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Romans 15

Hendriksen
‹ Chapter 14 Romans — All Chapters Chapter 16 ›

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 " StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size StandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldfsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldfsUnderlineColorclBlueSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicfsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size-9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 �BiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabsStandardSpaceBefore SpaceAfterTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 1 3 8 0 0 G. What Should Be the Attitude of the Justified Believer Toward the Weak and the Strong) 6 1 3 12 0 0 (continued) ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 We who are strong ought to bear the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves ) 15:1 13 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 15 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 1 We who are strong ought to bear the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for (his) good, with a view to (his) edification. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written, ) 6 4 3 8 0 0 The reproaches of those reproaching thee feel on me. ) 4 For whatever was written in former times was written for our instruction, in order that, through patient endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. ) 5 May the God (who is the Source) of patient endurance and of encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ) 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, to the glory of God. 8 For I declare that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised for the sake of God s ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 truth) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , to confirm the promises made to the fathers; 9 but the Gentiles glorify God for the sake of (his) ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 mercy) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; as it is written: ) 6 13 3 8 0 0 Therefore I will praise thee among the Gentiles, ) and sing hymns to thy name. ) 10 And again, it says, ) Rejoice, you Gentiles, together with his people. ) 11 And again, ) Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, ) let all the peoples praise him. ) 12 And again, Isaiah says, ) There will spring up the root of Jesse, ) he who arises to rule over the Gentiles. ) In him shall the Gentiles hope. ) 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, in the exercise of (your) faith, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may overflow with hope. ) The opening of chapter 15 looks like a new beginning. Actually the apostle summarizes what he has been saying about the weak, and indicates what should be the attitude of the strong toward them. But the opening does not stop here. It soon broadens in scope and fixes the attention of the entire congregation and of all who will subsequently be brought into contact with this letter on Christ, whose example of self-sacrifice in the interest of others should be followed by weak and strong alike. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0

  1. We who are strong ought to bear the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 When Paul says. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 We) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.33|AUTODETECT|” who are strong, he classes himself with the strong. When he continues, ought to bear the failings of the weak, he means, A moral-spiritual obligation rests on us strong ones; namely, not to think only of ourselves but also of the needs of others, in the present case the needs of those who are weak. See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.33|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.1|AUTODETECT|” What Paul is saying here in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.2|AUTODETECT|” cannot be far removed from his exhortation found in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Bear one another s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. The expression, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 bear) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the failings, does not merely mean, tolerate or put up with those failings, or even bear with them and exercise patience with those who have them. It means, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 We should put our shoulders under) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 these failings, and meaningfully ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 help) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 our weak fellow-believers ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to carry) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 them. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref26 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn26”
  1. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Noblesse oblige) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ! People of high birth should behave ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 nobly) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 toward others. This well-known motto, when applied to the present situation, would mean that those highly privileged people who are endowed with clear insight into the liberating significance of the death of Christ for daily living, so that they are correctly called the strong, are under obligation to deport themselves in a manner that is in keeping with their high privilege. Hence, they should vigorously, generously, and cheerfully help the (in a sense) less privileged persons, the weak individuals. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.8|AUTODETECT|” When Paul adds, We who are strong ought & not to please ourselves, he does not mean, We, the strong, should never do anything to promote our own interests. Pleasing God above all 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37-40.22.39|AUTODETECT|” ), and, while doing so, also pleasing God s image-bearers, including even ourselves, is the very purpose for which God created and redeemed us 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37-40.22.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:37 39) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.33|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Titus 2:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 It is the pleasing of ourselves regardless of how this pleasing affects others that is here condemned) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.10|AUTODETECT|” However, the divine approval does not even necessarily rest upon every attempt to please the neighbor. As ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 indicates, there is an attempt to please the neighbor that is evil. One who, being nice with a selfish purpose, trims his sails to every breeze of opinion or bias is acting wickedly. The person who, with ulterior motive (cf. 12:8), strives to please others is condemned. A vivid example is that of Absolom: ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, From what town are you? He would answer, Your servant is from this or that tribe of Israel. Then Absalom would say to him, Your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you. And Absalom would continue and say, O, if only I were appointed as judge in the land! Then any man with a complaint or a case would come to me, and I would see to it that he gets justice. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.15.2-10.15.7|AUTODETECT|” Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him & And so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.15.2-10.15.7|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 15:2b 7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 As has now been indicated, it is not only ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the deed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 but ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 also) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 perhaps even ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 more) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 so ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the motive and purpose) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that count. It is for this reason that Paul states, ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Let each of us please his neighbor for (his) good, with a view to (his) edification.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 In other words, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 with a view to the spiritual advantage of that neighbor) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” Now doing good for the benefit of others immediately reminds Paul of Christ 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), whose example we should follow. Therefore he continues, ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
  2. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written, The reproaches of those reproaching thee fell on me. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.9|AUTODETECT|” ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.9|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Meaning: Christ is addressing God, and is saying, For the sake of my people I am taking upon myself the reproaches leveled against thee. ) The main lesson Paul is conveying is this: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 If Christ, the Holy One, was willing to take upon himself so much suffering, in the form of insults hurled at him by his enemies, then should not we be willing to sacrifice just a little eating-and-drinking pleasure for the sake of our fellow-believers?) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Now for the details: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.1|AUTODETECT|” a. As often see ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 11:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.1|AUTODETECT|” 10:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.2|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.5|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.13|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.13|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.29|AUTODETECT|” Paul directs the attention of the addressed to Christ. In doing this, was he not copying Christ? See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.29|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.24|AUTODETECT|” 16:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.27|AUTODETECT|” 20:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|”
  2. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.42-41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.42-41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:42 45) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.15|AUTODETECT|” John 13:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.1|AUTODETECT|” . For Christ, as our Example, see also ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 3:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.2|AUTODETECT|” 12:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.21|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In connection with this subject two extremes should be avoided: (1) that of denying the truth that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 first and most of all) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ is not our Example but ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 our Savior) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and (2) that of denying that there is a sense in which our Savior Jesus Christ is indeed also our Example. Of course, he cannot be our Example unless he is first of all our Savior! ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” b. The words Christ did not please himself are a remarkable litotes or understatement for his marvelous and wholehearted self-sacrifice in the interest of sinners. See especially ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:45) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.9|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.5|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 f. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 c. When the question is asked, Why did the apostle refer to the insults or reproaches that were heaped upon Christ by ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 men) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 rather than to the far more terrible wrath of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 God) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 which he suffered? the answer might be that in so doing Paul makes his argument all the more effective, because the insults flung at Christ by ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 men) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 were heard, discussed, and remembered, but the wrath of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 God) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 remained unseen.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref27 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn27”
  3. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.9|AUTODETECT|” d. Paul quotes ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.9|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.68.10|AUTODETECT|” b. The words quoted are found in that exact form in LXX ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.68.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 68:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 13 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|” Psalms 69) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is one of six Psalms most often referred to in the New Testament, the others being Pss. 2, 22, 89, 110, and 118.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref28 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn28”
  4. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.9|AUTODETECT|” e. According to ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.9|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 b, interpreted in light of the immediately preceding context, namely verse 9a, it was zeal for God s house that consumed the Speaker, namely, Christ, as pictured in this Old Testament passage. The implied lesson is that also the strong believers of the new dispensation should be filled with zeal: they should be eager to make sacrifices for the sake not only of their weak fellow-believers, but also, and most of all, for God. They should strive to promote his glory. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.9|AUTODETECT|” f. The eyes of those who maintain that ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.9|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.14|AUTODETECT|” simply records the outcry of a devout child of God, and has nothing to do with the Messiah, are covered with a veil 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.14|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.27|AUTODETECT|” ). These people are forgetting two things: first, the unbreakable bond existing between the old and the new dispensation 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.27|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.44|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.44|AUTODETECT|”
  5. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.46|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.5.46|AUTODETECT|” John 5:46) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.1-46.10.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.1-46.10.4|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:1 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.4|AUTODETECT|” ); and secondly, the indissoluble tie between Christ and his true followers 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.4|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.7|AUTODETECT|” 22:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.26.14|AUTODETECT|” 26:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.24|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The propriety of appealing to Scripture, as Paul does frequently and has done just now, is based on the principle embodied in verse ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
  1. For whatever was written in former times was written for our instruction, in order that, through patient endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 A very practical and unforgettable passage! In brief it informs us that if religion is going to mean anything to us we must practice it. Whatever was written in the Scriptures which for Paul meant what we now call The Old Testament was written for our instruction. ) As often, so also here, that word instruction indicates far more than impartation of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 intellectual) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 knowledge. The emphasis, in fact, is on ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 practical) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 knowledge, knowledge that can be, and should be, applied to living the life of a Christian. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Two things are necessary if the sacred writings are going to be of benefit to us: ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 a. patient endurance) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Anyone who diligently studies Scripture, asking God to apply its teachings to his heart and life, will be hurt by it again and again, for he will become more and more conscious of the fact that the distance between his own conduct and the ideal held before him in Holy Writ is great indeed. Nevertheless, he must pray for ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 strength to persist) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in this study, learning more and more how to apply it to his life. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 b. the encouragement of the Scriptures) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Those who by God s grace and power persist in such a practical study will discover that these sacred writings, written in former times, not only hurt but also heal. In fact, they are filled with ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 encouraging) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 promises, which, when accepted by God-given faith, result in the birth and growth, within men s hearts, of firmly rooted Christian ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 hope) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . See on verse 12. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 What Paul is saying therefore is that the way in which Scripture will become a blessing for ourselves and through us also for others, is to put it into practice. ) In a thrilling conclusion to his book��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref29 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn29”
