Romans 15:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 15:14
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.
Chapter Context
Romans 15 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, prayer, faith. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 15:14
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 8:1, 8:7, 8:10, Colossians 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 2 Peter 1:12