WE WHO ARE STRONG. Paul contrasts the strong and the weak in _chapter 14._ The strong are no longer slaves to tradition and superstition. The weak still are troubled by their scruples. A chain may only be as strong as its weakest link, but a congregation is as strong as its most spiritual member.... [ Continue Reading ]
EACH OF US SHOULD PLEASE HIS BROTHER. The pleasing of the brother is _for his own good, to build him up in the faith._ This does not mean we are to compromise Christian principles just to keep our brother happy. Compare Colossians 1:10; Galatians 1:10; Galatians 5:11-12.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR CHRIST. He set the example for us by his action. INSTEAD. Paul quotes Psalms 69:9 Septuagint to prove this. The pain, torture, and shame Christ experienced in the process of fulfilling God's will, show he was not proud and selfish. [Compare John 15:23-24.]... [ Continue Reading ]
EVERYTHING WRITTEN IN THE SCRIPTURES. The things in the Old Testament were written to teach us. IN ORDER THAT. In the Bible, hope is something you expect to happen! The patience and encouragement the Scriptures give us teach us to hope, even when we suffer for Christ. Compare Romans 5:2-5; James 1:2... [ Continue Reading ]
TO HAVE THE SAME POINT OF VIEW. IF all share the _point of view_ which Christ had (Romans 15:3), we will work together for the common goal. THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST JESUS. As a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), we live Christ's life (Galatians 2:19-20).... [ Continue Reading ]
WITH ONE VOICE. When the messianic community praises God _with one voice.,_ they will avoid the problems of _chapter 14._ Compare John 17:21-23.... [ Continue Reading ]
ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER. Romans 15:7-13 expand the idea in Romans 15:6. We are to _keep on accepting_ one another in spite of the differences of spiritual development (John 6:37; Romans 14:1). We tend to think of the first century church in terms of small "house-churches," but the congregation at Jerusal... [ Continue Reading ]
BECAUSE I TELL YOU. The promise of the Messiah was addressed to the Jew. Jesus, in his human existence, had the same relationship to the Law as any other Jew at that time (Galatians 4:4-5; Matthew 15:24). Paul shows us that Jesus made God's promises to the patriarchs come true! The truth of God, who... [ Continue Reading ]
AND ALSO TO ENABLE THE GENTILES. It was never God's plan to limit his love to one nation or ethnic group. Paul quotes a series of excerpts from the Old Testament (Septuagint) to show the gospel was meant for everyone in the entire world!!! Not only did Jesus make God's promises to the patriarchs com... [ Continue Reading ]
REJOICE, GENTILES! Deuteronomy 32:43_ LXX._ This is a direct command to join Israel in praise of Israel's God! Psalms 117:1 is similar.... [ Continue Reading ]
PRAISE THE LORD, ALL GENTILES! Psalms 117:1_ LXX._ The teachers of the Law understood this to point to the time of the Messiah. Psalms 97:1 is similar.... [ Continue Reading ]
ISAIAH SAYS. Isaiah 11:10_ LXX._ This proves Christ was intended to be the Savior of the Gentiles! [If the Messiah has not come, Israel has a problem, since all the family records were lost in the siege of Jerusalem (70 A.D.), and none can claim to be descendants of David. (Jesse was David's father,... [ Continue Reading ]
MAY GOD. With these words of benediction, Paul closes his teaching message. The balance of the book of Romans is an epilogue. Joy AND PEACE which come through being put right with God and becoming his friend. THE HOLY SPIRIT. Compare John 7:38-39; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:26-28; Galatians 5:22-26.... [ Continue Reading ]
MY BROTHERS. Paul has scolded them, especially in _chapter 14._ This might be taken to imply he thought them ignorant of God's Truth, lacking in love, or both. But he didn't mean it that way, and gives reasons why he speaks so boldly to them. _My brothers_ has a friendly sound to it. FULL OF GOODNES... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT IN THIS LETTER. Paul had scolded them in certain things (such as Romans 6:12-21; Romans 11:17-20; Romans 12:3; Romans 14). He did this to remind them of things they knew already but were overlooking. BECAUSE OF THE PRIVILEGE. His authority as an apostle. Compare Romans 1:5; Romans 12:3.... [ Continue Reading ]