  1. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Col. E. W. Starling emphasizes that for the sake of the welfare of ourselves and of our nation we must begin to take to heart that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Christianity is) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 not just a theory to be believed but ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a living force) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 5, 6. May the God (who is the Source) of patient endurance and of encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 In the present passage the two concepts patient endurance and encouragement are taken up again from verse 4. The apostle, addressing the membership of the Roman church and all others who then or later would be made acquainted with the contents of this epistle, utters the solemn prayer-wish that, through the practical and devotional use of the Scriptures, the addressed, being made the recipients of the aforementioned two precious blessings, may reach the goal of living in harmony with one another. Cf. 12:16. ) He adds a phrase about which there has been much controversy, but which can probably best be rendered in accord with Christ Jesus. Just what does he mean by this? ) Some interpret the little phrase to mean in accord with ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the will) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of Christ Jesus. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref30 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn30”
  2. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Others, in accord with ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the pattern or example) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of Christ Jesus. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref31 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn31”
  3. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� If a choice has to be made between these two my preference would be for the latter, since the context twice refers to Christ as the believers example (verses 3 and 7). However, is it not possible that in accord with Christ Jesus ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref32 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn32”
  4. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� is broad enough to comprise both ideas? Does it not mean, in accord with that which Christ Jesus has revealed concerning himself both by precept and example ? To the present interpreter it would seem that Murray is correct when he states that what is after Christ s example must always accord with his will.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref33 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn33”
  5. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Accordingly Paul is expressing the prayer-wish that true believers everywhere and of every variety, whether strong or weak, may strive to reach the goal of living in harmony with one another and thus also with the example and will of Christ Jesus. ) It is not necessary that Christians think exactly alike on every subject. But it is necessary that in the lives of all God s children the love of Christ Jesus be reflected and his will be done. Thus all will become truly united into one holy and powerful fellowship, one ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 body) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.1-49.4.6|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.1-49.4.6|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:1 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.14|AUTODETECT|” . Thus, and thus alone, the stated purpose will be realized, namely, that with one heart and mouth 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.46|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.46|AUTODETECT|” 2:46) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.150.0|AUTODETECT|” ) you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. On glorifying God see also ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.150.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 150) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.1|AUTODETECT|” John 17:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” The expression The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.31|AUTODETECT|” 11:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) should present no difficulty. The title ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 God) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of our Lord Jesus Christ places the emphasis on Christ s ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 human) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 nature, and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Father) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of our Lord Jesus Christ calls attention to the Son s ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 divine) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.46|AUTODETECT|” nature, for not nativistic but trinitarian sonship is referred to here, a kind of sonship in which Christ, by whatever name he is called, is placed on a par with the Father and the Spirit. For more about this see pp. 253, 254 on 8:9 11; and p. 315 on 9:5. See also ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.46|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:46) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.34|AUTODETECT|” (=) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.34|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.17|AUTODETECT|” ) and ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.17|AUTODETECT|” John 20:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 If we should stop at this point, we still would not have done justice to the wonderful prayer-wish found in verses 5 and 6. To catch the true meaning of the passage it should be brought into relationship with the person of Paul, the apostle; that is, with his actual situation at the time he dictated this epistle. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.3|AUTODETECT|” As was shown earlier (pp. 14, 15), when Paul composed Romans he was working in Corinth. He was by no means living on Easy Street in that city; not now 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.3|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.6|AUTODETECT|” ), nor earlier. For the earlier situation in Corinth see ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.6|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.12|AUTODETECT|”
  6. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.11|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.3|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.3|AUTODETECT|” 2:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.1|AUTODETECT|” 3:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1|AUTODETECT|” 5:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.14|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.14|AUTODETECT|” 10:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.20|AUTODETECT|” 11:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 f. Besides, even before composing Romans the apostle had experienced a series of afflictions (see pp. 11, 12) so sharp and bitter that we may well ask whether under comparable circumstances many a present-day pastor would not have sent in his letter of resignation. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.5|AUTODETECT|” Nevertheless, so firmly fixed is Paul s resolution to continue, come what may, that he even rejoices in the Lord, and here in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.6|AUTODETECT|”
  7. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 speaks of God as the source of the believers patient endurance and encouragement. Moreover, when he thinks of the Savior his enthusiasm knows no bounds, so that his language builds up to the striking climax: Christ (15:3), Christ Jesus (verse 5), our Lord Jesus Christ (verse 6). What a marvelous Christian leader, this man Paul! Rather, what a marvelous God, this Source of patient endurance and of encouragement, this God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, to the glory of God.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 In connection with this passage the question has been asked, Does to the glory of God modify Christ accepted you, or does it go with Accept one another ? The right answer is probably, In a sense it modifies both. What Paul is saying amounts to this, Just as Christ accepted you in order that by means of that acceptance God might be glorified for he certainly is glorified by the hearts and lives of the accepted ones so, and with the same ultimate purpose in mind, you should accept one another. ) The high ideal expressed in verses 5 and 6, namely, to live in harmony with one another and with heart and mouth to glorify God, here (in verse 7) becomes the basis for the exhortation that the addressed should accept one another. See what has been said with respect to this acceptance in connection with 14:1 (including footnote 372). However, here (15:7) the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 reciprocal) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 character of this acceptance is stressed. Not only should the strong accept the weak (as in 14:1), but the weak must also welcome the strong. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Before leaving this passage it should be pointed out that between (a) Christ s deed of accepting sinners, transforming them into beloved sons and daughters, and (b) the believers acceptance of one another there is an almost infinite qualitative difference. For Christ to be able to accept sinners meant nothing less than leaving the glories of heaven, entering into the miseries of earth, and undergoing a death so agonizing that words are lacking to describe it. for saved sinners to accept one another implies no such sacrifice. Hymn writers have given expression to the contrast between the divine sacrifice and human sacrifices; See especially Frances Havergal s I Gave My Life for Thee and Isaac Watts When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. And as for the ultimate purpose of all human activity that is acceptable to God see Fanny Crosby s To God Be the Glory. ) The duty of Jew and Gentile to live in harmony with each other to God s glory is re-emphasized in verses: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 8, 9a. For I declare that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised for the sake of God s ) 10 1 -1 9 0 0 truth) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , to confirm the promises made to the fathers; but the Gentiles glorify God for the sake of (his) ) 10 1 -1 9 0 0 mercy) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 & ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.7-48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Verses 8, 9a indicate that not only for the Jews 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.7-48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:7 9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1|AUTODETECT|” ; and see footnote 119 on p. 149) but also for the Gentiles Christ has become and continues to be a servant. Cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.42.1|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 42:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.5|AUTODETECT|” . It was to the Jews that, during his public ministry, Jesus turned his attention first of all 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.6|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.24|AUTODETECT|” 15:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.11|AUTODETECT|” John 1:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). To them he ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ministered) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” ; i.e., rendered humble, personal service 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:45) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.27|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 He did this in order ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to confirm God s truth) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , his reliability, his ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 faithfulness) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.1-1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” to the covenant promise, the promise made to Abraham 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.1-1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 12:1 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.1|AUTODETECT|” 15:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” 17:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.19|AUTODETECT|” 18:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.18|AUTODETECT|” 22:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.1|AUTODETECT|” ), Isaac 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.1|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 26:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.28.13-1.28.15|AUTODETECT|” f.), Jacob 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.28.13-1.28.15|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 28:13 15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.32.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.32.28|AUTODETECT|” 32:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.46.2-1.46.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.46.2-1.46.4|AUTODETECT|” 46:2 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.1|AUTODETECT|” ), and Israel as a people 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.1|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.24.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.24.8|AUTODETECT|” 24:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Christ ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 confirmed) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the promise by again and again causing it to be realized in hearts and lives. Note the plural, promises, indicating ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the various affirmations) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of the one central promise. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.9|AUTODETECT|” However, not only Jews but also Gentiles were blessed by the work of Christ, for from the very start it was the divine intention to gather his elect also from the latter. See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 f., pp. 149 152; and 9:23 f., pp. 330. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Therefore, though, strictly speaking, God originally established his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the people of Israel, all of them Jews, nevertheless his ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 mercy) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.45.22|AUTODETECT|” extended also to the Gentiles; in fact, to the ends of the earth 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.45.22|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 45:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.52.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.52.10|AUTODETECT|” 52:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” ), to all its families 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 12:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 5 3 8 0 0 For the love of God is broader ) Than the measure of man s mind; ) And the heart of the Eternal ) Is most wonderfully kind. ) from ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 There s a Wideness in God s Mercy) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 by F. W. Faber ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 So, in connection with the work of Christ for ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Israel) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 it is especially God s ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 truth, his covenant faithfulness) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , that stands out; and in connection with his work among ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the Gentiles) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 it is predominantly his comprehensive, condescending ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 mercy) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 that shines forth. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It has been suggested that the reason Paul makes this distinction between Israel and the Gentiles is that he is still thinking about the weak versus the strong, the former being mostly Jews, the latter mostly Gentiles. That suggestion may well be correct. But was there not, perhaps, a more basic reason for the distinction Paul draws? ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 To be sure, no one is saved except through God-imparted, personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” 14:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 approach) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.8|AUTODETECT|” to one group differs from that to the other. The distinction clearly spelled out here in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.9|AUTODETECT|”
  2. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a must not be ignored.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref34 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn34”
