King James Version

What Does Romans 15:16 Mean?

Romans 15:16 in the King James Version says “That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of th... — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. offering up: or, sacrificing

Romans 15:16 · KJV


Context

14

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.

15

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

16

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. offering up: or, sacrificing

17

I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

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,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (εἰς τὸ εἶναί με λειτουργὸν Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ εἰς τὰ ἔθνη, eis to einai me leitourgon Christou Iēsou eis ta ethnē)—Leitourgon (minister) is cultic/priestly language, used in the LXX for priests and Levites performing sacred service. Paul views his apostolic ministry as priestly work: mediating between God and people, but now extending to Gentiles. This isn't literal priesthood but metaphorical: apostolic ministry is sacred service to God on behalf of the nations.

Ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost (ἱερουργοῦντα τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ θεοῦ, ἵνα γένηται ἡ προσφορὰ τῶν ἐθνῶν εὐπρόσδεκτος, ἡγιασμένη ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ, hierourgοunta to euangelion tou theou, hina genētai hē prosphora tōn ethnōn euprosdektos, hēgiasmenē en pneumati hagiō)—Hierourgοunta (performing priestly service) intensifies the cultic imagery. Paul's priestly service is proclaiming the gospel. The prosphora (offering) he presents to God is the Gentiles themselves—converted Gentiles are the sacrifice Paul offers to God, made acceptable (euprosdektos) through the Holy Spirit's sanctifying work. This reverses OT categories: now people are the offering, the gospel is priestly service, and the Spirit replaces ceremonial cleansing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's priestly self-conception here is unique in the NT but consistent with early Christian reinterpretation of temple categories. With the Jerusalem temple still standing (pre-AD 70), Paul boldly claims that true priestly service is gospel proclamation and that Gentile converts are acceptable offerings—a radical reimagining of Israel's cult in light of Christ and the Spirit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing evangelism and discipleship as 'priestly service' elevate your understanding of these ministries?
  2. What does it mean that converted Gentiles (including perhaps you) are themselves the 'offering' Paul presents to God?
  3. How does the Holy Spirit's role in 'sanctifying' the offering of the Gentiles inform your understanding of the Spirit's work in conversion and sanctification?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
εἰς1 of 26

should be

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ2 of 26
G3588

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

εἶναί3 of 26
G1511

to exist

με4 of 26

That I

G3165

me

λειτουργὸν5 of 26

the minister

G3011

a public servant, i.e., a functionary in the temple or gospel, or (genitive case) a worshipper (of god) or benefactor (of man)

Ἰησοῦ6 of 26

of Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ7 of 26

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

εἰς8 of 26

should be

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰ9 of 26
G3588

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

ἐθνῶν10 of 26

of the Gentiles

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ἱερουργοῦντα11 of 26

ministering

G2418

to be a temple-worker, i.e., officiate as a priest (figuratively)

τὸ12 of 26
G3588

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

εὐαγγέλιον13 of 26

the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τοῦ14 of 26
G3588

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

θεοῦ15 of 26

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἵνα16 of 26

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

γένηται17 of 26

might be

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

18 of 26
G3588

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

προσφορὰ19 of 26

the offering up

G4376

presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice

τῶν20 of 26
G3588

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

ἐθνῶν21 of 26

of the Gentiles

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

εὐπρόσδεκτος22 of 26

acceptable

G2144

well-received, i.e., approved, favorable

ἡγιασμένη23 of 26

being sanctified

G37

to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

ἐν24 of 26

by

G1722

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

πνεύματι25 of 26

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἁγίῳ26 of 26

the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)


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 15:16 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 15:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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