TO WORK FOR THE GENTILES. _Compare_ Acts 26:17-18. I SERVE LIKE A PRIEST. Paul preached the Good News of Christ to bring Gentiles as Christians to God. DEDICATED TO HIM. See Titus 3:5; Romans 8:1-2.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN UNION WITH CHRIST JESUS. See Philippians 3:3-14. I CAN BE PROUD. Paul did an amazing job of missions for Christ. Yet only his union with Christ made it possible for him to be _proud_ (1 Corinthians 15:31).... [ Continue Reading ]
WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE THROUGH ME. Two things are here: (1) Paul speaks only of what Christ has done through him to reach the Gentiles; (2) Paul is the _tool,_ and it is Christ who uses him and directs him, including this letter to the Roman Christians.... [ Continue Reading ]
BY THE POWER. This was both proof of his apostleship (2 Corinthians 12:12) and supernormal help for his work of missions (1 Thessalonians 1:5). AND SO, IN TRAVELING. He emphasizes the area he covered on his tours of mission. I HAVE PROCLAIMED FULLY. See Acts 20:20-21. Paul had fulfilled his mission... [ Continue Reading ]
MY AMBITION. Paul had made it a point to begin new works in places where Christ was unknown. This was his special mission as an apostle. Yet there is a place and a need for a different kind of ministry (1 Corinthians 3:5-9).... [ Continue Reading ]
AS THE SCRIPTURE SAYS. Isaiah 52:15_ LXX._ As an inspired apostle, Paul uses this quotation to show he has God's authority for the work he has done.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THIS REASON. He points back to Romans 15:20. See also Acts 19:21; Acts 23:11; Acts 28:16-24.... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT NOW. Paul had completed his mission in the area around Corinth and was ready to come to Rome. He wrote this letter in the spring of 57 A.D., but did not get to Rome until March of 60 A.D.... [ Continue Reading ]
ON MY WAY TO SPAIN. He wanted to visit the messianic community at Rome, but his sense of mission would not allow him to stay there. His plans were to begin a new work in Spain. But God changed his plans! See notes on Acts 21:13-14; Acts 28:16.... [ Continue Reading ]
RIGHT NOW, HOWEVER. See Acts 24:17. He was taking money to the poor in the church at Jerusalem.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THE CHURCHES IN MACEDONIA AND GREECE. See 1 Corinthians 16:2-11; 2 Corinthians 8:1; 2 Corinthians 9:2-15.... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY THEMSELVES DECIDED TO DO IT. It was their free will to do this, not an _official assessment. Why this need at Jerusalem???_ (1) Many of the poor became Christians (Galatians 2:10; Acts 6:1-6); (2) persecution caused many to lose all they had, including their job. _Have you paid your debt to the... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN I HAVE FINISHED THIS TASK. Paul seems to think this contribution from the Gentile churches will help solve the schism which threatens the church at this time. Compare notes on Acts 21:13-14. I SHALL LEAVE FOR SPAIN. He was not able to do this. However traditional history says that after Paul wa... [ Continue Reading ]
WITH A FULL MEASURE OF THE BLESSING OF CHRIST. He certainly did not expect to reach Rome as a prisoner (_see note on_ Acts 28:16). Yet his coming was with this blessing (Romans 1:11; Acts 28:30-31).... [ Continue Reading ]
I URGE YOU, BROTHERS. Paul was very much aware of the danger he would face at Jerusalem (Acts 20:22-24). IN PRAYING FERVENTLY TO GOD FOR ME. This shows the value Paul placed on prayer! Compare James 5:16.... [ Continue Reading ]
PRAY THAT I MAY BE KEPT SAFE. He knew the hostility of the unbelieving Jews! AND THAT MY SERVICE. Paul saw a real danger that even the Christian Jews would be hostile toward him. Some thought he was a traitor to the Law, and distorted versions of his teaching had been circulated (Acts 21:21). He was... [ Continue Reading ]
MAY GOD. Since he asks their prayers, it is only natural that he prays for them. Compare 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3. How amazing it is to be able to come to the God of the Universe and speak to Him as "Father! my Father!" (Romans 8:15).... [ Continue Reading ]