  3. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Contrast Peter s ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 covenant-promise) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|” appeal, as recorded in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:38) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.39|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.39|AUTODETECT|”
  4. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , with Paul s appeal to ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the kindness or mercy of God) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.17|AUTODETECT|” as described in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.17|AUTODETECT|” Acts 14:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and 17:24, 25. Both Peter and Paul were right in speaking as they did, but Peter was addressing a predominantly Jewish audience, while Paul, both at Lystra and in Athens, was speaking to Gentiles. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|” Before conversion has occurred the initial approach to Jews differs from that to Gentiles, though ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.12|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 holds for both. But when Jews and Gentiles have become believers, they are ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 one) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.11|AUTODETECT|” people, as Paul clearly teaches 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.11|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.12|AUTODETECT|”
  5. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) symbolized by ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 one) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 olive tree (11:17 f.). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In view of Christ s mediatorial work, there is now ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 one) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 body of believers. The cementing of this unity (see verses 5 7) was one of the chief goals of this missionary to the Gentiles. See p. 23. Through the work of Paul and others God saw to it that also the Gentiles would be ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 glorifying) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 God, as 15:9b 12 is about to show.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref35 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn35”
  6. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 9b 12. as it is written:) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Therefore I will praise thee among the Gentiles,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 and sing hymns to thy name. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 And again, it says,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Rejoice, you Gentiles, together with his people. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 And again,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 let all the peoples praise him. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 And again, Isaiah says,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 There will spring up the root of Jesse,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 he who arises to rule over the Gentiles.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 In him shall the Gentiles hope. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref36 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn36”
  7. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Again, as so often, Paul appeals to Scripture for corroboration of what he has just now said (see verses 8, 9a). He quotes four very appropriate passages. The first and third are from the book of Psalms; the second is from the Law; the fourth, from the Prophets, so that the three main divisions of the Old Testament are all represented here. Note as it is written ; also And again ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 it) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 says, where it means Scripture. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The four quotations are not selected at random, but form a striking climax.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref37 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn37”
  8. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.18.49|AUTODETECT|” In the first quotation 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.18.49|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 18:49) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) the Psalmist states that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 he) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.43|AUTODETECT|” will declare God s name among the Gentiles. In the second 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.43|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:43) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the Gentiles are summoned to join) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.117.1|AUTODETECT|” in praising God. In the third 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.117.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 117:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) the Gentiles are called upon ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 independently) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.10|AUTODETECT|” to praise God. And in the fourth 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.10|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 11:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) the attention is fixed upon the (Shoot springing up from the) Root of Jesse, who will rule over the Gentiles, and in whom they will ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 hope) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . He is the One apart from whom the promises made to the fathers (verse 8) would remain unfulfilled, and without whom the Gentiles (verse 9a) would never be able to glorify God. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 With Paul hope is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 justifiable expectation) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . It is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the solid foundation for future bliss) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.19|AUTODETECT|” . It is the mainspring of the believers courage and stick-to-it-ive-ness. Not only for the writer of the letter to the Hebrews but certainly also for Paul Christian hope is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure, and entering into the inner sanctuary & where Jesus Isaiah 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.19|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.20|AUTODETECT|”
  9. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.8|AUTODETECT|” ). This very Jesus is the One apart from whom the promises made to the fathers 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) would remain unfulfilled, and without whom the Christians from among the Gentiles (verse 9a) would never be able to glorify God. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It is not surprising, therefore, that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 hope) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.18|AUTODETECT|” is a subject on which Paul loves to dwell 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.18|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.2|AUTODETECT|” 5:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.4|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.4|AUTODETECT|”
  10. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.5|AUTODETECT|”
  11. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.20|AUTODETECT|” 8:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.24|AUTODETECT|”
  12. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.25|AUTODETECT|”
  13. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.12|AUTODETECT|” 12:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.4|AUTODETECT|” 15:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.12|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.5|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.18|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.5|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.23|AUTODETECT|”
  14. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.27|AUTODETECT|”
  15. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , etc.). In fact, in the very next verse the apostle directs the attention of the hearers and readers once more to hope and to its Source. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
  1. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, in the exercise of (your) faith, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may overflow with hope.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 Note the following: ) a. Another earnest and impressive prayer-wish. Cf. verse 5. ) b. the God of hope. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.19|AUTODETECT|” This hope does not indicate a weak aspiration but a firmly rooted expectation. See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.19|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.20|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . The phrase the God of hope means: the God who is the Source of hope and imparts it to those who trust him. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 c. The object of this hope is God Triune as revealed in the Shoot springing up from the Root of Jesse; in other words, as disclosed in the Lord Jesus Christ. See also above, on verse 12. ) d. joy and peace. This is the joy unspeakable and full of glory -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref38 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn38” A.V.) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.8|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ), and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). See pp. 169, 249. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Paul was well aware of the fact that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 in the presence of such joy and peace no room would be left for quarrels between the weak and the strong) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 e. in the exercise of your faith. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.50|AUTODETECT|” Faith is God s gift, indeed, but that does not cancel the fact that man must exercise it. See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.50|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:50) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.13|AUTODETECT|”
  2. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.13|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 f. Though it is man who must exercise faith, he cannot do so by his own power but by the power of the Holy Spirit. ) g. you may ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 overflow) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 with hope. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 In Paul s writings we find a constant emphasis on the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 overflowing) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.20|AUTODETECT|” or super character of redemption in Christ. See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.20|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.4|AUTODETECT|” , p. 184; further also ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.4|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 7:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.10|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 3:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.3|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 1:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.14|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; etc. In our present passage note ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 fill & all & overflow. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 h. with hope. See above, under b. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|” And will Christian hope be emptied in delight ? Will it vanish at the moment when the soul enters heaven? The answer is found in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.0|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 : Now ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 abideth) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 faith, hope, and love, these ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 three) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 & ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 What a marvelous prayer-wish! ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.1-45.15.13|AUTODETECT|” Practical Lessons Derived from ) 14 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.1-45.15.13|AUTODETECT|” Romans 14:1 15:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 14:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Him who is weak in faith accept, but not with the idea of passing judgment on (his) opinions. Time flies. Elimination of quarrels about non-essentials would conserve time and energy for proclaiming the good news of salvation to a world lost in sin. Also, if you wish to cure a person of his error, first of all make him feel accepted. If his error is not basic, he may see it and, with the help of God, correct it before you even mention it. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.1|AUTODETECT|” Who are you that you dare pass judgment on someone else s servant? See also ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.1|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . That brother on whom you pass judgment is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 not your servant but God s) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Besides, it is God alone who knows all that needs to be known before a judgment can be pronounced. We have no right to try to play God! ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 15a) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 For if your brother is seriously upset because of what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Always bear in mind: One loving deed is more valuable than a hundred correct opinions. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 15b) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Remember: that brother whom you are offending is a very valuable person. He was bought with Christ s own blood! Be careful, therefore, how you treat him! ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 Let us then pursue the things that lead to peace and to mutual edification. Before I make an attempt to argue with my brother about eating and drinking or any other matter of secondary religious significance, I should ask myself the following questions: ) a. Am I sufficiently well-informed about this matter? ) b. Will this debate be helpful to the brother? Will it really ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 edify) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 him? ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to stumble. What you are doing or are about to do may be ever so ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 lawful) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . The question, however, is, Is it ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 helpful) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.12|AUTODETECT|” ? See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.12|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.23|AUTODETECT|” 10:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 15:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 7 3 8 0 0 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, to the glory of God. ) A very appropriate text for a sermon & on any Sunday of the year, but perhaps especially at the beginning of a new year. ) Theme: ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER ) 1. Universal Need ) 2. Generous Provision ) 3. Resulting Obligation ) 4. Ultimate Purpose ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.10|AUTODETECT|” The first two points would be mainly introductory. See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.10|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.23|AUTODETECT|”
  3. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.7|AUTODETECT|” for point 1; and 3:24 for point 2. The main thrust of the sermon would center on point 3 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a) and point 4 (see 15:7b). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, in the exercise of (your) faith, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may overflow with hope. ) Even though, strictly speaking, this is not a prayer but a wish, this wish can easily be changed into a prayer, since it certainly implies the prayer, O God of hope, fill us with all joy and peace & so that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may overflow with hope. ) Note the following: ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.8|AUTODETECT|” a. What kind of joy and peace? See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.8|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” and ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Why are these gifts very important? See 15:13d. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 b. How are these blessings obtained? Answer: by exercising faith, which implies the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. ) c. How generously are they supplied? Note: fill, all. In fact, God grants us even more than we ask. We ask for joy and peace. He grants us joy and peace ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 and hope) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; in fact, a hope so abundant that it ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 overflows) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the boundaries of our hearts and minds & and will never cease to do so. In this connection see my book ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Bible on the Life Hereafter) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 70 74. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 14:1 15:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 This can be found on pp. 453, 454. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 370 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Literally: The faith which you have, have it to yourself before God. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 371 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Or: who wavers. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 372 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 �������������� (14:1 and 15:7), 2nd per. pl. pres. mid. imperat. of �����������, to take to oneself; hence, to accept, welcome. Note the third per. s. aor. mid. indicat. of the same verb in 14:3 and again in 15:7. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.10|AUTODETECT|” ����������, nom. and acc. pl. (here acc. after �0�) of ���������, a distinguishing or judging. Cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.10|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 12:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (ability to distinguish or judge between). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.19|AUTODETECT|” �����������, gen. pl. (here objective gen.) of �����������, opinion, thought, reasoning. On this word (s. and pl.) see also N.T.C. on Mark, pp. 282 286. In nearly every instance the deliberations or reasonings are of a sinful nature. See the following passages: ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.15.19|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 15:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.21|AUTODETECT|” Mark 7:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.5.22|AUTODETECT|” Luke 5:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.8|AUTODETECT|” 6:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.46|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.46|AUTODETECT|” 9:46) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.47|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.47|AUTODETECT|”
