_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 15:1.—We who are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to be self-pleasers. Romans 15:2. LET EVERY ONE OF US PLEASE HIS NEIGHBOUR.—Not for mere gratification, but for his good. Romans 15:3. THE REPROACHES OF THEM THAT REPROACHED THEE FELL ON ME.—Quotati... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Romans 15:4_ Old writings for new times.—The mercy and wisdom of God are shown in the gift of a written revelation. Nature teaches only in symbols, and her writing must be interpreted by the writing of revelation. Human reason is at best a blind guide, and must b... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 15:5.—Christ is both the example and motive of the Christian mind. God who bestows patience; just as the God of grace is the God who imparts grace. Romans 15:6.—God of the man Christ Jesus; Father of the divine Word. Romans 15:7.—The glory of God was the end of all Christ... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 15:8.—A minister of the circumcision—that is, of the Jewish nation. Christ, the Gentile Saviour, was and is the minister of the Jew. We are all brethren; one class must not despise the other. Romans 15:10.—-Both Jews and Gentiles to rejoice together in God’s salvation. Rom... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Romans 15:13_ The divine antidote against despair.—It is difficult to lead a truly religious life. This arises from our proneness to evil and from the influences working to draw us away from the path of rectitude. There are great forces against us; but, rightly c... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 15:15.—Paul writes boldly, confidently, familiarly, in this part of his epistle, or to a part of the Gentiles, to refresh the memory, and because of the special gift given to him of God. Romans 15:16.—St. Paul pictures himself as the officiating priest; the Gentile world is... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 15:17.—The things of the ministry committed to Paul of God are the things in which he will glory. Romans 15:18.—St. Paul will not take any glory to himself. There is nothing done by him which Christ did not work; to Him be all the praise. Romans 15:19.—It might have been ex... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 15:23. PLACE IN THESE PARTS.—κλίμασι, a geographical term of the ancients. Paul wished to visit Rome as the centre of the heathen world. Rome a great power and wide influence; essential to direct influence in a right channel. _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Romans 15:22... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 15:26. TO MAKE A CERTAIN CONTRIBUTION.—To make a contribution of some sort or other. Meyer thus explains the passage: “To bring about a participation in reference to the poor—_i.e._, to make a collection for them. The contributor, namely, enters into fellowship with the pers... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 15:30.—If Paul, saith Esthasis, might desire the prayers of the Romans, why might not the Romans desire the prayers or Paul? I answer, They might desire his prayers as he did theirs, by an epistle directed to him to pray for them. He adds, If they might desire his prayers wh... [ Continue Reading ]