Romans 15:14 - Meaning and Application

Here Paul speaks warmly to the Roman Christians and praises them highly. He had already begun his letter with their good name, saying their faith was known everywhere (Romans 1:8). Now, after some sharp correction earlier in the letter, he ends with the same kind of praise to soften his words and part as friends. This was not empty flattery. It was a true acknowledgment of the grace God had given them.

We should be ready to notice and praise what is good in others. That is part of the reward of useful and faithful living, and it can stir others to holy effort. It was a real honor for the Romans to be praised by Paul, a man of sound judgment and honesty, one who was hard to fool and unwilling to flatter. Though he had not met them personally, he was convinced of their goodness from what he had heard. We should not be gullible, but we should also not be suspicious of everything. In matters like this, love hopes all things and believes all things, and when there is good reason, it is right to be persuaded.

Paul points to three things in them. First, they were full of goodness, so they would likely receive his letter kindly and put it into practice, especially where it touched their unity and the healing of their disagreements. A good understanding and a good spirit toward one another would quickly end strife. Second, they were filled with all knowledge, and that is a rare and fine combination with goodness. The new life in Christ needs both the mind and the heart, and they had the knowledge needed for their lasting peace. Third, they were able to admonish one another, meaning they could wisely instruct and warn each other. Goodness and knowledge should not stay private, but should be used for the good of others.

Paul then clears himself from any charge of interfering where he did not belong. He speaks affectionately, calling them “my brethren” and “brethren,” showing both warmth and humility. He admits that he wrote boldly in some parts, and some might think he was too forward. Yet he says he only wrote to remind them of what they already knew. Like Peter later said, he was putting them in remembrance (2 Peter 1:12; 2 Peter 3:1). Even if people already know a truth, they still need to be reminded of it.

He also says he wrote as the apostle to the Gentiles, by the grace God gave him. That is, God had given him the apostolic calling, the special work of serving as Christ’s messenger to non-Jewish nations. He saw that calling as a great kindness and honor from God, and he did not want to receive that grace in vain. Christ received that he might give, and Paul followed that pattern. We all have gifts and duties that must not be buried. It is good for ministers to keep in mind the grace God has given them.

Paul explains four things about his ministry. He was a minister of Jesus Christ, meaning he served Christ as his Master (Colossians 4:1). He was sent especially to the Gentiles, as God had appointed him (Acts 22:21; Galatians 2:7-9). What he preached was the gospel of God, serving in holy things, like one set apart for sacred work. And his aim was that the offering of the Gentiles would be acceptable to God, bringing glory to his name through their conversion. He labored to bring about something pleasing to God.

Paul describes the conversion of the Gentiles as an offering, or sacrifice, to God. In one sense, they are like priests, offering prayer, praise, and other acts of worship. Once the Jews were the holy nation and kingdom of priests, but now the Gentiles also are made priests to God through Christ (Revelation 5:10). In another sense, the Gentiles themselves are the sacrifice Paul offers to God through Christ. They become a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). A sanctified soul is presented to God in the fire of love, with Christ as the altar. Paul gathered souls by preaching, not to keep them for himself, but to present them to God, and that is an acceptable offering because the Holy Spirit makes it holy.

Paul preached to them and cared for them, but what made them fit offerings to God was their sanctification, their being made holy. That was not Paul’s work. It was the work of the Holy Spirit. No one can be acceptably offered to God unless they are sanctified, because unholy things can never please the holy God.