For this cause, that is, for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles in general; and in particular, for asserting, that the privileges of justification and salvation by Christ belonged equally to the Gentiles as well as the Jews, though they were not circumcised; for this cause. was persecuted and imprisoned by the Jews.

Where observe, The apostle styles himself Christ's prisoner; I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ. He was at once Christ's prisoner, the Jews' prisoner, the Romans' prisoner, the Gentiles' prisoner; Christ's prisoner, as suffering for his gospel; the Jews' prisoner, as suffering by their accusation; the Romans' prisoner, as suffering by their sentence; the Gentiles prisoner, as suffering for his labours in order to their salvation.

Lord! what. title of honour is here put upon the apostle! I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ. His imprisonment for Christ was verily. greater honour, and matter of higher glorying, than his rapture into the third heavens.

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising

Old Testament