Romans 15
DODDRomans 15:1-17
The apostle further urges mutual condescension particularly the example of Christ, and the good all, and the regard which Christ had shewn to tiles, in bringing or sending the gospel to them tenor of prophecies, which he adds to the list of above. Rom. XV. 1—17.
ROMANS XV. 1.
SEING therefore, my brethren, it is so dangerous for any to do that concerning which they are not in their consciences satisfied that it is assuredly lawful ; we ought to take great care, that we do not, by our uncharitable impositions or irregular examples, lay a temptation in their way to do it. And we who are strong, that is, who perfectly understand the liberty which Christianity gives to its professors, ought, with all tender sympathy and compassion, to bear the infirmities of the weak, not only tolerating them, but in some instances restraining our own inclinations, out of a regard to their advantage, and not as too many do, to please ourselves, to gratify our own inclinations and humours, whether others be comforted or grieved, edified or insnared. On the contrary, let every one of us rather make it his care, so far as he lawfully and conveniently can, to please [his] neighbour, where it may be for [his] real good, and condescend even to his ignorance and prejudices, where there is reason to hope it may conduce to his edification, and that of the church ; which is nearly interested in the mutual tenderness of its members for each other.
And surely we must be disposed to act such a part towards our brethren ; for we all well know, that the Lord Jesus Christ, our great and Divine Master, though so infinitely exalted above us, pleased not himself ; but, when
for even Christ pleased not himself.
he vouchsafed in mercy to visit this low world of ours, instead of studying his own ease and pleasure, he submitted to an almost continued series of selfdenial, mortification, and trouble, for our sakes. He considered the weakness and infirmities of those about him, that he might teach them, and train them up for service, as they were able to bear it. (Mark iv. 33.) Yea, he even submitted with the greatest gentleness, to much reproach and contempt; as it is written, (Psal. lxix. 9,) in words which may well be applied to him; “The reproaches of those who reproach thee, are fallen upon me.” I have placed myself in a world, where I have been afflicted with the wickedness of mankind, which I have continually seen and heard about me, and which has been through the whole course of my life, my continual grief and burden.”
Now, by the way, I accommodate this text to the purpose before me, because I think, we may make the best we can of every scripture, to produce and cherish good dispositions, and pious sentiments in our hearts. For whatever things were formerly written, were written for our instruction, that we through patience and consolation of the scriptures, that is, by the strenuous exercise of that patience which the consolations administered in scripture so powerfully support, might have an assured and joyful hope in the midst of all our tribulation.
Now may the God of patience and consolation, from whom all these gracious and seasonable provisions proceed, give you more of this blessed temper; that ye may have the same mutual affection, according to the example of Jesus
ᵃ The reproaches of those, &c.] Some expositors refer this to Christ’s having undertaken by his sufferings to expiate the suit of sin, every species of which may be considered as a reproach cast on the law and government of God. See Cradoc in loc. I have given what seemed to me the more direct and natural sense, but will not say this other should be excluded, which may well agree both with the words and connection. It must, on the principle on which the apostle goes in many of his quotations, be very pleasant to observe, how all the expressions of the highest
devotion, to be found in the writings or discourses of good men of old, are applicable to Christ. But many learned critics maintain, that the lxixᵗʰ Psalm may, in its original sense, be interpreted as a prophecy of the Messiah. How inexpressible a grief and burden the sight of so much wickedness must have been to so pure and holy a mind, as that of our Lord, it is impossible for us fully to conceive; but were we more like him, we might, and we certainly should, enter more into it, than we generally do.
We should receive one another, as he hath rece
hrist;ᵇ That with one mind [and] one mouth, with united hearts and voices, ye may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath sent his beloved Son into the world, to unite our hearts in love to each other, and to tune them to those devout praises which we address to his blessed self through him. Therefore, whether ye were, before your conversion to Christianity, Jews or Gentiles, considering it now as an endearing bond, which causes every difference to be forgot, receive ye one another, and embrace one another, with mutual love; as Christ hath, without any distinction, received us all to the glory of God. And greatly will that sublime end, at which he aimed in all, even the glory of his heavenly Father, be promoted, by such endeared affection in his people towards each other.
