Romans 14:17

the kingdom of God This important phrase occurs elsewhere in St Paul, 1 Corinthians 4:20; 1Co 6:9-10; 1 Corinthians 15:50; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 4:11; 1Th 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Timothy 4:18. In these passages (as generally in N. T.) the radical meaning of the phrase is always the same the Reign of God over Redeemed Man, revealed and effectuated by the Gospel. This radical meaning branches into different references; and thus the Kingdom may mean (according to the varying contexts) (1) the state of grace in this life; (2) the state of glory in the life to come; (3) the revealed truths which are the laws and charter of the kingdom; (4) the dignity and privilege (here or hereafter) of the subjects of the kingdom. This latter is the special meaning here. Q. d., "What we gain as the subjects of the Kingdom of God is not freedom to eat what we please, but the possession of righteousness, peace, and joy."

righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost In view of the argument of the Epistle it is best to explain these sacred words by ch. Romans 5:1-5. "Righteousness" is the state of the justifiedin the eye of the Holy Law; "peace" is the reconciliation of God and believing man; "joy in the Holy Ghost" is the blissful realization of this state of peace and mercy, by the hearts in which "the love of God is poured out by the Holy Ghost given unto us." These Divine gifts stand here in supreme contrast to the petty gains of temporal and bodily freedom of choice and pleasure.