15. (1) The fundamental Christian principle is mutual service and help, after the model of the Christ, and in that endurance and encouragement which GOD gives to promote harmony in His service. (7) This mutual service and reception is the proper consequence in the Christian life, of Christ’s service... [ Continue Reading ]
ὈΦΕΊΛΟΜΕΝ ΔῈ. But beyond this we have a positive duty to fulfil; cf. for this reference of duty to the example of Christ 1 John 2:6; 1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:11; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 5:2. ἩΜΕΙ͂Σ ΟἹ ΔΥΝΑΤΟῚ. S. Paul includes himself, but he does not here dwell on his own example as he does to his ow... [ Continue Reading ]
F. 12–15:13. THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL SEEN IN ITS EFFECT UPON BOTH THE COMMON AND THE INDIVIDUAL LIFE OF CHRISTIANS. In this section S. Paul deals with the consequences of the principles he has worked out as they affect the character and the conduct of the Christian life. The main principles are two:... [ Continue Reading ]
The negative principle just laid down—of self-suppression in the interests of the weak—does not exhaust the Christian’s duty: there is a positive obligation to share his burdens and to consult his wishes, for his good. This is to do as the Christ did.... [ Continue Reading ]
ἝΚΑΣΤΟΣ Ἡ. Κ.Τ.Λ. puts the positive duty in corresponding form: with two qualifications securing that these concessions should not be mere sentimental benevolence, but aim at the good, in conduct, and keep in view what would strengthen the individual character; cf. on Romans 14:19.... [ Continue Reading ]
ΚΑῚ ΓᾺΡ Ὁ ΧΡΙΣΤῸΣ. Who is at once the standard and the inspiration of the Christian’s conduct. Ὁ ΧΡ. The Christ as we know Him in the life of Jesus. ἈΛΛᾺ ΚΑΘῺΣ ΓΈΓΡ. Psalms 69:9 : for constr. cf. Romans 9:7. The Christ submitted Himself to the reproaches heaped upon GOD, rather than please Himself.... [ Continue Reading ]
ὍΣΑ ΓᾺΡ Κ.Τ.Λ. γὰρ in a manner apologises for a not very obvious quotation, and S. Paul takes the opportunity of insisting on the value of O.T. for Christians. ΠΡΟΕΓΡΆΦΗ. Cf. Romans 1:2; Ephesians 1:12 τοὺς προηλπικότας; Galatians 3:8. ΕἸΣ ΤῊΝ Κ.Τ.Λ. ‘With a view to’—this was their purpose; cf. 2... [ Continue Reading ]
Ὁ ΔῈ ΘΕῸΣ Κ.Τ.Λ. The thought passes rapidly from the scriptures to the one Author of the truth they contain, of the power of endurance, and of encouragement; and from the particular instance of unity to the general principle, and from the special end of service of the brethren to the all-inclusive e... [ Continue Reading ]
ὉΜΟΘΥΜΑΔῸΝ. Acts (10) and here only: with one heart and mouth,—the expression of τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν. ΔΟΞΆΖΗΤΕ Τ. Θ. “A phrase much used in both O.T. and N.T. for all forms of human recognition of GOD’s true character and work, rendered by word or by act,” Hort, 1 Peter 2:12. The special subject of rec... [ Continue Reading ]
ΔΙῸ Κ.Τ.Λ. This verse resumes and restates Romans 15:5-6. προσλ. ἀ. |[290] τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν; καθὼς κ.τ.λ. |[291] κατὰ Χρ. Ἰης.; εἰς δόξαν |[292] ἵνα κ.τ.λ. [290] | parallel to [291] | parallel to [292] | parallel to ΔΙῸ. On all the grounds stated in Romans 14:1 to Romans 15:6. ΠΡΟΣΛ. ἈΛΛ. As in Rom... [ Continue Reading ]
This is the final stage of the appeal for unity in the new life: and therefore goes to the bottom of the question, the unity of Jew and Gentile. It is not mere toleration that is needed, but full reception, based on the mind and work of Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
ΛΈΓΩ ΓᾺΡ explains and justifies the statement ὁ Χρ. προσελ. ἡμᾶς, by showing that the call of Jew and Gentile alike was a true instance of service rendered by Christ to GOD in bearing the burdens of the weak. ΔΙΆΚΟΝΟΝ Γ. ΠΕΡΙΤΟΜΗ͂Σ. A very remarkable phrase, n. (1) the order throws emphasis on διάκο... [ Continue Reading ]
