What does Romans 15:17 mean?

I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. Romans 15:17

Explanation

Romans 15:17 is a statement from the Apostle Paul expressing his sense of accomplishment and grounds for boasting, but notably, his boasting is not in his own achievements but through Jesus Christ and specifically within the realm of things pertaining to God. It encapsulates a key Christian principle that all glory and honor belong to God and that Jesus Christ is the enabler and mediator of any service or good works that believers might accomplish.

Paul is not engaging in boasting about himself or his own abilities in the conventional sense, but rather he is rejoicing in what has been done through him by the power and for the glory of Jesus Christ. The things which “pertain to God” likely refer to Paul’s ministry and the spreading of the gospel, his role in the establishment of churches, and his guidance to the believers in living according to the teachings of Jesus.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Romans, traditionally ascribed to the Apostle Paul, was written circa A.D. 57 to the church in Rome. This was a time where the Christian faith was spreading, but there was also much misunderstanding, division, and persecution surrounding the new religion. Paul wrote to the Roman Christians, whom he had not yet visited, to address theological questions, to present his credentials as an apostle, and to prepare them for his intended visit.

At this point in his ministry, Paul had been through many trials and had seen the growth of the Christian faith among Gentiles. He had reasons to be proud of his labor, yet he chose to give glory to Christ for all things associated with his ministry to the Gentiles.

Theological Insights

This verse shines a light on several theological concepts:

• The concept of boasting in the Lord, as opposed to self-glory, aligns with humility and the recognition that all good things come from God.
• It underscores the mediator role of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith, as nothing of spiritual value is accomplished apart from Him.
• It also emphasizes the servant’s role of a believer, who ministers not for personal gain, but for the higher cause that pertains to God’s work and glory.

From different theological viewpoints, this verse can be interpreted as:

• A Pauline critique on the culture of self-promotion present in ancient Roman society and a call towards the Christian virtue of humility.
• An encouragement to believers that they have reasons to rejoice in their hardships when done for Christ.
• A proclamation that legitimate grounds for any form of pride within the Christian context come only from Christ-centered activities.

Practical Applications

Practically, Romans 15:17 teaches believers to adopt a mindset of humility and gratitude, viewing their achievements as God-enabled rather than self-made. This could manifest in daily life through:

• Giving credit to God in one’s endeavors, being it success in a job, ministry, or personal pursuits.
• Understanding the importance of doing things that “pertain to God” such as acts of service, charity, and evangelism, and attributing their success to divine empowerment.
• Guiding believers to reflect Christ in their actions and avoid personal glory, which can lead to pride and arrogance.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 1:31: “That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
• 2 Corinthians 10:17: “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
• Galatians 6:14: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”

Language Study

The key phrase in Romans 15:17 in the original Greek is “καύχησιν ἔχω” (kauchēsin echō), which translates to “I have boasting”. The word “καύχησις” (kauchēsis) means a boasting or glorying, but in the New Testament context is often considered a confidence or rejoicing. The term “ἔχω” (echō) means to have or hold.

Furthermore, when Paul refers to “τὰ πρὸς Θεὸν” (ta pros Theon), which translates to “the things pertaining to God”, he is highlighting the spiritual, not earthly or superficial aspects of his work.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The emphasis on attributing glory to a deity rather than to oneself aligns with many ancient cultures and religions, where the idea of human accomplishments being enabled by the gods was common. For example, in ancient Greek culture, it was typical to honor the gods for victories in battle or athletic success. In a similar vein, Jewish traditions also attribute accomplishments to YHWH’s provision and guidance.

Scientific Perspectives

Romans 15:17 does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it deals predominantly with notions of spiritual service and glorying. However, one could explore the psychological aspects of humility and the effects of attributing success to factors beyond oneself. Studies in psychology might suggest that such a perspective can lead to greater communal harmony and personal well-being.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insights into Romans 15:17:

• John Calvin comments on the sincerity of Paul’s boasting in the Lord, emphasizing that believers should not seek their own glory but that which glorifies God.
• Matthew Henry highlights the fact that Paul’s ministry, though laborious and often unappreciated, is a subject of his triumph, but only through Christ and in God’s service.
• The Expositor’s Bible Commentary notes Paul’s avoidance of taking credit for the work amidst the Gentiles—he leaves the glorying to the work of Christ through him.