Romans 15

1 The further exhorts the strong that they condescend to the weakness of their brethren, 3 by the example of Christ, who sought not himself, but our benefit, which he confirms out of the Scripture of the old Testament, which are also written to our comfort, 5 and that they should serve God and the Lord Christ with united hearts. 7 Declares more largely the example of Christ, how he served, both the Jews, 9 as also the Gentiles, which he also proveth out of the same Scriptures, 13 thereto joining a wish that they may increase in all Christian virtues and knowledge. 14 Afterwards he begins to conclude this Epistle, executing his freedom in writing, 17 and relating how powerfully God hath administered the same, 22 promiseth that he will come to Rome in his journey towards Spain, 25 and gives them to understand that he must first travel to Jerusalem, to carry thither the alms of the Churches of Macedonia and Achaia. 30 Requesteth of them that they pray for him and his ministry, 33 and wisheth them all good from God.

1. BUT [The Apostle includes himself also, that the exhortation may be the more powerful] that are strong [namely, in faith, and knowledge of Christian doctrine, especially of Christian liberty] ought [or are engaged, bound, namely, for the reasons with Paul shall hereafter declare] to bear [that is, to bear with as a burden to take it from them, and help them to bear it. See Galatians 6:1,2.] the weakness [that is, the ignorance and errors which through weakness are yet in them, especially of this point of doctrine] of the impotent; [that is, of the weak, See Romans 14:1.] and not to please ourselves [that is, follow our fences, or seek our own ease and profit, indulge our selves.]

2. Therefore let every one of us [Namely, whosoever he is. No man is here excepted] please (his) neighbour [much more then this weak brother] for good [or in good, i.e. in things that are not evil: for the good, benefit, and salvation of his neighbour] unto edification. [See Rom. 14. ver. 19.]

3. For Christ also [The example of Christ ought to prevail much with Christians, as being a rule according to which they ought to frame their lives, John 13. ver 15.34. Philippians 2:5. and it would be great shame for that they should do otherwise, then he that done and taught before them] pleased not himself; [that is, sought not his own ease, honour or profit, Matthew 20:28.] but [namely, he so carried himself: happened unto him] as it is written, he reproaches [that is, the sins whereby men cast reproach upon God, or all manner of content and injury of the ungodly] of them that reproach thee are fallen upon me. [that is, I have taken upon me, or laid upon me to expiate them, David speaketh here as a type of Messiahs, and prophesying of him, who took our sins upon him to satisfy for the same Isaiah 53:4,5. 2 Cor. 5.21. Therefore seeing it appears from thence that Christ sought not his own ease and benefit, but ours, and did so much for our sakes, so ought we in like manner to seek the good of our Neighbour, and to do all that is serviceable to his salvation. See Phil. 2. ver.5,6,7,8. 1 John 3:16.]

4. For whatsoever was written before, [namely, in the Scripture of the old Testament: which may now also be said of the writings of the new] that was written before our learning: [or, instruction, namely, in matters which concerns our eternal salvation. See John 5:39. 2 Tim.3.16.] that we are through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, [that is, which are obtained by reading, hearing, and meditation of the Scriptures] might have hope. [namely, that we shall certainly obtain salvation by Christ.]

5. But the God of patience [That is, who worketh the same in us by means of the holy Scriptures ver.4.] and of consolation grant you that ye may be of one mind [namely, in opinions concerning the true doctrine, and in good inclinations of the heart one to another. See Romans 12:16.] one amongst another, according to Christ Jesus. [that is, according to orthodox doctrine of Christ. Or after the example of Jesus Christ.]

6. That ye may with one accord, [Gr. Unanimously, i.e. with one heart and soul, Acts 4:32.] with one mouth, glorifieth the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. [that is, God who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Eph. 1. ver. 3,17.]

7. Therefore receive [See Rom. 14. ver. 3.] one another, [that is, as well the strong the weak, as the weak the strong: accounting one another for brethren, and brotherly treating one another in love and peace] as Christ also [that is, after the example of Christ] hath received us [namely, so that he even died the death for us] to the glory of God. [that is, to make us partakers of the glory of God. Or, that thereby the glory of God might be declared.]

