15:18a

The Greek of 15:18a begins with a word that is often translated as “for.” Here it introduces an explanation of Paul being proud of his work for God. He was proud of what Jesus had done through him. The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this word, but some English versions include it. For example:

For (English Standard Version)

I will not presume to speak of anything except: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as presume refers to being bold enough to do something. Paul was bold enough to tell others what Jesus did through him. He was not bold enough to tell others what he did by his own power. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

I will not dare to speak of anything except (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
I will be bold and speak only about (Good News Translation)

See how you translated this Greek word in 5:7 (“dare”). This Greek word is also related to the one translated “bold” in 15:15.

to speak of anything except: This indicates that Paul would only be bold when he spoke about certain things. See the Good News Translation example above.

15:18b

what Christ has accomplished through me: This refers to all the things Paul did as an apostle, and perhaps other things as well. Jesus told him what to do and gave him the power and authority to do those things. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the things Christ did using me to do them
-or-
the deeds that Christ caused to happen by my hand

accomplished: This word means “did” or “caused to happen.”

in leading the Gentiles to obedience: The Greek is more literally “to the obedience of the Gentiles.” The first word introduces the result of things that Christ did through Paul. The result is that some Gentiles obeyed God. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

to lead the Gentiles to obedience (New American Bible, Revised Edition)
-or-
with the result that the/some Gentiles obey ⌊him⌋

obedience: This word refers to doing what someone else tells you to do. See how you translated this word in 1:5.

15:18c

by word and deed: Here this phrase refers to the things that Paul said and did as an apostle.

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