XII. (1) At this point the Apostle turns from the speculative, or doctrinal, portion of his Epistle, and begins a series of practical exhortations to his readers as to their lives as Christians. In the first two verses of the chapter he speaks of this in general terms, but then goes on to give a nu... [ Continue Reading ]
BE NOT CONFORMED... BUT BE YE TRANSFORMED. — Here the English is somewhat misleading. It would naturally lead us to expect a similar play upon words in the Greek. But it is not so; indeed, there is a clear distinction between the two different words employed. It is the difference between an outward... [ Continue Reading ]
Having thus stated the broad principle which is to govern the conduct of the Christian, the Apostle now goes on to apply it to certain details, and, first, his object is to secure that temper in the members of the Roman Church which will best enable them to act with union and efficiency. THROUGH TH... [ Continue Reading ]
MEMBERS IN ONE BODY. — This figure of the body and the members is worked out more fully in 1 Corinthians 12:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
In the church there must be a graduation, a hierarchy, a division of labour, every one doing that for which he is best fitted, just as in the body one member has one office assigned to it, and another another. All Christians, viewed collectively, make up one body, the unity of which is supplied by t... [ Continue Reading ]
IN CHRIST. — Christ is the unifying principle in the Church, just as the personality or will is the unifying principle in man. EVERY ONE. — A somewhat peculiar phrase in the Greek, not found in this form in classical writers, meaning “as individuals.” MEMBERS ONE OF ANOTHER. — Strictly speaking, t... [ Continue Reading ]
GIFTS DIFFERING ACCORDING TO THE GRACE. — The English loses a point here. The word translated “gifts” means specially “gifts of grace,” grace standing here for the operation of the Spirit. Different kinds of grace, with different forms of expression, are given to different individuals, and they are... [ Continue Reading ]
MINISTRY. — The word used is the technical term for the discharge of the office of deacon. The institution of this office is described in Acts 6:1. Its object was to provide for the practical business as opposed to the spiritual ministrations of the Church. It included more especially the distributi... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT EXHORTETH. — It will be observed that in the apostolic writings, the one idea of “preaching” is divided into its several branches, “speaking with tongues,” “prophesying” (which appears to have had reference to the more recondite portions or relations of the faith), “teaching,” “exhortation.”... [ Continue Reading ]
WITHOUT DISSIMULATION. — The same Greek word is translated “unfeigned” in 2 Corinthians 6:6; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:5, and “without hypocrisy” in James 3:17. This last is the most literal rendering, and brings out the resemblance to Matthew 23:13, _et al._ ABHOR THAT WHICH IS EVIL. — This clause... [ Continue Reading ]
(9-21) Now follow to the end of the chapter a number of general exhortations, not addressed to particular persons or classes, but to the Church at large.... [ Continue Reading ]
WITH BROTHERLY LOVE. — Better translated as in the margin, _In love of the brethren_ (fellow Christians) _be kindly affectioned._ The word for “kindly affectioned” is specially used of the family relation, and is, therefore, appropriately applied to the brotherhood of the Christian family. PREFERRI... [ Continue Reading ]
IN BUSINESS. — Rather, _in zeal;_ the reference is to the spiritual and not to the practical life, as the English reader might suppose. FERVENT. — In the literal and etymological sense _boiling_ or _seething._ The temperament of the Christian is compared to water bubbling and boiling over the flame... [ Continue Reading ]
IN HOPE. — The Christian’s hope, of which we have had more in Romans 8:20. PATIENT IN TRIBULATION. — This virtue was, of course, specially needed in the troublous times through which the Church was passing. So, again, in the next verse, the “hospitality” of which the Apostle speaks is something mor... [ Continue Reading ]
DISTRIBUTING TO THE NECESSITY OF SAINTS. — By “saints” is here meant simply “Christians.” So, in Ephesians 1:1, we find the salutation addressed to the “saints which are at Ephesus.” (Comp. Acts 9:13; Acts 26:10.) The reference is to the well-known poverty of the early Christian communities. NECESSI... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESS THEM WHICH PERSECUTE YOU. — Apparently with allusion to Matthew 5:44. It was probably just about the time that St. Paul was writing this Epistle, or at most a year or two later, that the series of compositions which ultimately took the shape of our present Gospels began. It is not, however, ne... [ Continue Reading ]
REJOICE WITH THEM THAT DO REJOICE. — The feeling of sympathy is perhaps more under the control of the will than might be supposed. It becomes so, however, not so much by isolated efforts as by a conscious direction given to the whole life. The injunction in this verse is one of those that have been... [ Continue Reading ]
BE OF THE SAME MIND... — In every Christian community there should be that harmony which proceeds from a common object, common hopes, common desires. CONDESCEND TO MEN OF LOW ESTATE. — Probably, on the whole, rightly translated in our version; “Let yourselves be carried on in the stream with those... [ Continue Reading ]
PROVIDE THINGS HONEST... — Let your purposes be such that all men shall recognise their complete integrity. Do not engage in enterprises of a doubtful character, that might bring not only yourselves but the Christian body into ill repute. (Comp. Matthew 5:14; 2 Corinthians 8:21.)... [ Continue Reading ]
The Christian can only be responsible for himself. So far as he is concerned, he is to do his best to maintain peace. The history of St. Paul himself, which is one of almost constant conflict, shows that this would not always be possible.... [ Continue Reading ]
GIVE PLACE UNTO WRATH. — It seems best to understand this of “the wrath of God” (indicated in the Greek, here as elsewhere, by the use of the article). Stand aside yourself as a mere spectator, and let the wrath of God have free course to accomplish itself as He shall think well. The other most plau... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU SHALT HEAP COALS OF FIRE. — Comp. Psalms 18:12, where the phrase “coals of fire” is used of the divine vengeance. So here, but in a strictly metaphorical sense, it means, “Thou shalt take the best and most summary vengeance upon him.” There may be the underlying idea of awakening in the adversa... [ Continue Reading ]
BE NOT OVERCOME OF EVIL, BUT... — A fine sentiment. The infliction of vengeance is not a sign of strength, but of weakness. To repress the desire for revenge is to gain a victory over self, which is not only nobler in itself, but will also be much more effectual. It will disarm the enemy, and turn h... [ Continue Reading ]