8. And I say [Here he declares more at large how Christ received both Jews and Gentiles, thereby admonish both of them, that they must also receive one another] that Jesus Christ was a minister to the circumcision [that is, of the Jews who are circumcised, Romans 4:12. to whom who, being Lord over all, as a minister published the way of salvation; and exercised his ministry amongst them alone, Matthew 15:24. and chapter 20.28.] because of the truth of God, [namely, that that might not be weakened: but that God may be found true in his promise] that he might confirm the promise of the Fathers. [that is, which were formerly made to the Fathers in the old Testament. See 2 Cor.1.2o.]

9. And that the Gentiles [Here he proves the second part, namely, that Christ hath also received the Gentiles: according to Gods promises and engagements in the old Testament] might Glorify God [that is, being brought to the knowledge of true God and to faith, might praise honour and serve him, and finally be also partakers of his glory] by reason of the mercy: [or, for the mercy, namely, which of mere grace is showed to them also, as was done to the Jews, Deut. 7. ver. 7,8.] as is written, [in all these places which are here produced for proof out of the old Testament, the word Gentiles must chiefly be taken notice off. The expositions, see upon each place] Therefore I will confess thee among the Gentiles, and sing praise unto thy name.

10. And again he saith, be joyful ye Gentiles with his people.

11. And again Laud the Lord all ye Gentiles, and praise him all ye nations.

12. And again Esay saith, there shall be the root of Jesse, and he that ariseth to command over the Gentiles: in him shall the Gentiles hope.

13. Now the God of hope [That is, in whom men must hope, 1 Tim. 6.17. and who worketh in us by his promises and Spirit, 1 Pet. 1.3.] fill you with all joy [that is, with a true and continually spiritual joy, Philippians 4:4.] and peace in believing, [that is, while ye believe in this life. Or together with your faith, which let it be always accompanied with joy and peace] that ye may be abundant in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. [Gr. In the power of the Holy Ghost, namely, who works these spiritual gifts and virtues in men by his power, 1 Cor. 12.6,11.]

14. But my brethren [Here the Apostle begins to conclude this Epistle, excusing himself that he had written so largely and so boldly unto them, and promising that he himself would come unto them] I my self also am assured of you, [that is, I trust, or assure my self firmly according to the judgement of charity which believeth all things, 1 Cor. 13.7. Seeing I know that ye really show this] that ye your selves are also full of goodness, [and that in this regard division risen up among you about the use of indifferent things, proceeds not from weakness or hatred against one another, but from weakness,] filled with all knowledge, [that is, all manner of knowledge, namely, of spiritual things necessary to salvation: for howsoever there were many weak and ignorant ones among them, yet there were also many godly, understanding, and well exercised in Christian doctrine, in respect of whom he speaks this. See the like, 1 Cor. 1.5.] able also to admonish one another.

15. But I have written to you the more boldly [Namely, by showing you your faults and reproving them here and there] in part [that is, the more boldly in some sort, or partly] brethren, as again putting you in mind (of this) [that is, that those things which you your selves well know, but do not so well put in practice, you might diligently consider of and well weigh the same] for the grace which is given to me of God. [namely, of the Apostleship, Rom, 1.5. i.e. because I am appointed and called thereunto for God, and I must faithfully acquit my self in thy office. See following verse. Or, by the grace.]

16. That I may be a minister of Jesus Christ [Gr. Leitourgo. See of this word Acts 13:2. Romans 13:6. Hebrews 8:2.] among the Gentiles, [See Acts 9:15. and 13.2. Romans 11:13.] administering [or, offering up, i.e. administering as an holy work: as the Priests work was] the gospel of God, [that is, which God hath committed to by trust, and commanded me to teach by preaching and writing] that the offering of the Gentiles [that is, not which the Gentiles shall offer up, as Romans 12:1. but which I shall convert to God from among the Gentiles, and shall offer up to God by my ministry. See the like, Malachi 1:11.] may be acceptable, [see Rom.12.1.] being sanctified [see there also] by the Holy Ghost.