  4. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.38|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.38|AUTODETECT|” 24:38) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.20|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.8|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.4|AUTODETECT|” James 2:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 373 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 For the opposite view see K�semann, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 369. Unless there is a good reason to do otherwise, the pronoun (here �P���) should be interpreted as referring to its nearest antecedent, which in the present case is �x� �������. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 374 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Though textual support for the conjunction ��� at the beginning of this sentence, so that it would read C� �r� �p� ������, etc., is rather strong, the context makes clear that if this ��� is authentic it cannot very well be interpreted as indicating cause but it must be viewed as continuative. Whether it is regarded as continuative or as unauthentic, in either case it can be omitted in translation. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 375 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 So, for example, Lenski, on this passage. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 376 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 C. Hodge, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 660, 661. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 377 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See Ridderbos, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 306. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 378 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 A view favored by K�semann, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 370. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 379 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 I fully agree, accordingly, with Cranfield 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 705) on this point. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 380 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Literally to the Lord. Such a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 dative) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 can be viewed as one ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 of advantage) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 381 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.9|AUTODETECT|” First of all see above, p. 221, footnote 192. The textual tradition of ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 14:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is by no means uniform, but ������� ��v ����� has the strongest support. Someone has tried to change the text by substituting ����� for �����. There is also a variant that substitutes ������� for �����, and there are variants that have all three verbs. Sometimes the sequence in which ������� and ����� follow each other has been reversed. The logic of the passage favors the already indicated parallel: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 died) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 lived) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 followed by ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the dead) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the living) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . It is clear, of course, that the words Christ lived imply his resurrection. The possibility that ����� is an ingressive aorist, and means became alive or began to live must be granted. But the obvious parallel noted above seems to require died and lived. It is because of Christ s death and because of his life in heaven that God s children are living to the glory of God. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 382 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 LXX: ������������� ���� ������; Paul: ���� ������ �������������. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 383 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Greek ������ & ��������, Let us pass judgment no more. ��p ����� �������, but decide this. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 384 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.13|AUTODETECT|” ���������, in addition to its occurrence here in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.13|AUTODETECT|” Romans 14:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.32|AUTODETECT|” , is found also in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:32) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.33|AUTODETECT|”
  5. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.20|AUTODETECT|” 14:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 8:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.8|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Meaning: (a) ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 literal) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , rock or other hard object against which a person may strike his foot, causing him to stumble or even to fall; (b) ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 figurative) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , an occasion to take offense, an obstacle to the development of spiritual life or happiness, an incentive to sin. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.41|AUTODETECT|” ���������, also in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.41|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 13:41) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.23|AUTODETECT|” 16:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.7|AUTODETECT|” 18:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.1|AUTODETECT|” Luke 17:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.33|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:33) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.9|AUTODETECT|” 11:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.17|AUTODETECT|” 16:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.23|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.11|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.8|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.10|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 2:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Meaning: (a) ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 literal) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , the bait-stick in a trap or snare; (b) ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 figurative) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 (about the same as ���������), obstacle, that which causes opposition, resentment, offense, sin. On ��������� and ��������� see also G. St�hlin, Th.D.N.T., respectively, Vol. VI, pp. 756, 757, and Vol. VII, pp. 352 358. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 385 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ���������, 1st perf. pass. indicat. of �����, to persuade. To add strength to the expression this verb is even preceded by �6��. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 386 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.9|AUTODETECT|” ��������, 3rd. per. s. pres. pass. indicat. of �����, to cause serious grief or distress. This verb occurs also in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.14.9|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 14:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.17.23|AUTODETECT|” 17:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.31|AUTODETECT|” 18:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.19.22|AUTODETECT|” 19:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.22|AUTODETECT|” 26:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.37|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.37|AUTODETECT|”
  6. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.22|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.19|AUTODETECT|” 14:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.20|AUTODETECT|” John 16:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.17|AUTODETECT|” 21:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.30|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.13|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.6|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and frequently in II Cor., beginning with 2:2. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 387 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 See General Bibliography. ) The references are to the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 commentaries) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 written by the following: ) -60 3 2 0 2 0

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  1. TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 95-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Calvin, p. 506) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data =9-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Harrison, p. 148) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data =9-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 K�semann, p. 376) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ��-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Christian liberty: freedom from ceremonial observance) TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 95-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Murray, p. 193) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data QM-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Sanday and Headlam, p. 391) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data UQ-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Van Leeuwen & Jacobs, p. 263) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0
  2. TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ]Y-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 the kingdom (or kingship) of God) TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ��-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greijdanus 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Kommentaar) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), Vol. II, p. 605) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0
  3. TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ��-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Lekkerkerker, Vol. II, p. 165 (mentions both salvation and evangelical freedom)) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ��-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Lenski, p. 839 (the whole Christian faith, our whole salvation, the gospel)) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data /+-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 salvation) TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data yu-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Luther, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Works) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Vol. 25, p. 504) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ?;-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Ridderbos, p. 312) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data QM-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Cranfield, Vol. II, p. 717) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0
  4. TDc.BestWidthtc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data C?-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Hodge, pp. 667, 668) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 1–8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 the gospel) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 388 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See also N.T.C. on Matthew, pp. 249, 250. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 389 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.10|AUTODETECT|” �������, approved, respected, esteemed. See also ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.10|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 11:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.18|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 10:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.7|AUTODETECT|” 13:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.15|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.12|AUTODETECT|” James 1:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 390 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Though the reading �������� instead of �������� has strong support, it cannot be accepted. The transition from a conjectural, We are pursuing the things that lead to peace & (verse 19) to Do not tear down the work & (verse 20), would be very unnatural and abrupt. Besides, as it is true that didactic style predominates in the earlier part of the book of Romans, so hortatory style can be expected in the latter part. See, for example, 14:13. For the rest the reader s attention is called to footnote 140, p. 168. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 391 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The original reads, ��p ���x� �� ������ �� ��p ������������ �������. Here the phrase ��p ��. expresses accompaniment or attendant circumstance. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 12 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 392 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.1|AUTODETECT|” That which is recommended as being good or better is expressed by means of an infinitive (in the present case articular), which forms the subject of the clause. Cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 7:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.8|AUTODETECT|”
  5. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.26|AUTODETECT|”
  6. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.9|AUTODETECT|” : ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.9|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 13:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref24” 393 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.13|AUTODETECT|” Here not the more general ����� (verses 15, 20) or ������ (verse 17), but ����, pl. of ������d245, flesh-meat, as in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.13|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 8:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , the only other occurrence of this word in the New Testament. Cf. pan) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 creas) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; lit., all flesh. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref25” 394 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 On the assumption that the Nestle-Aland text is correct, something like ��� �� ������� (to do anything else) must be supplied in thought. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn26 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref26” 395 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The verb ������� here ���������, pres. act. infin. occurs more than 25 times in the New Testament. It is especially common in the Gospels and in Acts. It means: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to carry) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.13|AUTODETECT|” 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.14.13|AUTODETECT|” Mark 14:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.10|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.14|AUTODETECT|” ), stretcher 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.31|AUTODETECT|” ), stones 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.31|AUTODETECT|” John 10:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.6|AUTODETECT|” ), money 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.6|AUTODETECT|” John 12:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ); also ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to carry) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.15|AUTODETECT|” 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.15|AUTODETECT|” John 20:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.10|AUTODETECT|” ), a yoke 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.10|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.35|AUTODETECT|” ), a man, Paul 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.35|AUTODETECT|” Acts 21:35) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.7|AUTODETECT|” ), a woman 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.7|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 17:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.2|AUTODETECT|” ). In ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.1|AUTODETECT|” and also here in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 it can best be interpreted in the figurative sense ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to bear) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 carry) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.10|AUTODETECT|” the burdens, cares or scruples, griefs or failings, of another person or of other persons. For a somewhat different meaning see ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.10|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to bear) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.2|AUTODETECT|” a person s judgment = to pay the penalty); and ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.2|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 2:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to tolerate) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.12|AUTODETECT|” , put up with). In ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 the sense is: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to endure) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.12|AUTODETECT|” ; and in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.12|AUTODETECT|” John 16:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.17|AUTODETECT|” and ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.17|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to bear) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 ���������, pl. of �������, in the New Testament occurring only here, means weakness, failing. In the present context the word refers to the scruples of those whom Paul describes as being weak. The literal meaning of ������ is without strength. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn27 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref27” 396 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 For a different answer, one worthy of serious consideration, see Cranfield, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Vol. II. pp. 733, 734. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn28 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref28” 397 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|” Other New Testament quotations from ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are as follows: ) -60 3 2 0 2 0

