkenai to euangelion tou Christou)—Paul summarizes his apostolic circuit: from Jerusalem (Acts 9, Gal 1:18) through Asia Minor and Greece to Illyricum (modern Balkans, northwest of Macedonia). Peplērōkenai (have fully preached) means completed, fulfilled—he's established churches throughout this region, completing his pioneer work (v. 20) in the eastern Mediterranean.