Romans 15:18
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,
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's self-limitation — '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' — articulates a theology of apostolic integrity: his report of missionary success is confined to what Christ achieved through him, not what he achieved himself. The phrase 'by word and deed' (logō kai ergō) encompasses both preaching and miraculous sign — the full spectrum of apostolic ministry described in verse 19 as 'mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God.' This self-effacing framing is a subtle polemic against boastful missionaries who conflate their personal achievements with gospel advance. The verse defines authentic apostolic ministry as Christocentric rather than personality-driven — an enduring standard for Christian ministry ethics.
Other Translations
For I will not dare to speak of any things save those which Christ wrought through me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed,
for I will not dare to speak anything of the things that Christ did not work through me, to obedience of nations, by word and deed,
And I will keep myself from talking of anything but those things which Christ has done by me to put the Gentiles under his rule in word and in act,
Cross References
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. …
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto …
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an …
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to …
And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.