King James Version

What Does Romans 1:15 Mean?

Romans 1:15 in the King James Version says “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.”

Romans 1:15 · KJV

Context

13

Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto ,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. among: or, in

14

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

15

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Read Romans 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

Paul concludes his introductory remarks with personal readiness: houtō to kat' eme prothymon kai humin tois en Rhōmē euangelisasthai (οὕτω τὸ κατ' ἐμὲ πρόθυμον καὶ ὑμῖν τοῖς ἐν Ῥώμῃ εὐαγγελίσασθαι, 'thus, as much as is in me, I am eager also to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome'). To kat' eme prothymon (as far as it depends on me, I am eager) shows Paul's willing heart, though ultimate fulfillment rests with God's providence (v. 10).

Euangelisasthai (εὐαγγελίσασθαι, to preach the gospel) is Paul's great task. Even in Rome, where a church already existed, Paul desired to proclaim the gospel. This suggests gospel preaching is not merely for evangelizing the lost but for building up believers—expounding the riches of Christ, justification, sanctification, and glorification (themes Paul develops in Romans). The gospel is inexhaustible; believers need continual gospel saturation. Paul's eagerness to preach in Rome, the empire's heart, also had strategic significance—if the gospel transformed Rome, it could transform the world.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Rome in 57 AD was a cosmopolitan city of over one million people—senators, soldiers, slaves, merchants from across the empire. Jewish communities existed despite periodic expulsions. Pagan temples dotted the cityscape, and emperor worship was increasingly mandated. Preaching Christ as Lord in Rome was both dangerous and strategic. Paul's arrival (though as a prisoner) and subsequent ministry, along with Peter's presence, established Rome as a major center of early Christianity, culminating in Peter and Paul's martyrdoms under Nero.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be 'eager' (πρόθυμος) to preach the gospel, and does this characterize your witness?
  2. How do you continue to proclaim and apply the gospel to yourself as a believer, not just to unbelievers?
  3. If you were called to bring the gospel to the most powerful, pluralistic, or pagan place in your culture, would you go eagerly or reluctantly?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
οὕτως1 of 11

“So”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

τὸ2 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατ'3 of 11

“as much as”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἐμὲ4 of 11

“in me is”

G1691

me

πρόθυμον5 of 11

“I am ready”

G4289

forward in spirit, i.e., predisposed; neuter (as noun) alacrity

καὶ6 of 11

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑμῖν7 of 11

“to you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

τοῖς8 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν9 of 11

“that are at”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Ῥώμῃ10 of 11

“Rome”

G4516

strength; roma, the capital of italy

εὐαγγελίσασθαι11 of 11

“to preach the gospel”

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 1:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 1:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 15:201 Corinthians 9:17Isaiah 6:82 Corinthians 10:15-16Matthew 9:381 Kings 8:18

Places in This Verse

RomeSettlement · Modern: Rome · 41.89°N, 12.49°E15 verses across 3 books
View all places in Romans 1 →

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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