ΤῸ ΔῈ ἜΘΝΗ … ΔΟΞΆΣΑΙ. The two infinitives under one article mark the fact that the twofold result is really one: the confirmation of the promises comes by the call of the Gentiles. The ΔῈ marks the contrast between τὰ ἔθνη and τῶν πατέρων; the one result brought a double benefit, to Jews and to the... [ Continue Reading ]
ΕΥ̓ΦΡΆΝΘΗΤΕ Κ.Τ.Λ. Deuteronomy 32:43, from the Song of Moses, in close connexion with the execution of vengeance on GOD’s enemies, and the consequent rejoicing of heaven, sons of GOD and all the angels of GOD. In this triumph, then, the Gentiles are to share.... [ Continue Reading ]
ΑἸΝΕΙ͂ΤΕ Κ.Τ.Λ. Psalms 117 (116):1 (om. καὶ bef. ἐπαιν. LXX[296]). The Gentiles are called upon to praise GOD for His lovingkindness and faithfulness to Israel (so here ἀλήθεια and ἔλεος). [296] LXX. the Septuagint Version of the Old Testament... [ Continue Reading ]
ἜΣΤΑΙ Ἡ ῬΊΖΑ. Isaiah 11:10 LX[297]. The climax of the most definite Messianic passage in Isaiah 1-40; the Messiah, the Davidic king, will include the Gentiles in His dominion by their voluntary ‘resort’ to Him (for ἐλπιοῦσιν—‘seek’ R.V., ‘resort’ Cheyne). [297] LXX the Septuagint Version of the Old... [ Continue Reading ]
Ὁ ΔῈ ΘΕῸΣ ΤΗ͂Σ ἘΛΠΊΔΟΣ. The GOD who gives us this hope; cf. on Romans 15:5. τῆς ἐλπίδος suggested by ἐλπιοῦσιν Romans 15:12 must refer definitely to the hope of the gathering of all to Christ, Jew and Gentile (cf. Romans 11:13-16; Romans 11:25 ff.) as already there has been a representative gatherin... [ Continue Reading ]
ΠΈΠΕΙΣΜΑΙ ΔῈ Κ.Τ.Λ. He deprecates the interpretation of the letter as involving any distrust or depreciation of them. ἈΔΕΛΦΟΊ ΜΟΥ. A. specially intimate and affectionate appeal. ΚΑῚ ΑΥ̓ΤῸΣ ἘΓῺ. I, without waiting for others to tell me, of my own knowledge and confidence. Is there an underlying ref... [ Continue Reading ]
The letter passes to personal matters (_a_) 14–21 a delicate apology and justification of the letter itself: it is not sent with a view to supplementing deficiencies of the Roman Christians, but partly, at least, to remind them of the great truths of the Gospel, and justified by the writer’s commiss... [ Continue Reading ]
ΤΟΛΜΗΡΟΤΈΡΩΣ = in somewhat bold terms: the comparative gives an apologetic note, which is observable throughout the passage: he will not seem, in any way, to be forcing himself upon them either in teaching or in person. ἜΓΡΑΨΑ. The epistolary aorist; cf. Ephesians 6:22 (ἔπεμψα); 1 Corinthians 5:11;... [ Continue Reading ]
ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓῸΝ ΧΡ. ἸΗΣ. Cf. Romans 13:6 n.; cf. Philippians 2:25 (ὑμῶν—λειτουργὸν τῆς χρείας μου = εἰς ἐμέ); Christ Himself is a λειτουργός, Hebrews 8:2; cf. S. Paul 2 Corinthians 9:12; the Philippians Philippians 2:17; Philippians 2:30; cf. here Romans 15:27; 2 Corinthians [ Continue Reading ]
ἜΧΩ ΟΥ̓͂Ν. οὖν refers to the preceding statement of his mission—being in this relation to Christ Jesus and engaged on this work for Him, I am bold beyond what I should be if I were acting on my own account; shows how this statement justifies τολμ. ἔγραψα. ἜΧΩ ΚΑΎΧΗΣΙΝ = καυχῶμαι, emphasising the du... [ Continue Reading ]
ΟΥ̓ ΓᾺΡ Κ.Τ.Λ. The comparison with 2 Corinthians 10:8 f. seems to show that a double qualification of καύχησις is compressed into this rather clumsy declaration (1) I will only boast of my own works (not ἐν�), (2) I will not dare to boast of these works as my own, but only as Christ’s achievements t... [ Continue Reading ]
ἘΝ Δ. ΣΗΜΕΊΩΝ ΚΑῚ ΤΕΡΆΤΩΝ. Cf. 2 Corinthians 12:12. There is no doubt that S. Paul himself claimed to work miracles; cf. Hebrews 2:4; Acts pass. ἘΝ ΔΥΝΆΜΕΙ ΠΝ. ἉΓ. Cf. 13, the climax of the manifestation of the power of the Gospel. ὭΣΤΕ after κατειργάσατο. ἈΠῸ ἸΕΡ.—ἸΛΛΥΡΙΚΟΥ͂. This geographical m... [ Continue Reading ]