Now I say this, with peculiar regard to those differences in judgment which I know are so ready to prevail among Christians of different educations, as to the obligations of the Mosaic law. And I would remind you Gentiles, that you ought not to suffer your hearts to be alienated from your Jewish brethren, for their attachment to it; because Jesus Christ was [made] a minister of the circumcision; as he was a Jew by birth, he received circumcision himself, in token of his obligation to observe the law; and confined his personal ministry, according to what he himself declared concerning the limitation of his embassy, (Mat. xv. 24,) to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And this was for the illustration of the truth and fidelity of God, to confirm and verify the promises so long since [made] to Abraham and the other fathers of that nation. And I would remind Jewish believers, that he also came that he might gather together all the children of God scattered abroad among the Gentiles, that they might glorify God for [his] mercy, in granting them a participation of the same privileges; and gave it in charge to his apostles, that they should
ᵇ The same mutual affection, according to the example of Jesus Christ.] Raphelius example of. Compare Gal. iv. 28; 1 Pet. i. 15; Eph. iv. 24. See Raphel. Annot. ex. Herd. in loc. his evidently shewn, that who qqovus, signifies to agree in an harmonious and affectionate manner; and that the preposition
raise disciples to him among all nations, (Mat. xxviii. 19.) So that it is a failure of love and duty to Christ, not to receive them. And accordingly the Gentiles are often spoken of in the Old Testament, as called to join with the Jews, in worshipping the God of Israel: as it is written, (Psal. xviii. 49.) “For this cause will I confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing praises unto thy name.” And again he, that is, Moses saith, (Deut. xxxii. 43.) “Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people;” which may intimate their being called to participate the blessings once peculiar to Israel. And again, David saith, (Psalm cxvii. 1.) “Praise the Lord, all ye distant nations, and repeat his praise, all ye people.” Now surely this glorious privilege of an admission into the church, may justly engage the Gentile nations to praise God, in sublimer strains than any other occasion to which we can suppose either Moses or David to refer. And again Isaiah says, expressly in this view, (Isa. xi. 10.) “There shall be a root from the stock of Jesse, and one arising to rule over the Gentiles, [and] in him shall the Gentiles hope and trust; not dreading destruction, but cheerfully expecting protection and salvation from thence.” It is evident, therefore, how unreasonable it would be to despise them, and how fit it is affectionately to receive, esteem, and embrace them. I am willing, therefore, to persuade myself, that this mutually candid temper will prevail among you, and in the confidence of it, I commend you all, without any distinction, to the Divine grace and blessing. And accordingly, may the God of hope, from whose mercy all the hopes both of Jews and Gentiles are derived, fill you with all sacred joy and peace in believing. “I will confess to thee, &c.] Diodati, and many others, suppose this to be only an allusion to the words of David in the place referred to. Mr. Pierce has taken great pains to prove, that the whole xviii Psalm is a direct prophecy of Christ, who is, according to his interpretation, to be considered as speaking throughout the whole of it. In which view he would render the title, “The son which David sang when God delivered him from the hand of Sheof, (instead of Saul,) that is, the grave.” But I cannot think his reasoning conclusive, and the 23rd verse of that Psalm seems a invincible objection against this solution I have taken a middle way, which I hope the attentive reader will see reason to approve. Compare chap. ii. 24, where the same method of quoting seems evidently to be taken.
Reflections on Christian forbearance and selfdenial.
church ; which I esteem far more honourable than any services of the Jewish state or priesthood.
IMPROVEMENT.
MAY the abundant communication of the Spirit that is in Jesus Christ, form us more to the amiable temper here recommended ! That we may prove the distinguished strength of our verse minds, by the superior fortitude with which we bear the infirmities of our weaker brethren, and may seek the noble pleasure of pleasing our neighbours for their good, and to their edification. Let the generous selfdenial of our great Lord be in this view ever before our eyes : and let us endeavour to feel the reproaches which are cast upon God, much more sensibly than those which immediately fall upon ourselves.
