King James Version

What Does Romans 15:19 Mean?

Romans 15:19 in the King James Version says “Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyri... — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

Romans 15:19 · KJV


Context

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,

19

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

20

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

21

But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God (ἐν δυνάμει σημείων καὶ τεράτων, ἐν δυνάμει πνεύματος θεοῦ, en dynamei sēmeiōn kai teratōn, en dynamei pneumatos theou)—Sēmeiōn kai teratōn (signs and wonders) is standard biblical language for miracles authenticating divine messengers (Exod 7:3, Deut 6:22, Acts 2:22, 43). Paul's ministry included miracle-working power, not self-generated but en dynamei pneumatos theou (in/by the power of the Spirit of God). The Spirit, not the apostle, is the power source. This authenticates Paul's apostleship: true apostles manifest Spirit-empowered signs confirming their message (2 Cor 12:12, Heb 2:3-4).

So that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ (ὥστε με ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλὴμ καὶ κύκλῳ μέχρι τοῦ Ἰλλυρικοῦ πεπληρωκέναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, hōste me apo Ierousalēm kai kyklō mechri tou Illyrikou peplērōkenai to euangelion tou Christou)—Paul summarizes his apostolic circuit: from Jerusalem (Acts 9, Gal 1:18) through Asia Minor and Greece to Illyricum (modern Balkans, northwest of Macedonia). Peplērōkenai (have fully preached) means completed, fulfilled—he's established churches throughout this region, completing his pioneer work (v. 20) in the eastern Mediterranean.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Illyricum represents the western/northern limit of Paul's mission by AD 57. Acts doesn't record ministry in Illyricum specifically, but Paul's summary here indicates broader travels than Luke narrates. The arc from Jerusalem to Illyricum traces Paul's three missionary journeys, establishing the geographic scope of his Gentile mission.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do 'signs and wonders' function in confirming the gospel message, and what role (if any) do they play in the church's mission today?
  2. What does Paul's summary of extensive missionary travel reveal about apostolic priorities and commitment?
  3. How can the Spirit's power be manifested in your ministry context, even if not through the same miraculous signs Paul experienced?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἐν1 of 23

Through

G1722

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

δυνάμει2 of 23

mighty

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

σημείων3 of 23

signs

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

καὶ4 of 23

and

G2532

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

τεράτων5 of 23

wonders

G5059

a prodigy or omen

ἐν6 of 23

Through

G1722

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

δυνάμει7 of 23

mighty

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

πνεύματος8 of 23

of the Spirit

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

θεοῦ·9 of 23

of God

G2316

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

ὥστε10 of 23

so

G5620

so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)

με11 of 23

I

G3165

me

ἀπὸ12 of 23

that from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Ἰερουσαλὴμ13 of 23

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

καὶ14 of 23

and

G2532

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

κύκλῳ15 of 23

round about

G2945

i.e., in a circle (by implication, of g1722), i.e., (adverbially) all around

μέχρι16 of 23

unto

G3360

as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl

τοῦ17 of 23
G3588

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

Ἰλλυρικοῦ18 of 23

Illyricum

G2437

(the) illyrican (shore), i.e., (as a name itself) illyricum, a region of europe

πεπληρωκέναι19 of 23

have fully preached

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

τὸ20 of 23
G3588

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

εὐαγγέλιον21 of 23

the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τοῦ22 of 23
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ23 of 23

of Christ

G5547

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


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 15:19 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 15:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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