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T.BorderStyle rvtbColorT.BorderVSpacingT.BorderHSpacingT.VisibleBorders.Bottom T.CellPaddingT.CellBorderStyle rvtbColorT.CellVSpacing�T.CellHSpacing�C TDc.BestWidthLc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data TP-8 1 3 2 16 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.0|AUTODETECT|” Psalms 69) TDc.BestWidth#c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 73-8 1 3 2 8 1 3 8 0 0 New Testament) TDc.BestWidthLc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -)-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse(s)) TDc.BestWidth#c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidthLc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 4) TDc.BestWidth#c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data YU-8 1 3 2 13 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.25|AUTODETECT|” John 15:25) TDc.BestWidthLc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 9a) TDc.BestWidth#c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data VR-8 1 3 2 13 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.2.17|AUTODETECT|” John 2:17) TDc.BestWidthLc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 21) TDc.BestWidth#c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data UQ-8 1 3 2 13 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.48|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.48|AUTODETECT|” 48) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.23|AUTODETECT|” Mark 15:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.36|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.15.36|AUTODETECT|” 36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.23.36|AUTODETECT|” Luke 23:36) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.28|AUTODETECT|” John 19:28) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) TDc.BestWidthLc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data )%-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 22, 23) TDc.BestWidth#c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ��-8 1 3 2 13 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) TDc.BestWidthLc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 24) TDc.BestWidth#c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data VR-8 1 3 2 13 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.1|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 16:1) TDc.BestWidthLc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 25) TDc.BestWidth#c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data VR-8 1 3 2 13 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.20|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:20) TDc.BestWidthLc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 28) TDc.BestWidth#c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 73-8 1 3 2 13 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.3|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.5|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 3:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.13.8|AUTODETECT|” 13:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.8|AUTODETECT|” 17:8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.12|AUTODETECT|” 20:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.27|AUTODETECT|” 21:27) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn29 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref29” 398 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Starling of the White House) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Chicago, p. 327. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn30 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref30” 399 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Cranfield, p. 737; Michaelis, Th.D.N.T., Vol. I, p. 669; K�semann, p. 383. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn31 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref31” 400 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Harrison, p. 152; Greijdanus, Vol. II, p. 621; Ridderbos, p. 322. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn32 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref32” 401 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Original ���p �����x� 8�����. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn33 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref33” 402 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Vol. II, p. 201. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn34 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref34” 403 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 For more on this see my little book ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Covenant of Grace) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , especially pp. 9 11; 39 76. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn35 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref35” 404 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It is probably best to regard both �����x� & ������� and �p �r ��� & ���� as being directly dependent upon ����. So construed note contrasting parallels: ) -60 3 2 0 2 0

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T.BorderStyle rvtbColorT.BorderVSpacingT.BorderHSpacingT.VisibleBorders.Bottom T.CellPaddingT.CellBorderStyle rvtbColorT.CellVSpacing�T.CellHSpacing� rvcMiddlec.Data %!-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Jews) TDc.BestWidthfc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -)-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Gentiles) rvcMiddlec.Data ‘#-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 truth) TDc.BestWidthfc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ‘#-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 mercy) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn36 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref36” 405 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Details respecting the Greek text:) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 9b ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.18.49|AUTODETECT|” This is taken from what is ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.18.49|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 18:49) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.18.50|AUTODETECT|” in our English Bible. In the Hebrew Bible it is found in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.18.50|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 18:50) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.9|AUTODETECT|” ; and in the LXX in Ps. 17:50. Paul s text here in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.22.50|AUTODETECT|” b is in complete accord with the masoretic text. The LXX text adds the word ����� (O Lord) after ������ (Gentiles, nations). See also ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.22.50|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 22:50) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 10 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.43|AUTODETECT|” This is an exact quotation of the LXX version of (part of) ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.43|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:43) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 11 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.117.1|AUTODETECT|” This reflects what is ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.117.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 117:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.116.1|AUTODETECT|” in our English Bible; LXX ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.116.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 116:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -60 3 2 0 2 0

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T.BorderStyle rvtbColorT.BorderVSpacingT.BorderHSpacingT.VisibleBorders.Bottom T.CellPaddingT.CellBorderStyle rvtbColorT.CellVSpacing�T.CellHSpacing�CTDc.BestWidth+c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data YU-8 1 3 2 8 1 3 8 0 0 LXX (translated into English):) TDc.BestWidthEc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data GC-8 1 3 2 8 1 3 8 0 0 Paul (word for word):) TDc.BestWidth+c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data _[-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles) TDc.BestWidthEc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data a]-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Praise, all you Gentiles, the Lord) TDc.BestWidth+c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data UQ-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 Praise him, all you peoples.) TDc.BestWidthEc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ea-8 1 3 2 6 1 3 8 0 0 And let praise him, all the peoples.) 6 2 3 8 0 0 A comparison of Paul s text with that of the LXX will show that he has made three minor changes: a transposition in the first line; and in the second the addition of And plus the substitution of the third for the second person. ) Verse 12 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.10|AUTODETECT|” For the quotation from ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.10|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 11:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul follows the LXX text, but omits � �� !���� ����� (in that day). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn37 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref37” 406 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 So also Ridderbos, p. 326. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn38 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref38” A.V. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Authorized Version (King James)) 6 2 3 8 0 0 ) CHAPTER) 6 1 3 12 0 0 15:14 16:27 ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 Outline (continued) ) Practical Application ) Conclusion ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Closing Commendation and Explanation of Boldness in Writing) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are rich in goodness & Nevertheless, I have written to you rather boldly & because of the commission God in his grace has granted me, to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles ) 15:14 16 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Review of the Past) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 From Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ ) 15:17 22 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Plan for the Future) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Now & I am on my way to Jerusalem, in the service of the saints.& When I have completed this task & I will go to you on my way to Spain ) 15:23 29 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Prayer Request) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 I exhort you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me ) 15:30 33 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Commendation of Phoebe. Paul s Own Greetings and Those of All the Churches) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus ) 16:1 16 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Final Warning) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 I exhort you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions ) 16:17 20 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Greetings of Friends) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Timothy, my fellow-worker, greets you ) 16:21 23 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Doxology) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 7 3 8 0 0 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ & be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. ) 16:25 27 ) Conclusion ) Closing Commendation and Explanation of Boldness in Writing ) I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are rich in goodness & Nevertheless, I have written to you rather boldly & because of the commission God in his grace has granted me, to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles ) 15:14 16 ) 14 I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are rich in goodness, amply filled with knowledge, and competent also to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, I have written to you rather boldly on some points, so as to remind you of them again. (I have done so) because of the commission God in his grace has granted me,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1” 407) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, in order that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable (to him), sanctified by the Holy Spirit. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Approaching this part of Paul s Epistle to the Romans we should by all means avoid the mistake of thinking that what is found in 15:14 16:27 is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 only) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a conclusion, a kind of P.S., or Appendix, which, with very little loss, one could well afford to skip. On the contrary, neglecting or even under-estimating the importance of 15:14 16:27 would amount to missing a very important part of the application of the doctrine of justification by faith. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.1-45.15.13|AUTODETECT|” We should bear in mind that the person who composed this letter had experienced, and was experiencing, the effects of this very basic doctrine in his own life. What kind of a person resulted? By means of the very spirit that is revealed in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.1-45.15.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:1 15:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul has already told us something about himself (see, for example, chapter 12), as he has done also in such individual passages as 1:8 16; 7:7 25; 8:38, 39; 9:1 4; 10:1; 11:1. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that by far the most of 1:1 15:13 is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 doctrinal) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 in character. However beginning with 15:14 Paul becomes intensely ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 personal) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . In a very natural one might almost say unintentional manner he shows us, by his own example, what kind of a person ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 he) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , this justified-by-faith individual, has become. In reading even the opening verses of this Conclusion we are arrested by his ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 tact, modesty, prudence, humility, and concern for the feelings of others) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Consequently here, indeed, is sermon material! Are not such qualities in association, of course, with all-important trust in God the very ones which should be in evidence in our lives? And if a minister should be afraid to dwell on these virtues, because he knows that in ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 his) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 own life these traits are not exactly outstanding, is not his very awareness of this fact all the more a reason why he should proclaim their necessity loudly and clearly. so that both his congregation and he himself may receive a transforming blessing? ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 As we read this Conclusion we are reminded of 1:5, 8 16. In the earlier verses Paul gave expression to his yearning to visit his friends in Rome. That thought returns here (15:23, 24, 32). In 1:5 he made mention of his gift of apostleship. In 15:15 he again refers to this commission which God in his grace has granted him. Were we astounded by the depth of Paul s humility revealed in his earlier statement, I am yearning to see you & in order that we may be mutually encouraged by each other s faith & (1:11, 12)?

