_We then that are strong_ Who have attained a greater degree of knowledge in spiritual things, have a clearer judgment, and are free from these scruples; _ought to bear the infirmities of the weak_ To accommodate ourselves to their weakness, so far as not to use our liberty to their offence and hind... [ Continue Reading ]
_For whatsoever things were written aforetime_ In the Old Testament; _were written for our learning_ As if he had said, Though this may seem to concern David or Christ only, yet it, and all other parts of Scripture, whether containing promises or threatenings, whether speaking of rewards or punishme... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now the God of patience and consolation_ From whom all these gracious and seasonable provisions proceed; _grant you to be like- minded one toward another_ That is, to be united in peace and love; _according to Christ Jesus_ His doctrine, command, and example, and for his honour and glory. Or, as το... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now_ To show more fully what I mean in saying Christ received us, I observe, _that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision _ Or vouchsafed to be a servant of the Jews, in preaching the gospel among them; _for the truth of God_ To demonstrate his faithfulness in fulfilling _the promises made... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now the God of hope_ A glorious title of God, but till now unknown to the heathen; for their goddess _Hope_, like their other idols, was nothing, whose temple at Rome was burned by lightning. It was indeed built again not long after, but was again burned to the ground. It is with great propriety th... [ Continue Reading ]
_And I myself am persuaded of you_ The apology which the apostle here offers for writing to a church with which he was not personally acquainted was the more necessary, because, in his letter, he had opposed some of their strongest prejudices, and had rebuked them for certain irregularities in their... [ Continue Reading ]
_For I will not dare to speak_, &c. I will not glory of more than is true and has been really done by my ministry; _to make the Gentiles obedient_ To bring them to the faith, and to the worship and service of the true God; _by word and deed_ By preaching and miracles. The apostle would not speak of... [ Continue Reading ]
_Yea, so have I strived to preach_ Greek, ουτω δε φιλοτιμουμενον ευαγγελιζεσθαι, literally, _being ambitious;_ or, _it being the object of my ambition;_ namely, so far as Providence would permit me to indulge it; _to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named_ Had been preached before by others:... [ Continue Reading ]
_But now, having no more place in these parts_ Where Christ has now been preached in every city; _and having a great desire_ On various accounts; _to come to you_ I will attempt to put it in execution. _Whensoever_ At whatever time; _I take my journey into Spain_ Greek, εαν πορευομαι εις την Σπανιαν... [ Continue Reading ]
_But now I go unto Jerusalem_ Of this journey the apostle gave an account to Felix, Acts 24:17; _to minister unto the saints_ To perform the office of carrying some contributions to them for their relief. _For it hath pleased them_ That is, the Christians; _of Macedonia and Achaia_, particularly the... [ Continue Reading ]
_When, therefore, I have performed this_ journey and service, _and have sealed to them_ Safely delivered to them, without diminution, as a treasure under a seal; _this fruit_ This contribution, which is a fruit of their brethren's faith and love; _I will come by you into Spain_ Such was his design,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now I beseech you for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake_ That is, by all which he has done for you; _and for the love of the Spirit_ That is, by the love to God, and Christ, and his saints and servants, which is the fruit of the Spirit: _that ye strive_ Συναγωνισασθαι, _that you agonize together with me... [ Continue Reading ]