Romans 15:19

Through mighty signs and wonders. Literally, “in power of signs and wonders,” corresponding to “by the power of the Spirit of God,” literally, “in power of the Spirit of God.” “Signs and wonders” is a common phrase in the NT to describe Christian miracles (see 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:4). The two words are similar in meaning. The word for “signs” (semeia) emphasizes the significance of the miracles as means of revealing and confirming spiritual truth. The word for “wonders” (terata) expresses the effect of the miracles upon the witnesses as manifestations of supernatural power (cf. Vol. V, p. 208). The “power of signs and wonders” is the power that signs have to convince, and wonders, to overawe. Paul elsewhere appeals to miracles as “signs of an apostle” (2 Cor. 12:12; cf. Acts 14:3; 15:12; 19:11).

The Spirit of God. Paul’s labors as an apostle are ample evidence of the divine origin of his commission (ch. 1:1).

Round about. The meaning of this expression is not entirely clear. Some commentators have understood “round about” as referring to the regions round about Jerusalem. Others interpret the phrase as describing the extent of Paul’s missionary endeavors from Jerusalem as far “round” as Illyricum.

Illyricum. A Roman province lying north of Macedonia on the Adriatic Sea. This area evidently marked the limits of Paul’s journeys to the west, at least at the time he wrote this epistle. The Biblical record does not state specifically whether Paul entered this territory or simply worked up to its boundaries.

Fully preached. Literally, “fulfilled.” Paul had covered all the ground between the points named. He does not claim to have preached in every city in these regions, but he had established churches in all the main centers, from which the gospel could be taken to the surrounding country. The pioneering work had been completed.