Romans 15:14-17 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And I myself am persuaded of you The apology which the apostle here offers for writing to a church with which he was not personally acquainted was the more necessary, because, in his letter, he had opposed some of their strongest prejudices, and had rebuked them for certain irregularities in their conduct. But he was entitled to instruct and reprove them, by virtue of his apostolic office, (Romans 15:15;) the truth of which he proved by his success in converting the Gentiles; (Romans 15:16-17;) and by the miracles he had wrought among them, and by the gifts of the Spirit he had communicated to his converts, in all the Gentile countries which he had visited. That ye Some among you, by being created anew; are full of goodness Of kindness, so as to forbear giving unnecessary offence to, or censuring one another; filled with all knowledge A large measure of knowledge in all needful points, through your long experience in the ways of God; able also to admonish To instruct, and confirm; one another In all things of importance. There are several conclusions of this epistle: the first begins at this verse; the second, Romans 16:1; the third, Romans 15:17; the fourth, Romans 15:21; and the fifth, Romans 15:25. Nevertheless, brethren Notwithstanding your grace and knowledge; I have written the more boldly unto you Have used the greater freedom and plainness in writing; in some sort Απο μερους, in part, or partly; as putting you in mind That is, setting before you, and inciting you to the practice of what you know already; because of the grace that is given to me That is, because I am constituted an apostle of the Gentiles. Whitby thinks, that by the expression, in part, in the former clause of the verse, the apostle meant to signify the Gentile part of the Church of Rome to whom he wrote, to put them in mind of God's great goodness to them. But it seems more probable he intended thereby to insinuate, that his design in writing was, besides calling things to their remembrance which they knew, to instruct them in some things which they did not know. That I should be the minister The servant; of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering, preaching, the gospel of God In order to their conversion and edification; that the offering up of the Gentiles To him, as living sacrifices; might be acceptable In his sight; being sanctified by the Holy Ghost Plentifully communicated to them, not only in a rich variety of gifts, but in his regenerating, purifying, and comforting influences; making them wise and good, holy toward God, and useful to their fellow-creatures. I have therefore Having, by the blessing of God upon my labours, been instrumental in converting many of them, whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ In and through whom all my glorying is; in those things which pertain to God In the success of my ministry, wherein the glory of God is so much concerned.