Romans 15:15 - Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

Nevertheless - Notwithstanding my full persuasion of your knowledge and your purpose to do right. Perhaps he refers also to the fact that he was a stranger to them.

The more boldly - More boldly than might have been expected from a stranger. The reason why he showed this boldness in declaring his sentiments, he immediately states - that he had been especially called to the function of instructing the Gentiles.

In some sort - ἀπὸ μέρος apo meros. In part. Some have supposed that he referred to a “party” at Rome - the Gentile party (Whitby). Some refer it to different “parts” of his epistle - on some subjects (Stuart). Probably the expression is designed to qualify the phrase “more boldly.” The phrase, says Grotius, “diminishes” that of which it is spoken, as 1 Corinthians 13:9, 1Co 13:12; 2 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 2:5; and means the same as “somewhat more freely;” that is, I have been induced to write the more freely, “partly” because I am appointed to this very office. I write somewhat more freely to a church among the Gentiles than I even should to one among the Jews, “because” I am appointed to this very office.

As putting you in mind - Greek, Calling to your “remembrance,” or “reminding” you; compare 2 Peter 1:12-13. This was a delicate way of communicating instruction. The apostles presumed that all Christians were acquainted with the great doctrines of religion; but they did not command, enjoin, or assume a spirit; of dictation. How happy would it be if all teachers would imitate the example of the “apostles” in this, and be as modest and humble “as they were.”

Because of the grace ... - Because God has conferred the favor on me of appointing me to this function; see the note at Romans 1:5.

Romans 15:15

15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,