15:15a
However: Here this word introduces that Paul wrote boldly. Some languages will not see contrast to Paul being satisfied with the believers in Rome. For example:
I have written… (New International Version (1984))
-or-
Here in this letter…
I have written you a bold reminder on some points: Some English versions place the phrase on some points in the front of the clause to emphasize it, but the Greek does not emphasize it. The Greek puts the word “rather/very-boldly” in the front of the clause to emphasize it. If possible, emphasize this word or phrase in your translation. For example:
very boldly I have written to you on some points
I have written you:
This refers to what Paul had written so far in this letter. In some languages a literal translation would refer to a previous letter. If that is true in your language, indicate that Paul spoke of this letter here. For example:
I have written to you ⌊in this letter⌋
a bold: The Greek word here is more literally “more-boldly.” It is not clear what is being compared here. Probably the part of the Greek word indicating “more” just means “much” or “very” here. The Greek does that sometimes. For example:
quite boldly (New International Version (2011))
-or-
rather boldly (New Revised Standard Version)
bold: This word refers to having courage and not being afraid to do or say something.
reminder: This phrase indicates that Paul wrote those things to remind the believers in Rome of them. For example:
to remind you (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
on some points: This refers to some of the topics in this letter. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
about certain subjects (Good News Translation)
-or-
I’ve written you a letter, parts of which are rather bold (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
I have…written…at times (Revised English Bible)
-or-
in some of what I have said in this letter
15:15b
because of: This phrase introduces the thing that is the reason why something happened. God’s gift of apostleship to Paul was the reason why he wrote so boldly to the believers in Rome.
the grace God has given me: Here the word grace refers to the strength and knowledge that God gave to Paul, enabling him to do his ministry. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
the gift I have from God (Revised English Bible)
-or-
my authority ⌊as an apostle⌋ that God freely gave to me
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