The verb ἐπαναμιμνήσκω appears once in the Greek New Testament, in Romans 15:15. Here Paul writes, “Yet I have written you a little boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me” (Berean Standard Bible). The hapax legomenon status heightens the importance of this single usage, inviting careful reflection on its context and implications.

Pauline Pastoral Strategy

Romans 15:15 sits within Paul’s concluding exhortations, where he affirms the Roman believers’ maturity (Romans 15:14) yet still presses the need for renewed recall. Paul balances commendation with bold exhortation, modeling how spiritual leaders can both encourage and challenge. His reminder “again” underscores that established congregations never outgrow their need for foundational truths.

Remembrance in the Canonical Witness

Throughout Scripture, remembrance is a covenantal duty:
• Exodus 13:3 — “Remember this day…”
• Deuteronomy 8:2 — “Remember that the Lord your God led you…”
• 1 Chronicles 16:12 — “Remember the wonders He has done…”

In the New Testament the theme continues:
• 2 Timothy 2:14 — “Remind them of these things…”
• 2 Peter 1:12 — “I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established…”
• Jude 1:5 — “Though you already know all this, I want to remind you…”

Paul’s once-used term in Romans 15:15 therefore aligns him with the broader biblical pattern: leaders call God’s people to ongoing recollection so that memory fuels obedience.

Apostolic Authority and Grace

Paul grounds his bold reminder “because of the grace God gave me.” Authority is not self-generated but entrusted. His example shows that pastoral courage flows from divine commissioning, not personality. This protects both messenger and hearers from manipulation: the message rests on God’s grace, and the reminder serves the gospel, not personal ambition.

Historical Reception and Church Practice

Early Christian catechesis relied on repetition and rehearsal. The Didache, for instance, condenses doctrinal and ethical teaching meant to be rehearsed aloud. Church fathers such as Augustine preached “sermons of remembrance” before major feasts, echoing Paul’s pattern. Medieval monastic rules wove Scripture memorization into the daily office so that corporate memory shaped communal life. The Reformers likewise produced catechisms—structured reminders—to anchor congregations in gospel essentials amid cultural upheaval.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Preaching: Faithful exposition should revisit central doctrines—grace, justification, sanctification—without apology for repetition.
• Discipleship: Mentors imitate Paul by recognizing growth yet still “reminding again,” ensuring believers internalize truth.
• Worship Planning: Historic creeds, confessions, and Scripture readings function as liturgical reminders that guard against drift.
• Personal Devotion: Journaling answered prayers and rehearsing promises cultivates a Romans 15:15 rhythm in the believer’s heart.

Spiritual Formation and Memory

Biblical memory is never mere mental recall; it stirs action. When Paul reminds the Romans, the anticipated outcome is missional partnership—“so that the Gentiles might become an acceptable offering” (Romans 15:16). Remembrance ignites witness, generosity, and unity. Thus, cultivating scriptural memory is a means of spiritual formation, mission, and perseverance.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 1878 highlights the holy task of “reminding again.” Paul’s solitary use of the term encapsulates a consistent biblical mandate: God’s people, though mature, must continually rehearse the gospel. Such reminders, grounded in grace and delivered with apostolic boldness, safeguard orthodoxy, nurture holiness, and propel mission across generations.