ROMANS 15:15

“But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given to me from God,” 

Some people perceive boldness as rudeness. It’s nothing of the sort. Through my ministry I have had to be rather bold in my gospel witness or in defending someone who was being treated unfairly. I have stood up to some bullies in the church with boldness that I didn’t know I possessed. It takes courage sometimes to stand up for what you know is right.

Paul uses a Greek word here for “boldly” that is only used here in the whole New Testament. It is the comparative form of “tolmáō (from tolma, ‘bold courage’) – properly, to show daring courage necessary for a valid risk (“putting it all on the line”); courageously venture forward by putting fear behind and embracing the fruit that lies ahead for taking a necessary risk.” (HELPS Word-studies). The word used here is the adjective tolmēróteron. The Topical Lexicon says, “In Romans 15:15 Paul acknowledges that he has written ‘rather boldly’ to the believers in Rome. The comparative nuance suggests a degree of boldness surpassing what might normally be expected in ordinary correspondence. The single occurrence accents its rhetorical force, underscoring a deliberate choice to speak with heightened candor.”

APPLICATION

So, how does this apply to us? God may call on you to exercise such boldness in your Christian faith. Many of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ have shown such boldness every day. I read every week about a pastor or his family in Nigeria or India or another country who have lost their home or perhaps even their lives because of their boldness for the Gospel. What would you do in the face of such challenges?

Paul writes in Philippians 1:14 that his suffering produced boldness in others. “and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” The word “courage” is tolmáō. What you do can have such an impact on the action of others. Think of the General who leads his men into battle rather than staying behind and simply ordering them.

God needs our boldness. God can give us this boldness. We just have to ask and believe. When you face trials, turn to Him for the boldness to go through them. When you are defending the weak, tap into the boldness you receive from Jesus. Remember it is not your battle. It’s God’s. You are just a foot soldier following orders.

Give me boldness that surpasses the attacks of the enemy knowing You have my back. 

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