Original Text
τολμηρότερον δὲ ἔγραψα ὑμῖν, ἀδελφοί, ἀπὸ μέρους, ὡς ἐπαναμιμνήσκων ὑμᾶς, διὰ τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ
Literal English Translation
But I have written to you more boldly, brothers, in part, as reminding you again, because of the grace that was given to me by God.
Gentle Boldness in Greek Thought
The adverbial comparative τολμηρότερον (“more boldly”) reveals Paul’s self-awareness. In Classical Greek, τολμάω and its derivatives often carry the nuance of daring, sometimes negatively (e.g., Euripides: reckless courage). Here, the tone is tempered—he acknowledges audacity but cloaks it in pastoral affection. ἔγραψα is aorist active: the action is complete, but the tone is still deferential.
Partial Intention, Total Purpose
ἀπὸ μέρους – “in part.” This phrase is found in both Classical and Koine literature, often used to soften claims or clarify scope. Thucydides might use it to qualify a report; Paul uses it to express humility and partiality in his exhortation—he’s not laying down final judgment, only writing “in part.”
Double Memory in One Word
ἐπαναμιμνήσκων – This is a present active participle from the rare compound verb ἐπαναμιμνῄσκω, “to remind again” or “to bring back to memory.” The intensive prefix ἐπ- adds the idea of repetition. In Classical Greek, μιμνῄσκω and ὑπομιμνῄσκω are more common, often with didactic force. This form emphasizes gentle, repeated instruction—Paul isn’t commanding new information, but reawakening what they already know.
Motivation Anchored in Grace
διὰ τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσάν μοι – “because of the grace that was given to me.” The article and participle construction τὴν δοθεῖσάν (aorist passive feminine of δίδωμι) makes the grace something specific, historical, and God-given. In Classical literature, χάρις centers on interpersonal favor, beauty, or thanks. In Paul, it is transformed: divine commission, apostolic empowerment, unearned privilege.
Side-by-Side Echoes
| Expression | In Paul | In Earlier Greek | Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| τολμηρότερον | Boldness with pastoral caution | Daring or impudence (often negative) | Paul softens rhetorical force with relational context |
| ἀπὸ μέρους | Humility in scope | Used to limit or qualify claims | Rhetorically effective disclaimer |
| ἐπαναμιμνήσκων | Repeated pastoral reminder | Rare form; μιμνῄσκω more common | Heightens emphasis without severity |
| χάρις δοθεῖσα | Divine calling or office | Social favor or obligation | Radical theological repurposing |
Closing Note
Every element in this verse blends rhetorical refinement with spiritual intimacy. The verbs echo formal writing, but the tone never stiffens. The vocabulary carries weight, but never burdens. Paul writes with boldness, but only “in part”—a teacher who dares to remind, not to dominate.