17. I have glorying therefore [Namely, by reason that I have brought so many Gentiles to the faith by my ministry] in Christ Jesus [who hath blessed my ministry, and who as the only author of their conversion, hath wrought by me as his instrument] in those things which concern God. [Gr. Which to God, namely, belongs, as the only author of the blessing and success of my ministry.]

18. For I should not dare to say anything [Namely, not be able with a good conscience to bring forth anything] with Christ hath not wrought by me [that is, which Christ hath not powerfully wrought by me as well as by anyone of the other Apostle, Galatians 2:8.] for obedience of the Gentiles [that is, to bring the Gentiles whose Apostle I principally am, unto the obedience of faith and of the Gospel] by words, [Gr. By word and by deed, i.e. by the preaching of the Gospel] and deeds. That is, by much labour, difficulty, and trouble, or by woundrous works and miracles, as is declared in the following verse.]

19. By the power of sins and wonder (and) by the power of the Spirit of God, [That is, the powerful working of the Holy Ghost in the hearts of men] so that Jerusalem, and round about [i.e. in the Countries round about, as namely in Arabis, Galatians 1:17. at Damascus, Gal.1.17. at Antioch, Acts 13:1. at Seleucea Acts 13:4. in Cyprus, Acts 13:4. in Pamphylia, Acts 13:13. in Pisidia, Acts 13:14. in Lycaonia, Acts 14:6. in Cilicia, Acts 15:41. in Phrygia, Acts 16:6. in Galatia, Acts 16:6. at Toas, Acts 16:8. at Athens, Acts 17:15. at Ephesus Acts 16:10. in Achaia, Acts 18:1 in Macedonia, acts 16.10. and other places. Or in the circuit, journeying from one place to another, hither and tither] even unto Illyrium, [a Country lying on the Adriatick Sea, and bordering up Macedogia, now called Slavonia] I have fulfilled the Gospel of Christ. [that is, I have filled all the Lands with the preaching and knowledge of the Gospel of Christ.]

20. And wise so every desirous [Gr. Ambitious, namely, with an holy and laudable ambition being more diligent then others, first to preach everywhere] to publish the Gospel not where Christ [that is, the knowledge and doctrine of Christ] was named, [that is, published or known] that I might not build on others foundations: [that is, that we first laid there by another. See 1 Cor.3.10.]

21. But as it is written, to whom it was not told of him, they shall see it: and who have not heard it, they shall understand it.

22. Wherefore I was so hindered many times to come unto you: [Namely, to spread abroad the Gospel in those lands, where it had not yet been published, and to plant new Churches there. See Romans 1:13.]

23. But now have no place more [Namely, where the gospel needeth to be preached anew] in these quarters, [namely, of Sryia, Greece and Asia. Gr. Climasi, mwhereby are signified Countries which lie on divers elevations of the pole] and for many years ago having a great longing to come unto you.

24. Whensoever I travel towards Spain [Namely, which I have purposed to do, because the Gospel was not yet published there] I will come unto you: [namely, by Gods will, or if it shall please God ver. 32. Romans 1:10.] for I hope [that is, I am not well assured thereof by any revelation, but nevertheless have hope of it, as appears, Romans 1:10.] in traveling through to see you, [that is, so take my journey that I shall go over Italy, and through Rome: for otherwise the nearest and rightest way to go out of Sryia, yea or Greece towards Spain, is not over Italy, but through between Africa and Sicilia, leaving Sicily with Italy on the right hand] and to conducted titherwards by you: [that is, by some of your Church, to accompany me, as also to assist me in my service] when I shall first be somewhat [that is, a little as ver.15.] satisfied [Gr. Filled] of your (presence)

25. But now I travel to Jerusalem, [That is, that I do not immediately set upon my journey to come unto you, because I must first of necessity travel from hence to Jerusalem] ministering to the Saints. [that is, to carry the poor and afflicted believers in Jerusalem the alms which are gathered for them: as is declared in the following verse.]

