For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

ROMANS 15:18KJV
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Romans 15:18 (KJV)

What does Romans 15:18 mean?

Romans 15:18 means that Paul is careful not to claim credit for anything that Christ did not accomplish through him, especially in leading non-Jewish people (Gentiles) to obey God through both his words and actions. Paul is emphasizing that his ministry’s results are truly Christ’s work and not his own achievements.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how he has served as an apostle to the Gentiles. He wants them to know that everything he has done among the Gentiles—teaching, preaching, and living out the message—was only possible because Christ was working through him. Paul’s focus is on giving all credit to Christ for any spiritual change or obedience that has happened among the Gentiles.

The Greek behind Romans 15:18

  • The word "dare" (τολμήσω, tolmēsō) carries the sense of boldness or presumption. Paul is saying he would not presume to speak about anything except what Christ has actually done through him, showing humility and restraint.
  • "Wrought" (κατειργάσατο, katergasato) means to accomplish or achieve. Paul is making it clear that the real work among the Gentiles was accomplished by Christ, not by Paul’s own power.
  • "Obedient" (ὑπακοήν, hypakoēn) refers to the Gentiles coming to obey God. This word highlights that the goal of Paul’s ministry was not just belief, but a changed life that follows God’s ways.
  • "By word and deed" (λόγῳ καὶ ἔργῳ, logō kai ergō) shows that Paul’s ministry involved both what he said and what he did. The message was backed up by his actions, not just his teaching.

Why Romans 15:18 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that Paul was boasting about his own abilities; instead, he is careful to give all credit to Christ for any spiritual results.
  • Romans 15:18 emphasizes that true spiritual change comes from Christ working through people, not from human effort alone.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing Paul’s humility and his understanding of his role as a servant, not the source, of God’s work among the Gentiles.

Where else these words appear

“obedient” Greek G5218 · used in 14 verses

  • Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
  • Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
  • Philemon 1:21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

“will” Greek G5111 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 22:46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.
  • John 21:12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

“hath” Greek G2716 · used in 23 verses

  • Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
  • Romans 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

“me” Greek G1700 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 22:21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
  • Acts 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.