Happy are we in the scriptures, which through Divine Providence and grace have been written for our instruction. May they inspire us with patience and consolation, and establish our souls in humble hope ! May our hearts be cemented in the bond of mutual love, that with one mind and one mouth we may glorify God, and receive each other, with an endearment like that, with which, if we are true believers, notwithstanding our smaller differences, we are received by him.
Mercy is communicated by Christ to Jews and Gentiles, who therefore are justly required to unite their praises to the root of Jesse. Let us all trust under the shadow of this pleasant plant, and may we be filled with all joy and peace in believing. What can furnish out so calm a peace, so sublime a joy, as the Christian hope ? May we all abound in it by the power of the Holy Ghost. And surely if we are filled with such joy and hope, we must be filled with all goodness too, with a truly benevolent temper towards others, which a sense of our own happiness tends most powerfully to promote. We Gentiles have been presented to God as a holy offering : may we be sanctified more and more by the Spirit ; and established in a firm confidence in Christ, that he will transact all our concerns with God, under the character of the great Mediator : esteeming that the most happy and glorious circumstance in the station, which Providence may have assigned to us, which gives us the greatest opportunity of spreading the honour of so dear a name, and of presenting praises and services to God through him.
observes, that this phrase has a peculiar propriety, when applied to sacerdotal affairs, and especially victims presented to God ; of which the apostle is here speak.
The apostle would not boast of what Christ has not
Romans 15:18
The apostle takes occasion from what he had been tion the extent of his own labours, and his pur journies, in which he hoped to visit the Ro time, earnestly recommending himself to their XV. 18, to the end.
ROMANS XV. 18.
I HAVE hinted above at the cause I have to rejoice and boast in Christ, as to what relates to God, and the office of my Christian ministry. For I will not dare to boast falsely, nor even speak any thing of what Christ hath not indeed wrought by me, to bring the Gentiles into obedience. No; God forbid! that I should either exceed the bounds of truth, in making the report, or arrogate any thing to myself, as my own work, when speaking of the conversions that have indeed been made. I humbly confess that it is Christ who hath wrought whatever is done: yet I boldly declare, that his grace and mercy hath, in this respect, distinguished me both in word and deed, by the manner in which he hath enabled me to speak, and the things which he hath strengthened me to perform. He hath wrought by the miraculous energy of signs and wonders, accomplished in and by the amazing power of the Spirit of God, which hath not only been plentifully imparted to me, but bestowed on others by the laying on of my hands; so that thus supported, I have with the happiest effect, fully preached and explained the gospel of Christ, from Jerusalem, Antioch, and Arabia, in the east, round about through all the Lesser Asia, and Greece, even as far as the western shores of Illyricum, which so nearly borders on your own celebrated Italy.² For it has still been the object of my ambition, so far as Providence would
² As far as the western shores of Illyricium.] Though it is evident from hence, that St. Paul before the date of this epistle, which was in the year 58, had preached the gospel in these regions, it is observable, that Luke takes no notice of this, in the history of the Acts; where he also omits to mention the ‘ourney he took to
Arabia, on his first conversion, and several other very remarkable facts, referred to in the xiiᵗʰ chapter of the second epistle to the Corinthians, and elsewhere; and it is very possible, that the visit to Crete, when Titus was left behind to ordain elders, T.: i. 5, might be of this number.
