Romans 15:14-21 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brothers, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge… Paul's characteristic delicacy is seen in "I myself am persuaded," etc., which corresponds with Romans 1:8. It was no flattering compliment, but a just commendation. Exhortations are to be accompanied with courtesy (1 Peter 3:8). Christian gifts and graces are to be duly commended. Love esteems a brother above rather than below his work (Romans 12:10). The Romans were commended for their — I. GOODNESS. 1. Moral excellence in general (Ephesians 5:9). 2. Kindness to one another in particular (2 Thessalonians 1:11). II. KNOWLEDGE. Spiritual knowledge is a believer's privilege. It is the Spirit's office to impart it (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12; 1 John 2:20, 27). Such knowledge is to be greatly desired (Philippians 1:9; Colossians 2:2). All treasures of wisdom and knowledge hid in Christ (Colossians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 1:30). This knowledge is necessary to comfort, holiness, and usefulness, and embraces all the subjects of revealed truth, doctrines, duties, dispensations, etc. The deep things cf God; things freely given us of God (1 Corinthians 2:10, 12). Goodness and knowledge rarely combined in the world, but both are given in and with Christ. These are the heart and the head of the new man (Ephesians 3:24), and are to be taken in their fulness (Isaiah 55:3; Luke 1:53). Paul's large hearted love is seen in the terms he employs. He delights to point to the fulness believers enjoy in Christ. They should grow in grace and knowledge. III. ABILITY TO ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER — to put each other in mind of duty as to matter by knowledge, as to manner by goodness. This may be done either publicly or privately (Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:25; Colossians 3:16). (T. Robinson, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. |
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