We are no less astonished by his boundless generosity as he now writes, I myself am convinced & that you yourselves are rich in goodness, amply supplied with knowledge, and competent also to admonish one another (15:14). ) But though what Paul writes in 15:14 f. is a somewhat amplified restatement of what he had written in the earlier part of his letter, there are also differences. In 1:13 he had merely stated that until now he had been prevented from visiting his Roman friends. Here, in 15:19 23, he gives at least a partial answer to the question what it was that had prevented him from coming. Moreover, in this later section he is far more explicit in revealing his traveling plans (15:23 29) than he had been earlier (1:8 15). Note also the prayer request now added (15:30 f.). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
14. I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are rich in goodness, amply filled with knowledge, and competent also to admonish one another.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 1 3 8 0 0
Paul does not make use of flattery. He feels, however, that in view of the fact that he has pointed out certain weaknesses pertaining to groups and individuals within the church, he should now emphasize that these blemishes do not diminish his high regard for the church as a whole. He says, I myself am convinced that you yourselves are ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
rich in goodness) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|”
; that is, in kindliness, generosity of heart and action 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=48.5.22|AUTODETECT|”
Gal. 5:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.5.9|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=49.5.9|AUTODETECT|”
Eph. 5:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=53.1.11|AUTODETECT|”
; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=53.1.11|AUTODETECT|”
II Thess. 1:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
). He adds, filled with knowledge, practical discernment of every kind. He even credits them with being able independently that is, without the help of Paul or anyone else to caution one another against specific faults. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
Today the word counseling is heard again and again. Ever so many books and articles have been written about it. Well, the apostle here reveals that also in this respect there is nothing new under the sun. There was mutual counseling already in his day, and it was of a high character. By and large the members of the Roman church were ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
competent) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
to admonish one another. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0
What makes Paul s remark even more heart-warming is the fact that in making it he addresses the members as being his brothers. For this term of affection see on 1:13 (p. 52) and 7:1 (pp. 214, 215). Note strengthening modifier my here (15:14), adding to the cordial nature of a passage which shows how filled to overflowing with love was this heart of Paul; better still, how rich were the fruits of the operation of the Holy Spirit in his life. ) Paul continues: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0
15a. Nevertheless, I have written to you rather boldly on some points, so as to remind you of them again.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 2 3 8 0 0
The apostle had issued warning against such evils as antinomian tendencies (ch. 6), arrogance on the part of some (11:20, 21; 12:3), opposition to governmental authorities (13:2), the strong ridiculing the weak, and the weak condemning the strong (14:1 f.). Mercifully he adds, so as to remind you, as if to say, Of course, you knew all these things, and needed only a reminder. ) What Paul is saying is not entirely the same as, but nevertheless reminds one of, lines in Pope s ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0
Essay on Criticism) 6 1 -1 9 0 0
) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Men must be taught as if you taught them not, ) And things unknown proposed as things forgot. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 15b, 16. (I have done so) because of the commission God in his grace has granted me, to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, in order that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable (to him), sanctified by the Holy Spirit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2”
  1. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 5 3 8 0 0 Note the following: ) a. Paul has been outspoken not because he is unkind but because of his sense of duty as a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. ) b. When the apostle says that he has written in this manner as a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, does he not imply that most of the addressed were believers from the Gentiles? ) c. & with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, in order that the Gentiles might become an offering & ) Does Paul mean that by proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles he himself, in such cases where the message was accepted by faith, has brought these Gentiles to God as a sacrifice? Or is he saying that the Gentiles offered themselves to God as a sacrifice? ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.66.20|AUTODETECT|” The first interpretation would seem to be paralleled by a passage from ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.66.20|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 66:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , And they will bring all your brothers, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 as an offering to the Lord) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Since it has become evident again and again that Paul was thoroughly acquainted with the Old Testament certainly also with the prophecies of Isaiah! this may well be the correct interpretation.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3”
  2. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.1|AUTODETECT|” Of course, even then, Paul is not forgetting that these converted individuals would also offer themselves as sacrifices, living, holy, and well-pleasing to God & 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.5|AUTODETECT|” d. Such sacrifices are acceptable 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.5|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) to God, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. ) 6 7 3 8 0 0 Review of the Past ) From Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ ) 15:17 22 ) 17 . In Christ Jesus, then, I have the right to glory with respect to my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except that which Christ, in leading the Gentiles to God, has accomplished through me by what I have said and done. 19 (He accomplished it) by the power of signs and wonders (performed) through the power of the Spirit. So, from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20 But it has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, that I might not be building on someone else s foundation. 21 Rather, as it is written, ) Those who were not told about him will see, ) and those who have not heard will understand. ) 22 That is why I have often been hindered from coming to you. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 17 19a. In Christ Jesus, then, I have the right to glory with respect to my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except that which Christ, in leading the Gentiles to God, has accomplished through me by what I have said and done. (He accomplished it) by the power of signs and wonders (performed) through the power of the Spirit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4”
  3. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Note the following: ) a. The connection between this verse and the immediately preceding context is immediately clear. Paul has described himself as a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. So he now continues, In Christ Jesus, then, I have the right to glory, etc. Exultation is in order; that is, exultation in Christ Jesus, not self-glorification.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5”
  4. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.29-46.1.31|AUTODETECT|” �� Cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.29-46.1.31|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:29 31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.17|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 10:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Note Paul s humility. He does not say, For I will not venture to speak of anything except that which I have accomplished through Christ, but For I will not venture to speak of anything except that which ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ & has accomplished through me) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 by what I have said and done. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 b. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 & has accomplished & through the power of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the Spirit) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Equal honor and credit is ascribed to both. For more on this see p. 253. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 c. He [Christ] accomplished it by the power of signs and wonders. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6”
  5. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Both signs and wonders are ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 miracles) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , supernatural deeds. A miracle is called a wonder when the emphasis is on the effect it has upon the beholder, causing him to be filled with the sense of wonderment and awe. On the other hand, when the miracle points away from itself and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sign) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ifies the qualities (power, wisdom, grace, etc.) of the One who performs it, it is called a sign. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7”
  6. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 d. By far the best commentary on this statement of Paul, in which he reviews his past labors for the Lord, is certainly the book of Acts. It is strange that even some of the finest books on Romans fail to refer to Acts in this connection. Nevertheless, without thoughtfully reading what Luke in that book tells us concerning the signs and wonders which accompanied Paul s labors we are in danger of missing the real meaning and importance of the apostle s statement. ) These signs and wonders were great in number and enormous in effect. At this point the reader should turn to Acts and read the following sections: 13:6 12; 14:1 3; 14:8 10; 16:16 18; 16:25 f.; 19:1l 16. As a result of the first of these miracles & when the proconsul saw what had happened he believed & And as a result of the last & the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. ) However, as Paul makes clear, many of the miracles that occurred during his lengthy pre-Romans ministry were the immediate results of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 preaching) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 8 1 -1 9 0 0 said) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.2.14|AUTODETECT|” and done ) applied to hearts and lives by the Holy Spirit. These successes were gospel triumphs. Cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.2.14|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 2:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . In fact, in the book of Acts the emphasis is placed on these ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 spiritual) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.42-44.13.44|AUTODETECT|” victories. See the following passages; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.42-44.13.44|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:42 44) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.48|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.48|AUTODETECT|”
  7. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.49|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.49|AUTODETECT|”
  8. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.5|AUTODETECT|” 16:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.14|AUTODETECT|”
  9. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.15|AUTODETECT|”
  10. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.32-44.16.34|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.32-44.16.34|AUTODETECT|” 32 34) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.4|AUTODETECT|” 17:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.11|AUTODETECT|”
  11. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.12|AUTODETECT|”
  12. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.4|AUTODETECT|” 18:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.8|AUTODETECT|”
  13. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.27|AUTODETECT|”
  14. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.28|AUTODETECT|”
