10 November 2023

I myself feel confident about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. Nevertheless, on some points I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

From Romans 15:14-21 , NRSV

As he comes towards the end of his epistle to the Romans, Paul acknowledges the goodness and knowledge of his audience but also seeks to justify why he has spoken “boldly” on some points. Even though Rome, as the capital of the Empire, had great power and influence, Paul had not been frightened to speak to the people of Rome about a greater power at work in and through him. Even though they were good and knowledgeable it was still important to be reminded about how to live their life as Christians. Paul goes on to speak with pride of the great things that God has worked through him – especially of bringing salvation to the Gentiles.

• • Why was it important for Paul to speak boldly?
  • Is it important for us to be reminded of our Christian duties?

Give thanks for all who, like Paul, have been prepared to speak boldly in pursuit of the Gospel, and pray for the courage to do the same.