had been hindered from visiting the Romans ;
permit me to indulge it, to preach the gospel, not where Christ was [already] named, lest I should seem desirous to build upon another man’s foundation, and so decline the difficulties which attend the settlement of new churches. Others indeed have done this, and little else ; but I have chosen a different manner of acting ; as it is written, in words well applicable to the series of my labours, (Isa. lii. 15,) " They to whom nothing was declared concerning him, shall see, and they who have not heard, shall understand.” Thus have many received from my mouth, the first notices they have ever had of true religion, and of the method of salvation by the Great Redeemer. The consequence therefore was, that I have been long hindered from coming to you ; which, out of my singular affection for you, I was very desirous of doing : though it be something contrary to the method of proceeding which I generally choose, as you have the Christian religion already, by the Divine grace, most happily planted among you. But now having no longer place, either at Corinth, or elsewhere in these Grecian climates, no more work of this kind remaining to be done here, of which Providence seems to open any probable prospect, and having also on various accounts, a great desire for many years to come to you ; I will attempt to put it into execution. If I go into Spain, I will endeavour, if possible, to come to you ; for I hope quickly to have an
b Object of my ambition, so far as Providence would permit me to indulge it, to reach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, &c.] The meaning to be sure cannot be, that Paul scorned to come after any other Christian minister ; which would have argued a height of temper very inconsistent with the humility of this blessed apostle ; and does not agree with what we read in the history of the Acts, of his going to preach the gospel at Damascus, Antioch and Jerusalem ; to which it seems probable, Troas, if not Corinth, or Ephesus, may be added. It may signify that, far from declining dangers and oppositions, which might especially be expected in first breaking up, as it were, the fallow ground of heathen and unevangelized countries, he rather felt a sublime ambition, as quixique signifies, (see Elener,
Vol. II. p. 64,) to make the first proclamation of a Redeemer’s name, in places where it had before been quite unheard of. And probably, in mentioning this, he may glance upon those false apostles who crept into churches which he had planted, and endeavoured to establish their own reputation and influence there, by alienating the hearts of his own converts from him, their spiritual father ; while like some in our own days, who have trod most exactly in their footsteps, they built on his grand and noble foundations, an edifice of wood, and hay, and stubble, I Cor. iii. 12.
c If I go to Spain, &c.] It appears probable from hence, considering the principle which St. Paul chose to govern himself by, of not building on another man’s foundation, that no apostle had yet planted any church in Spain : which as Dr. Ged-
VOL. 4.
to whom, after going to Jerusalem, he designed
opportunity of going thither, and as I pass by, will contrive, if I can, to see you, and shall expect to be brought forward by you in my way thither by the kind attendance of some of my friends at Rome, and the refreshment which my spirit may receive from others; if I may first, not only have a short interview in passing, but make such an abode with you as to be in some degree satisfied with your [company:] I say in some degree, for I know that if I were to indulge my own affection to you, my visit would be much longer than the views of duty elsewhere will permit.
This I speak with relation to my future designs: but I am now going to Jerusalem, ministering to the necessities of the saints there, by such contributions as I have raised for their subsistence, or may farther collect, as I prosecute my journey. For it hath pleased [the churches of] Macedonia and Achaia,⁴ to make a certain collection for the poor saints, their believing brethren, that are in Jerusalem, who are exposed to such peculiar persecution and affliction. I say, it hath pleased them to do this; and, though I acknowledge their free love and generosity in it, yet I may say, that in a sense, they are their debtors: for if the Gentiles have been brought into so happy a union with God’s once peculiar people, and are made partakers of their spiritual things, the invaluable blessings of the gospel, first brought to them from Jerusalem, and by persons of the Jewish nation too; they ought certainly to be ready, with all religious gratitude and respect, to minister to them in their carnal things, and impart the inferior blessings of Providence, in which they so much more abound. Having therefore dispatched this affair, and sealed to them, that is, safely delivered as under seal, this present, which is the fruit of that love and care which their Gentile brethren so justly express towards them, I will, if it please
des justly observes, very ill agrees with the legend of St James; for, according to that, he had now been fifteen years in Spain, and had erected several bishopricks there. Gell. Misc. Vol. II p. 221.
⁴ Churches of Macedonia, &c.] As we read of no more than one collection of the
Macedonian churches, which was that directed by Paul, when he went from Ephesus to Macedonia, (Acts xx. 1.) in the year of Christ 57; this circumstance seems to fix the date of this epistle pretty early in 58; as was observed in the introduction, and the former note there referred to.
their prayers, and gives them his benediction.
