Romans Chapter 15 verse 19 Holy Bible

Ellicott's Commentary

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(19) Through mighty signs and wonders.--Literally, through the might of signs and wonders--i.e., through those extraordinary powers which found their expression in signs and wonders. "Signs and wonders" is the phrase regularly used throughout the New Testament for the Christian miracles: so frequently in the Gospels. (Comp. also 2Corinthians 12:12; 2Thessalonians 2:9; Hebrews 11:4.) The two words are very similar in meaning. They denote the same acts, but they connote different aspects in which those acts may be regarded. The word "signs" tends to bring out the symbolical character of the miracle, the spiritual truth of which it was, as it were, the physical expression. In the word "wonders" stress is laid rather upon its character as a portent, a manifestation of supernatural, divine power. That St. Paul himself claimed miraculous powers is a face that cannot be doubted.By the power of the Spirit of God.--The two clauses at the beginning of this verse correspond roughly to "by word and deed" at the end of the last. "Signs and wonders" are the manifestation of the effectual working of Christ in "deed." The "power of the Spirit of God" is exemplified both in "deed" and in "word."So that . . .--It is to be noticed that the language of the Apostle becomes more and more definite and concrete, till he ends by describing the geographical extent of his own labours.Jerusalem.--The Apostle naturally takes this as the terminus a quo, partly because it was at this time the centre and head-quarters of Christianity, and also more especially because it was the extreme point eastwards and southwards of his own public ministry. (His sojourn in "Arabia," which may include the desert of Sinai, appears to have been of a more private character.)And round about . . .--In a sort of rough curve, embracing a large portion of Asia Minor, and finally turning towards the starting-point again in Illyricum.Illyricum.--A Roman province, stretching along the eastern coast of the Adriatic, and forming the northern boundary of Epirus, and the north-western of Macedonia. Whether St. Paul had actually visited Illyricum does not appear from his language in this passage. Illyricum is the terminus ad quem of his journeyings, but it may be inclusive, or it may be exclusive. The description would be sufficiently satisfied if he had approached the outskirts of Illyricum during his journey through Macedonia. That journey must be the one recorded in Acts 20:2. The earlier journey of Acts 16, 17 can be traced clearly from place to place, and did not extend far enough inland, while the vague expression which we find in Acts 20:2, "When he had gone over those parts," affords ample room for the circuit in question. This would place it at the end of the year 57 A.D. . . . Parallel Commentaries ...Greekbyἐν (en)PrepositionStrong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] powerδυνάμει (dynamei)Noun - Dative Feminine SingularStrong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.of signsσημείων (sēmeiōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter PluralStrong's 4592: Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.andκαὶ (kai)ConjunctionStrong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. wonders,τεράτων (teratōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter PluralStrong's 5059: A wonder, portent, marvel. Of uncertain affinity; a prodigy or omen.[and] byἐν (en)PrepositionStrong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] powerδυνάμει (dynamei)Noun - Dative Feminine SingularStrong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.of [the] SpiritΠνεύματος (Pneumatos)Noun - Genitive Neuter SingularStrong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit. of God.θεοῦ (theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine SingularStrong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.Soὥστε (hōste)ConjunctionStrong's 5620: So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.fromἀπὸ (apo)PrepositionStrong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.JerusalemἸερουσαλὴμ (Ierousalēm)Noun - Genitive Feminine SingularStrong's 2419: Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine.all the wayκαὶ (kai)ConjunctionStrong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. aroundκύκλῳ (kyklō)AdverbStrong's 2945: A circle, ring. As if dative case of kuklos; i.e. In a circle, i.e. all around.toμέχρι (mechri)PrepositionStrong's 3360: As far as, until, even to. Illyricum,Ἰλλυρικοῦ (Illyrikou)Noun - Genitive Neuter SingularStrong's 2437: Neuter of an adjective from a name of uncertain derivation: Illyrican, i.e. Illyricum, a region of Europe.Iμε (me)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person SingularStrong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.have fully proclaimedπεπληρωκέναι (peplērōkenai)Verb - Perfect Infinitive ActiveStrong's 4137: From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.theτὸ (to)Article - Accusative Neuter SingularStrong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.gospelεὐαγγέλιον (euangelion)Noun - Accusative Neuter SingularStrong's 2098: From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.of Christ.Χριστοῦ (Christou)Noun - Genitive Masculine SingularStrong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.Jump to PreviousBeginning Christ Circle Circuit Districts Far Fully Glad God's Good Gospel Holy Jerusalem Labours Manifested Marvels Mighty News Outlying Power Preached Proclaimed Reserve Round Signs Simply Speak Spirit Tidings Way Wonders