Nevertheless, brothers, I wrote more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God,
Truth to Learn
We should always be learning and becoming more Christ-like.
Behind the Words
“More boldly” is a translation of the Greek word tolmēroteron, which is based on tolmaō, meaning “to be confidently bold.” Tolmēroteron is the comparative form of the word so it means “more boldly, with more confidence.”
The word “reminding” is from epanamimnēskō. This is a double compound word made up of epi, meaning “upon” used here as an intensifier, ana, meaning “again,” and mimnēskō, which means “to recall to one’s mind” or “to remember.” Thus, epanamimnēskō means “to strongly remind yet again.”
Meaning Explained
Paul is here explaining to the Christians in Rome why he has been so forceful in his admonition of these brothers and sisters in Christ even though he has never personally met any of them. He starts off by saying that he has written these things to them “more boldly.” Here we have to ask ourselves, “More boldly than what?” Paul was in the habit of being very “up front” and bold whenever he preached and taught, but he doesn’t appear to be more bold with his teaching to these Roman Christians than he was with others. On the other hand, he is being more bold and “up front” with these Christians whom he has never met than he would normally be with strangers. Paul will explain in the next verse why he has taken such a bold step with these brothers and sisters in Rome.
He goes on to tell them that he is reminding them of things that they have already known. But why would he be going over doctrinal truths that they already knew? The answer to that is, because this is the Apostles’ teaching style. They did not simply teach a truth once and then leave it alone. They taught the important truths of Christian living over and over again. Peter made a similar claim regarding his teaching:
For this reason I will not neglect to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. But I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, (2Peter 1:12-13)
Some people are capable of learning a lesson the very first time they are taught it. Most of us, however, need to be told over and over before it sinks in thoroughly. That’s why Paul and others repeated important truths, so that we all might get a firm grasp of these truths.
Next time you hear your pastor or priest proclaim a message that he has proclaimed previously, instead of complaining, thank him for reminding you of these blessed truths.
Application
There is a story of a newly hired preacher who proclaimed the same sermon week after week. When asked by those who hired him if he knew any other sermons, he responded, “Yes, of course, and as soon as you demonstrate that you have learned this lesson, I will preach the next one.” Are you learning the lessons that God is teaching to you and putting them into practice?
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2018 Will Krause. All rights reserved