ΟὝΤΩΣ ΔῈ Κ.Τ.Λ. qualifying πεπληρωκέναι:= but always with the eager desire. ΦΙΛΟΤΙΜΟΎΜΕΝΟΝ. This word is a good illustration of meaning determined by use, rather than by derivation. The primary (derivative) sense is ‘to be ambitious’: in the ‘general usage of the best Greek writers’= ‘to make one’s... [ Continue Reading ]
ΚΑΘῺΣ ΓΈΓΡ. Isaiah 52:15.... [ Continue Reading ]
22–29. ΔΙῸ ΚΑῚ Κ.Τ.Λ. This work has detained him; but its completion leaves him free to fulfil his long cherished purpose, as soon as a special mission, in the interests of his work, has been fulfilled at Jerusalem. His visit to Rome has for its object a journey to Spain, for which he wishes to enli... [ Continue Reading ]
ΤΌΠΟΝ ἜΧΩΝ = having opportunity or opening; cf. Romans 12:19; Ephesians 4:27; Hebrews 8:7; Hebrews 12:17; Acts 25:16. ΚΛΊΜΑΣΙ. 2 Corinthians 11:10; Galatians 1:21, ‘districts’; cf. Ramsay, _Gal._, p. 278 ff. = ‘a comparatively small geographical district’; cf. Polyb. 10:1. 3. ἘΠΙΠΌΘΕΙΑΝ. Here only;... [ Continue Reading ]
ὩΣ ἌΝ ΠΟΡΕΎΩΜΑΙ. In 1 Corinthians 11:34; Philippians 2:23 ὡς ἄν w. aor. subj. = ‘as soon as I shall have’: here = ‘when I am on my way to,’ ‘on my journey to Spain’ Rutherford. In LXX[311] ὡς ἄν w. aor. subj., = when, is frequent: only once in this sense with pres. subj. (Proverbs 6:22); cf. Moulton... [ Continue Reading ]
ΝΥΝῚ ΔῈ. The sentence is broken off, to allow of explanation of still further delay; this journey was much in his mind, both for the interest of it, and the danger; cf. Hort _R. and E._, p. 43. ΔΙΑΚΟΝΩ͂Ν ΤΟΙ͂Σ ἉΓΊΟΙΣ. Cf. 2 Corinthians 8:4; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 2 Corinthians 8:20; 2 Corinthians 9:1 f.... [ Continue Reading ]
ΗΥ̓ΔΌΚΗΣΑΝ of men; cf. 2 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Thessalonians 3:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:12; subst. Luke 2:14 (v.l.); Romans 10:1; Philippians 1:15 only. ΜΑΚ. ΚΑῚ ἈΧ. The provinces are named to incl [ Continue Reading ]
ΓᾺΡ corroborates—yes indeed; Blass, p. 274 f. ΤΟΙ͂Σ ΠΝ.—ΤΟΙ͂Σ ΣΑΡΚ. Cf. 1 Corinthians 9:11. ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΗ͂ΣΑΙ. Cf. Philippians 2:30 (-ία) 25 (-ος) of service from man to man.... [ Continue Reading ]
ΤΟΥ͂ΤΟ = this business—of his mission in this cause. ἘΠΙΤΕΛΈΣΑΣ. ‘When I have put a finish to’; cf. Philippians 1:6 : the word is used in the same connexion in 2 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 8:11. ΣΦΡΑΓΙΣΆΜΕΝΟΣ ΑΥ̓. ΤῸΝ ΚΑΡΠῸΝ ΤΟΥ͂ΤΟΝ. Deissmann, _B. S._ II. 65, 66, quotes from Papyri instances o... [ Continue Reading ]
ἘΝ ΠΛΗΡΏΜΑΤΙ ΕΥ̓ΛΟΓΊΑΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ͂ = bringing with me Christ’s blessing in its full completeness. He feels no doubt (οἶδα) that, if he succeeds in reaching Rome, that is, in getting safe through his mission to Jerusalem, he will have been successful too in the great aim of that mission, that is, in pro... [ Continue Reading ]
ΠΑΡΑΚΑΛΩ͂ ΔῈ Κ.Τ.Λ. This urgent appeal reveals, as by a lightning flash, the tension of mind in which S. Paul was living at the time: the supreme importance of this mission was only rivalled by its extreme dangers. The hostility of the Judaizers and still more, of the unbelieving Jews naturally culm... [ Continue Reading ]
ἽΝΑ Κ.Τ.Λ. The two elements in the situation are already marked: (1) rescue of S. Paul from the enemy who thought by one blow to shatter the work, (2) acceptance of the offering and its meaning by the Church in Jerusalem. ΤΩ͂Ν�. Cf. Acts 14:2 _supra_, Romans 10:21; Romans 11:30; 1 Peter 2:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
ΣΥΝΑΝΑΠΑΎΣΩΜΑΙ. Only here in N.T., sc. after the ἀγών. As they shared the struggle, so they should share the relief and rest.... [ Continue Reading ]
Ὁ ΘΕῸΣ ΤΗ͂Σ ΕἸΡΉΝΗΣ. The GOD who has given and will secure the peace, which Christ has won, and which is now at stake; cf. Romans 15:5 n. The prayer naturally concludes the impassioned appeal of the last few verses; cf. Hort, _R. and E._, p. 52.... [ Continue Reading ]