Observe here, 1. great doctrine asserted, and. special duty declared, namely, that the strong, that is, such as do thoroughly understand their Christian liberty, should bear with the infirmities, the ignorance, frowardness, and scrupulousness of the weak, and also forbear the doing of that which may... [ Continue Reading ]
The apostle here informs us what is the general use of the holy scriptures, and what is the particular reason for which they were written; namely, 1. For instruction, THEY WERE WRITTEN FOR OUR LEARNING; all the precepts, promises, threatening, rewards and punishments, recorded in the scriptures, are... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How the apostle concludes his foregoing exhortation, with votive supplications, and fervent prayer. The ministers of God must follow the word they deliver with prayer; they must not only wrestle with their people, but they must wrestle with God for and in behalf of their people, if... [ Continue Reading ]
Here our apostle concludes the argument which he had hitherto insisted upon, in this and the former chapter, namely, That all Christians, both strong and weak, should mutually forbear one another, and that both Jew and Gentile should receive each other into fellowship and communion, without contenti... [ Continue Reading ]
The apostle had, in the foregoing verse, propounded the example of Christ in receiving both Jew and Gentile to his grace and favour, as an argument to persuade all Christians to receive one another: now in the verses before us, he declares how and after what manner Christ received both Jews and Gent... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How the apostle closes his exhortation to brotherly concord and unity with. pithy and pathetic prayer; his example herein is instructive. Observe, 2. The title or appellation which he gives unto God in prayer, THE GOD OF HOPE; sometimes he styles him the God of peace, sometimes the... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle being now about to conclude his epistle to the church at Rome, excuses himself that he had written so largely and with such freedom to them, believing that they abounded in grace and knowledge, and were very fit and able to instruct and direct one another; however, he thought fit to writ... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The indefatigable industry and pains of the holy apostle, in order to the conversion of the Gentiles: FROM JERUSALEM ROUND ABOUT UNTO ILLYRICUM, HE FULLY PREACHED THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. This, according to Parcus's computation, was little less than. thousand miles. The industry of the... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle having, in the former verses, excused himself for dealing so plainly in his writings with them, doth here apologize for his not coming amongst them, affirming, that the true reason why he did not visit Rome was this: he looked upon planting of churches as more necessary than watering of... [ Continue Reading ]
Here the apostle acquaints them with his present journey to Jerusalem, as also with the occasion of it; namely, to carry the charitable contributions of the Greek churches in Macedonia and Achaia, into Judea, and up to the poor saints at Jerusalem, whose necessities required it, and unto whom they w... [ Continue Reading ]
Here, in the close of the epistle, our apostle most affectionately recommends himself the the prayers of the Christian Romans unto whom he wrote: I BESEECH YOU, BRETHREN, STRIVE, &C. Where observe, 1. The apostle's courteous compellation, BRETHREN. There is. threefold brotherhood which the scriptur... [ Continue Reading ]
The apostle had desired their prayers for him: here he concludes with. fervent prayer for them. In which observe, The title or attribute given unto God, THE GOD OF PEACE; the lover, the author, and giver of peace. The apostle having exhorted the believing Romans to be at peace among themselves, and... [ Continue Reading ]