  15. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.6|AUTODETECT|” . In spite of fierce opposition from the side of both Jews and pagans, even the enemies had to admit that Paul and his companions were turning the world upside down 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.6|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The apostle s own inspired phraseology is much better: Christ was leading the Gentiles to God. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 19b 21. So, from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. But it has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, that I might not be building on someone else s foundation. Rather, as it is written,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Those who were not told about him will see,) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 and those who have not heard will understand. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.2|AUTODETECT|” The expression from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum will have little meaning to the present-day reader unless he has a map or sketch of the indicated region in front of him. See it on p. 489. Note especially the line extending from Jerusalem in the southeast to Illyricum (Yugoslavia and Albania, p. 24) in the northwest. Although the book of Acts does not mention any missionary activity in Illyricum, Paul may have entered that territory, or may have reached its borders, on one of the occasions when he was in Macedonia; see especially ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.2|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.1-44.13.3|AUTODETECT|” Why does Paul mention Jerusalem as the starting point for missionary activity? In view of the fact that all three great missionary journeys started out from Syrian Antioch 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.1-44.13.3|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:1 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.40|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.40|AUTODETECT|” 15:40) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.41|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.41|AUTODETECT|”
  16. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.22|AUTODETECT|” 18:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.23|AUTODETECT|”
  17. 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ), why does he not rather say, from Antioch instead of from Jerusalem ? Was it because of some of his early though not the earliest preaching had been done in ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Jerusalem) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.26-44.9.29|AUTODETECT|” 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.26-44.9.29|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:26 29) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 )? Or because (after the first missionary journey) the leaders of the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Jerusalem) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” church had enthusiastically endorsed Paul and Barnabas as missionaries to work among the Gentiles 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.1-44.15.35|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.1-44.15.35|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:1 35) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 )? Or, perhaps, because while praying in the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Jerusalem) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.17-44.22.21|AUTODETECT|” temple the Lord had appeared to Paul and had told him, Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.17-44.22.21|AUTODETECT|” Acts 22:17 21) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 )? ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 All of these facts are important, and one or more of them may have been part of the reason why Paul wrote as he did. Nevertheless, the main reason was probably the fact that not Syrian Antioch but Jerusalem was the south-eastern limit of the region covered by the apostle on his journeys. ) It will be recalled that the first journey covered a relatively small territory: Syrian Antioch to the island of Cyprus, to a group of Galatian towns;��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8”
  18. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.1-44.14.26|AUTODETECT|” �� and then, after virtually retracing his path through these towns, returning by sea to Syrian Antioch 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.1-44.14.26|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:1 14:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 On the second journey Paul proceeded from Syrian Antioch via Galatia and Troas to Macedonia. Then turning toward the south and somewhere crossing the Jerusalem-Illyricum diagonal, he went to Athens and from there to Corinth. Later, by way of Ephesus and Caesarea he in all probability visited the church in Jerusalem,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9”
  19. 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.36-44.18.22|AUTODETECT|” �� and from there returned to Syrian Antioch. Thus on this trip he actually went around the diagonal 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.36-44.18.22|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:36 18:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The third journey outward bound somewhat resembled the second. This time, however, the apostle, again starting out from Syrian Antioch and re-visiting the Galatian churches, entered Macedonia via ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Ephesus, where he remained) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) -3 5 3 0 2 0 0

TMetafile width=288 height=96 �l���������� EMF� ���nNF��GDIC�N��� L� ��-�-� �MS Sans Serif #��������-�H �H �� ‘%&%Rp �MS Sans Serif��� �� �� �� � H�����#w�_ �����q)wn)w��� ��o�nIx�S�L�x��L��q)w�q)w��3w�1H�nP� ��� <v��D<v0��(mO%����;v�!��dv%%�%�0�% �K 13 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.19|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 for a long time) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.23-44.20.3|AUTODETECT|” , instead of via Troas (as on the second trip). From Macedonia he proceeded to Corinth, where he is now, composing and dictating, his epistle to the Romans 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.18.23-44.20.3|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:23 20:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 a). ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 From this rapid review, accompanied by sketch, the expression from Jerusalem to & Illyricum is readily understood. In an age when travel was much slower than it is today, the area covered by Paul and his companions was certainly amazing in its extent. ) Looking back, Paul is able to say, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. This has been interpreted to mean, In my gospel proclamation I have not omitted any important doctrine. In the present context that is, however, probably not the meaning, at least not the full meaning, the apostle is trying to convey. As will become clear in a moment, he is beginning to state the reason why he did not make an earlier visit to Rome. At least in part what he is saying amounts to this, At an earlier time I would not have completed my gospel-blazing circuit.

Now I have fulfilled or completed it. Verse 23 contains Paul s own explanation, In these regions there is no longer any place for me to work. ) Paul considered himself to be a trail-blazer for the gospel, a pioneer missionary, a founder of churches. He ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 planted) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Now let an Apollos come to ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 water) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.6|AUTODETECT|” the seeds! See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.6|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . That this basic program did not in any way prevent the apostle from visiting an already flourishing congregation in order to enjoy and impart the blessings of Christian fellowship and even to preach a few sermons there, must be granted. But the apostle s main aim was to proclaim the good tidings to those who had not yet heard this uplifting message. His ambition was to establish new foundations (churches), not to build upon someone else s foundation. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.52.15|AUTODETECT|” He justifies this method of operation by very appropriately quoting ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.52.15|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 52:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , according to the LXX text, which in this case is a faithful rendering of the original Hebrew. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 This portion of Scripture deserves a more detailed consideration than is generally given to it. It should be borne in mind that the fifty-second chapter of Isaiah immediately precedes Isaiah s most famous and familiar chapter, the fifty-third. The chapter division between 52 and 53 is not a happy one. Better would have been making the new chapter begin at 52:13. That new chapter (what is now 52:13 53:12) could then be given the title From Suffering to Glory in the Life of the Coming Messiah. What are now the closing verses of chapter 52 contain a brief summary of this path from Humiliation to Exaltation, and what is now chapter 53 develops this theme in far greater detail. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.37|AUTODETECT|” There can be no question about the fact that, according to the New Testament, this prophecy refers directly to Jesus. See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.37|AUTODETECT|” John 12:37) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.26-44.8.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.26-44.8.35|AUTODETECT|” Acts 8:26 35) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.11|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.24|AUTODETECT|” 2:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.37|AUTODETECT|” . In fact, Jesus himself so regarded it 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:37) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.52.14|AUTODETECT|” In describing Messiah s humiliation ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.52.14|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 52:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 predicts that many will be appalled at him because of his disfigurement. Fulfilment: the physical abuse and mockery suffered by Jesus. But this humiliation gives way to exaltation: He will be raised, lifted up, highly exalted. Think of Christ s resurrection, ascension, and coronation (taking his seat at the Father s right hand in heaven). ) 13 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.52.15|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 52:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.0|AUTODETECT|” shows that many nations will marvel because of his glory. Out of respect and reverence for him kings will keep silence before him. What follows is quoted by Paul here in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.0|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , namely, Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 That was the glorious prediction. Though many of his own people would reject the Messiah, Gentile kings and nations would listen to the wonderful tidings of salvation and would, by God s sovereign grace, hear and understand. ) What Paul is saying, then, is that his prediction was being fulfilled in his own day; even more, that an important element was being realized in him as the apostle to the Gentiles. ) The question remains, What was it that enabled Paul, writing from Corinth, after the completion of the first part of the third missionary journey the part from Syrian Antioch, by way of Galatia, Ephesus, and Macedonia to Corinth to believe and to state that he had now finished the great task of planting the gospel in the Jerusalem to Illyricum part of the Roman Empire? What was it that made it possible for him to say this ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 now) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and not earlier; for example, after the completion of the second missionary journey? This belief and statement must have resulted from that which was accomplished on the third journey, during ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the lengthy ministry at Ephesus) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . It was from Ephesus that, by means of Paul ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 and his helpers) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.7|AUTODETECT|” , one of them being Epaphras 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ), the gospel had spread to the surrounding cities and towns; in all probability to Colosse and the other places located in the Lycus Valley, about 100 miles east of Ephesus (see the sketch), and to the seven cities mentioned in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.11|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” It would be difficult to exaggerate the results of the work of these church planters during this three-year period: All the residents of [the province of] Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.10|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.20|AUTODETECT|” . In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.19.20|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Not until this had been accomplished did Paul feel free to go to Rome. Or, in the words of Paul himself: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 22. That is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Plan for the Future ) Now & I am on my way to Jerusalem, in the service of the saints.