26. For it hath seemed good [Namely, out of their own free motion, and compassion] (to them of) Macedonia [that is, the Churches in Macedonia] and Achaia, to make a common contribution [Gr. A certain communion or imparting] to the poor among the Saints [that is, believers ver. 25.] which are at Jerusalem.

27. For it hath (so) seemed good to them: [This he rearhesth to commend this benevolence, and thereby tacitly to admonish the Romans, that their ought to imitate their own example, seeing they were no less in good prosperity then of Greece] they are also their debtors. [that is, are obliged to give them assistance. This he saith, not to admonish their benevolence, but thereby civilly to admonish Romans, that they are obliged thereunto, for the same reason which followeth] For if the Gentiles are become partakers of their spiritual (goods) [that is, the doctrine of the Gospel of Christ, in which are hidden all treasures of spiritual goods: which are called the goods of the Jews or of the Church of Jerusalem, because Christ was principally promised to the Jews, and because out of the Church of Jerusalem the Gospel was spread abroad throughout the whole world among the Gentiles, Isaiah 2:3. Acts 1.ver.4.8.] they are indebted also [that is, obliged by the great benefit received from them, to recompense the same in some sort. See 1 Cor. 9.11. Galatians 6:6.] to serve them with temporal (good things.) [Gr. Carnal i.e. needful for the sustemtation of the flesh, i.e. of the body.]

28. When therefore I shall have finished this, [That is, the journey, and its service] and sealed [that is, shall faithfully have brought it over, seeing it is instructed and as it were sealed in many hands, as a treasure is sealed in a chest, that nothing of it may be taken away] unto them this fruit [namely, of faith and of love which the foresaid Churches have brought forth. So their liberty is called, because true faith must bring forth such fruits, and be operative by the works of charity, Galatians 5:6.22.] I will come through your (City) [Gr. Through you, i.e. through yours, or through your City] towards Spain.

29. And I know [See hereof ver.24.] that I coming to you, shall come with the full blessing. [Gr. In fullness of the blessing, i.e. I shall bring with me, a full or abundant spiritual blessing to confirm you by preaching in the Christian doctrine, whereby the eternal blessing of God is published unto us.]

30. And I beseech [Or, I exhort] you brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, [that is, as ye love Jesus Christ: or do it not so much, or only for mine, as chiefly for Christ’s sake] and by the love [namely, either wherewith God loves you, Romans 5:5. Or wherewith you love God and your neighbour] of the Spirit [that is, which the Holy Ghost works and kindles in our hearts. Or wherewith he loves us] that ye strive [that is, that ye persist earnestly, vehemently and continually, as they do that strive, who stand by one another, and continue striving, until they obtain victory. See Genesis 32:26.] together with me, in prayers [namely, which are weapons wherewith the faithful fight against their enemies] to God for me.

31. That I may be freed from disobedient [Namely, which reject and withstand the doctrine of the Gospel and me for the same. These sought to kill the Apostle at Jerusalem, but he was delivered out of their hands. See Acts 21:27,33. This Paul knew before should happen to him, Acts 20:22 See 2 Thes. 3.2.] in Judea, and that this service [namely, of faithfully carrying over the gathered alms] which I do to Jerusalem [that is, to the poor believers within Jerusalem] may be acceptable to the Saints. [See ver.26.]

32. That I may come unto you with joy, by the will of God, [That is, if it shall be Gods will. See Romans 1:10. and James 4:13,14,15.] Namely, by our mutual presence and conference] with you.

33. And the God of peace [That is, which is the author of all blessing, good, prosperity: and who will always have peace kept among his children, Romans 16:20. 20. 1Cor.14.13. 2 Cor. 33.11.13. Philippians 4:9. 1 Thes. 5.23. 2 Thes. 3.16. Hebrews 13:20.] be with you all. Amen.