Romans 15:29
And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
Original Language Analysis
οἶδα
I am sure
G1492
οἶδα
I am sure
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 14
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐλεύσομαι
I shall come
G2064
ἐλεύσομαι
I shall come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
4 of 14
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 14
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
πληρώματι
the fulness
G4138
πληρώματι
the fulness
Strong's:
G4138
Word #:
8 of 14
repletion or completion, i.e., (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as contai
εὐλογίας
of the blessing
G2129
εὐλογίας
of the blessing
Strong's:
G2129
Word #:
9 of 14
fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 16:11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.Ephesians 4:13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Historical Context
Ironically, Paul did come to Rome 'in the fullness of blessing,' but via circumstances he didn't anticipate: arrest, shipwreck, and imprisonment (Acts 21-28). Yet even in chains, he experienced blessing—conversions in Caesar's household (Phil 4:22), writing Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and Acts 28:30-31's report of unhindered preaching. God's 'blessing' transcended Paul's expectations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's confidence in coming 'in the fullness of blessing' challenge or encourage your expectations when serving God faithfully?
- In what ways have you experienced God's blessing arriving differently than you anticipated, yet recognizably full and abundant?
- What would 'fullness of the blessing of the gospel' look like in your current ministry or life context?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ (οἶδα δὲ ὅτι ἐρχόμενος πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐν πληρώματι εὐλογίας Χριστοῦ ἐλεύσομαι, oida de hoti erchomenos pros hymas en plērōmati eulogias Christou eleusomai)—Oida (I know, I am sure) expresses confident assurance. Plērōmati (fullness, abundance) suggests overflowing blessing, not meager measure. Eulogias Christou (blessing of Christ) could be objective genitive (blessing from Christ) or subjective genitive (blessing that is Christ himself)—likely both. Paul expects his Roman visit will overflow with Christ's presence, power, and blessing.
This confidence isn't presumption but faith: Paul trusts that faithfully completing his mission (Jerusalem collection) positions him to experience God's abundant blessing in Rome. The 'fullness of blessing' may include mutual encouragement (1:11-12), effective ministry, gospel advancement, and preparation for Spanish mission. This models expectant faith: trusting God's blessing on faithful obedience.