Barton's Bible Study Notes

Romans 15:14-21

SUMMARY: Paul has finished the fourth major section of the book of Romans. Now he concludes this letter with some personal notes, plans and greetings.
  I.  The Apostle’s Praise and Purpose VERSES 15:14-16
A.  Paul’s Praise:
1.  The Conviction: And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced (14a)
2.  The Qualities:
a.  First: that you yourselves are full of goodness, (14b)
b.  Second: filled with all knowledge (14c)
c.  Third and able also to admonish one another. (14d)
B.  Paul’s Purpose:
1.  His Action: But I have written very boldly to you on some points (15a)
2.  His Goal: so as to remind you again, (15b)
3.  His Authority:
a.  The Grace Given: because of the grace that was given me from God, (15c)
b.  The Position Obtained: to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, (16a)
c.  The Sacrifice Rendered: so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (16b)
 
 II.  The Apostle’s Boast VERSES 15:17-19
A.  The Introductory Statement: Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. (17)
B.  The Explanation:
1.  The Lord’s Work:
a.  The Statement: For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, (18a)
b.  The Results: resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, (18b)
c.  The Manner: in the power of signs and wonders, (19a)
d.  The Means: in the power of the Spirit; (19b)
2.  The Servant’s Success:
a.  The Area: so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum (19c)
b.  The Action: I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (19d)
 
III.  The Apostle’s Aspiration VERSES 15:20-21
A.  The Statement:
1.  The Desire: And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, (20a)
2.  The Reason: so that I would not build on another man’s foundation; (20b)
B.  The Scripture: but as it is written,
“THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE,
AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND.”  (Isaiah 52:15)
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