Bible Strands
Romans 15:17
Therefore I exult in Christ Jesus in my service to God.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman believers while concluding his defense of his apostolic commission, summarizing his confidence in the work Christ accomplished through him among the Gentiles.
The words — The Greek phrase ἔχω καύχησιν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τὰ literally renders "I have boasting in Christ Jesus concerning the things," locating the source of his confidence in Jesus rather than in his own religious activity.
The thread — This structural pattern of boasting in Christ appears in 2 Corinthians 12:11 regarding apostolic credentials, while 2 Corinthians 2:14 and 7:4 redirect the focus to God's triumph and the writer's encouragement.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to ground their confidence in Christ's work through them, rejecting any basis for self-approval in independent religious effort.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.
- 2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.
- 2 Corinthians 12:11 I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
- 2 Corinthians 3:4 Such confidence before God is ours through Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 12:1 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.
- Philippians 3:3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
- Hebrews 5:1 Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
- 2 Corinthians 11:16 I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.
- Hebrews 2:17 For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people.
- Romans 4:2 If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God.