God to give me a favourable opportunity, come by you into Spain. And as I doubt not, but you will pray for me, that my coming may be comfortable, and useful for your confirmation in religion; so I have a cheerful confidence, that God will hear your prayers, and may say, that I know that when I come among you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ, that is, with a full and abundant blessing, attending my ministerial and evangelical labours. Yet when I write thus, it is not from any particular revelation, to assure me that I shall be enabled to fulfil this purpose. I know, that in this journey to Jerusalem, I have, humanly speaking, a very dangerous scene before me, having some of my most mortal and implacable enemies to contend with. And therefore, as I cannot but apprehend the interest of the gospel to be concerned in my life and liberty, I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love which is the genuine fruit of the Spirit, that you join your utmost strength and fervency with mine, in [your] daily prayers to God for me, That I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea; who are so full of rancor against me, as a deserter from their cause; and will, I am sure, spare no force or fraud to destroy me: and also that my ministration at Jerusalem, in the charitable affair which I mentioned above, may be acceptable to the saints, for whose use it is intended; so that no prejudices in our Christian brethren there, against the believing Gentiles, may prevail so far as to prevent their receiving it with a becoming candour and gratitude: That so, in consequence of all, I may come to you with joy, by the will of God, and that I may be refreshed [together] with you, in our
• By the love of the Spirit.] Some would explain this of the love which the Spirit of God bears to us, or the affection which we owe to that gracious agent; and were we certain, that either of these were the genuine sense, important consequences would follow.
• Join your utmost strength with mine.] Elsner, (Observ. Vol. II. p. 65,) has a beautiful note on this word συνωμοσιοδοξει, to how how exactly that is the im ort of it.
• That I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea.] How extreme their bigotry and rage was, appears from their behaviour to him at the very time here referred to, Acts xxi.—xxiv. It was from a sense of the great importance of his life to the cause of Christianity, that he is thus urgent; else we may be assured, he would gladly have given it up. Phil. i. 21, &c.
Reflections on the apostle’s humility and zeal.
intended interview. And, in the mean time, 83 Now the God xxxiii. may the God of peace, who has graciously given of peace be with you — us that peace with himself, which we esteem all. Amen. Rom. the first and greatest of blessings, and hath xv. 33 cemented our hearts in those Christian bonds of peace and love to each other, [be] with you all, whether I am present or absent. Amen!
IMPROVEMENT.
verse 18,19 LET us behold with pleasure the modesty and humility which is joined with all the zeal of this holy apostle, while he thus obliquely owns, in a manner which shews how familiar the thought was to his mind, that all he had done in the Christian ministry, and for the propagation and advancement of the gospel, was only what Christ had done by him, to procure such obedience of the Gentiles, both in word and in deed.
Adored be the grace that made his labours so successful, and sowed the blessed seed so wide by his diligent hand, from Jerusalem unto Illyricum. Most divine instructions did he give them in matters of faith, and taught them to express that faith by their works. While he was dead to all thoughts of enriching himself, and in some instances, chose rather to maintain himself, by his own labours, than to subsist on the bounty of others, his 25,&c. liberal soul devised liberal things for his necessitous brethren. He raised a noble collection, and was much concerned, not only that 31 it might be safely, but acceptably delivered.
Well may our souls be edified, by observing the things which lay nearest the heart of this generous apostle, that coming to his 29 Christian friends at Rome, he might come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ, and that if he was spared through their prayers, it might be for public usefulness. St. Paul, dead as he was to human applause, was, from much nobler motives, solicitous about his acceptance; and he shews by his manner of speaking, what a sense he had of the degree in which it depended upon the turn and disposition which God should be pleased to give to the spirits of men; may this just and pious thought frequently dwell upon the hearts of the ministers of Christ!
Some of the prayers, which the apostle so affectionately bespeaks, were answered; and some seemed to be forgotten: Yet did God make, what seemed the rejection of some, the means of answering the rest. He was for a while delivered into the hands of those in Judea, who believed not; and this providence, which might have seemed an invincible obstacle to his design, proved the occasion of bringing him to Rome, and promoted the success of his ministry there.
The apostle recommends e e to the Romans :
he God of grace and peace, who works the most by methods to us unthought of; and let us be that we do not rashly judge that he hath res, because we do not see them answered in that hich might have been more agreeable to our