14 And concerning you, my brethren , I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness , filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another . 15 But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again , because of the grace that was given me from God , 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles , ministering as a priest the gospel of God , so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable , sanctified by the Holy Spirit .
17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God . 18 For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed , 19 in the power of signs and wonders , in the power of the Spirit ; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ . 20 And thus I aspired to preach the gospel , not where Christ was already named , so that I would not build on another man's foundation ; 21 but as it is written , " THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE , AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 15:14-21
Commentary on Romans 15:14-21
(Read Romans 15:14-21)
The apostle was persuaded that the Roman Christians were filled with a kind and affectionate spirit, as well as with knowledge. He had written to remind them of their duties and their dangers, because God had appointed him the minister of Christ to the Gentiles. Paul preached to them; but what made them sacrifices to God, was, their sanctification; not his work, but the work of the Holy Ghost: unholy things can never be pleasing to the holy God. The conversion of souls pertains unto God; therefore it is the matter of Paul's glorying, not the things of the flesh. But though a great preacher, he could not make one soul obedient, further than the Spirit of God accompanied his labours. He principally sought the good of those that sat in darkness. Whatever good we do, it is Christ who does it by us.