John Calvin Commentary Romans 15:14

"And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another." — Romans 15:14 (ASV)

But even I myself am persuaded, etc. This was said to anticipate an objection, or it may be considered a kind of concession, made to pacify the Romans in case they thought they were being reproved by so many and such urgent admonitions, and thus unjustly treated. He then offers an explanation for having ventured to take on the role of a teacher and exhorter toward them. He says that he had done so not because he had any doubt about their wisdom, kindness, or perseverance, but because he was compelled by his office.

Thus he removed any suspicion of presumption, which is especially evident when someone thrusts himself into an office that does not belong to him or speaks of things unsuitable for him. We see in this instance the remarkable modesty of this holy man, for whom nothing was more acceptable than to be considered insignificant, provided the doctrine he preached retained its authority.

There was much pride in the Romans; even the name of their city made the lowest of the people proud, so that they could hardly tolerate a teacher from another nation, much less a barbarian and a Jew. Paul would not contend with this haughtiness in his own name; however, he subdued it, so to speak, by soothing means, for he testified that he undertook to address them because of his apostolic office.

You are full of goodness, being filled with knowledge, etc. Two qualifications are especially necessary for one who gives admonitions: the first is kindness, which disposes his mind to help his fellow believers with his advice, and also tempers his expression and his words with courtesy—and the second is skill in advice or prudence, which secures authority for him, since he is able to benefit the hearers he addresses.

There is indeed nothing more opposed to brotherly admonitions than malignity and arrogance, which make us disdainfully despise those who err and treat them with ridicule, rather than correct them. Harshness also, whether it appears in words or in expression, deprives our admonitions of their fruit.

But however much you may excel in the feeling of kindness, as well as in courtesy, you are not yet fit to advise unless you possess wisdom and experience. Therefore, he ascribes both these qualifications to the Romans, testifying to them—that they were themselves sufficiently competent, without the help of another, to administer mutual exhortations. For he admits that they abounded both in kindness and wisdom. It therefore follows that they were able to exhort.