Romans 15:17-21 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 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. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
‘Through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God’ – ten things through Jesus Christ: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (5:1); “Likewise reckon you also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but ALIVE unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (6:11); “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (6:23); “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind, I myself SERVE THE LAW OF GOD…” [thanks for salvation] (7:25); “I have therefore whereof I MAY GLORY [boasting] through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.” (15:17); “But thanks be to God, which gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Cor. 15:57); “Wherefore thou are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then AN HEIR [heirship] of God through Christ.” (Gal. 4:7); “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall KEEP [keeping] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Php. 4:7); “…let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things MAY BE GLORIFIED through Jesus Christ…” (1Pet. 4:11); “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE [salvation] of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…” (2Pet. 2:20).
‘Illyricum’ included Montenegro, Albania and Yugoslavia.
‘Have fully preached the gospel of Christ.’ Paul here sums up the New Testament program as both teaching and confirming the gospel (15:18-21). ‘To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand’ this is the 19th and last prophecy in Romans (15:21; Isa. 52:15). Those who did not know of Paul or hear the Word from him were the ones to see and understand.
Living the Word 