& ) 6 2 3 12 0 0 When I have completed this task & I will go to you) on my way to Spain ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 15:23 29 ) 23 But now that in these regions there is no longer any place for me to work, and since I have been longing for many years to see you, 24 (I plan to do so) when I go to Spain. I hope to see you in passing and to be helped forward by you after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem, in the service of the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it and, indeed, they owe it to them; for if the Gentiles have come to share in the Jews spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 When I have completed this task, and have sealed this fruit to them. I will go to you on my way to Spain. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fulness of the blessing of Christ. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 23, 24. But now that in these regions there is no longer any place for me to work, and since I have been longing for many years to see you (I plan to do so) when I go to Spain. I hope to see you in passing and to be helped forward by you after I have enjoyed your company for a while.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 Note the following: ) a. Paul mentions two reasons for his plan to visit the Roman church; the first relating to his task as a pioneer missionary; the second, to his love for the Roman Christians. The first: there is no longer any place for me to work (already explained); the second, I have been longing for many years to see you. Cf. 1:10, 11. ) b. the words (I plan to do so) when��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1” 416) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� I go to Spain show that visiting Rome s congregation is not the apostle s ultimate goal. That would be in harmony with his basic principle as expressed in verse 20. Nevertheless, visiting his Christian friends in Rome was certainly something to which he looked forward with eager anticipation. ) 6 5 3 8 0 0 c. Did Paul ever reach Spain? A definite answer cannot be given. We do, however, have the following early testimonies: ) Paul, having taught righteousness to the whole world, having gone to the limits of the West, and having given testimony before the rulers, thus was removed from the world and taken up into the Holy Place, having become the outstanding model of endurance (Clement of Rome, I Corinthians V.vii). The expression the limits of the West, most naturally refers to the western part of Europe; and in the present context, probably to Spain. This is especially true when, as in the present case, such a statement is made by someone who is writing from Rome. ) Luke relates them [these events] for the most excellent Theophilus because in his presence the individual events transpired, as he clearly declares by omitting the passion of Peter as well as the departure of Paul when the latter proceeded from the city (Rome) to Spain (The Muratorian Fragment). ) d.

The words I hope to see you in passing should not be interpreted as if the apostle intends to rush through the city on his way to Spain. This expression simply reinforces the thought that Paul s ultimate destination is not Rome but Spain. That he intends to remain in Rome a while is clear from the very next line. Moreover, 1:11, 12, 15 show that the apostle looked forward to enjoying sweet fellowship with the membership of the Roman church, and even to preaching the gospel in Rome. ) e. and to be helped forward by you. What does this imply? At this point some commentators restrict the meaning of the verbal form used by Paul��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2” 417) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� to ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 being commended to the grace of God) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.26|AUTODETECT|” by the members of Rome s church 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.26|AUTODETECT|” Acts 14:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.40|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.40|AUTODETECT|” 15:40) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.1-44.13.3|AUTODETECT|” ; implied in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.1-44.13.3|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:1 3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.3|AUTODETECT|” ). To be sure this is basic. Nevertheless, in accordance with the use of this verb elsewhere, some or all of the following items were probably also included: to be furnished with information, guides, provisions, money for the journey. The comprehensive meaning of the verb becomes clear when the following New Testament passages in which it occurs are read in light of their specific contexts: ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.3|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.38|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.38|AUTODETECT|” 20:38) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.6|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.16|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.13|AUTODETECT|” Titus 3:13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.6|AUTODETECT|” III John 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.24|AUTODETECT|” . See also Practical Lessons on ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:24) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 524. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 However, the addressees must not begin to think that Paul is about to make a straight course for Rome: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 25 27. Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem, in the service of the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it and, indeed, they owe it to them; for if the Gentiles have come to share in the Jews spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.35|AUTODETECT|” Even though Paul regards preaching the gospel his main task (verses 16 and 20), he is deeply conscious of the fact that there is another very important obligation resting upon him, one that has to be discharged before he can wend his way to Rome, namely, that of helping to relieve the poverty of the Jerusalem saints. He knows that not only the soul but also the body must receive nourishment. The same Lord Jesus Christ who preached the Sermon on the Mount also fed the five thousand and the four thousand. The Savior s words recorded in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.35|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 25:35) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.36|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.36|AUTODETECT|” 36) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 are unforgettable. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Besides, the apostle remembered that some years earlier James, Peter, and John, leaders of the Jerusalem church, while extending to him the right hand of fellowship, in approval of his mission among the Gentiles, had added the words, Only be sure to remember the poor, referring, of course, especially to the poor believers in Jerusalem. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.10|AUTODETECT|” This was also exactly in line with Paul s own thinking and planning 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.27|AUTODETECT|” ). He wanted to do it because he was a person with a loving heart, one who was eager to do something in return for the manner in which the Lord had blessed him. Besides, having himself been reduced to poverty again and again 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.27|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 11:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.12|AUTODETECT|” ), he was able to sympathize with those similarly afflicted. Last but not least, being a very practical person, he hoped that a gift coming from the Gentiles would contribute to the realization of his glorious purpose, namely, to break down once for all the terrible barrier existing between Jew and Gentile, and to establish one holy universal church. Cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.12|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.4|AUTODETECT|” 4:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 It deserves special attention that Paul tells the Romans that Macedonia and Achaia (see the sketch on p. 489) meaning the Christians living in these provinces ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 have been pleased) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to make a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 contribution) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ; that is, to give material expression to their participation in Christian ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 fellowship) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 with the believers in Jerusalem.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3” 418) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.1-46.16.4|AUTODETECT|” �� Though this was indeed a fact, it is worthy of note that Paul very generously omits to point out that he himself by means of earnest and urgent exhortations 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.1-46.16.4|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:1 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.0|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 and 9), had contributed substantially to making it a fact. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The apostle points out, moreover, that the action of the Gentiles in relieving the need of Jerusalem s poor must not be viewed as cause for self-congratulation but rather as a moral obligation. The Gentiles have begun to share the Jews spiritual blessings, those resulting from the acceptance of the gospel. Then should they not do their utmost to lighten the material burden under which their donors are groaning? In reality do not the spiritual blessings outweigh anything of a material nature that could be offered in return? ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 28, 29. When I have completed this task, and have sealed this fruit to them, I will go to you on my way to Spain. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fulness of the blessing of Christ.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4” 419) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.17|AUTODETECT|” The words, When I have completed this task & I will go to you on my way to Spain are clear. The explanation is found in verses 25, 26. See also ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.17|AUTODETECT|” Acts 24:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 However, the expressions and have sealed this fruit to them is among the most controversial in Romans. Rather than bother the reader with a description of all kinds of theories which I, along with many others, cannot accept, let me immediately present the view which strikes me as being the most reasonable.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5” 420) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 A church had been established in Jerusalem. By far the majority of its members were, of course. Christian ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Jews) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.1|AUTODETECT|” . They had accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. For them it was difficult, however, fully to agree with the doctrine of freedom in Christ. When they knew that Gentiles were no longer compelled to submit to circumcision or to avoid foods which in the law had been declared unclean, some objected 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). See what has been said about this earlier, in connection with the subject of the weak and the strong (pp. 452 454). Besides, when these people noticed that the Gentile churches were rapidly increasing in membership, while they their Jerusalem churches were hard pressed to hold their own, they began to look askance at what was happening in the Gentile world. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 There was really no excuse for their hesitancies, scruples, criticisms, and doubts. Had they only accepted ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 all) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.5-40.8.13|AUTODETECT|” the teachings of Jesus, there would have been no problem. Had not Jesus pronounced a blessing upon the centurion, who did not belong to the people of the circumcision 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.5-40.8.13|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8.5 13) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.14-41.7.19|AUTODETECT|” )? And had not the Lord pronounced all foods clean 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.7.14-41.7.19|AUTODETECT|” Mark 7:14 19) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 )? ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.1-44.11.18|AUTODETECT|” Now one of the reasons for organizing the drive for assistance to Jerusalem s poor saints had probably been to Convince the Jerusalem Jews and others who agreed with them that they should accept Gentile Christians as equals. See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.1-44.11.18|AUTODETECT|” Acts 10:1 11:18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . When, therefore, the apostle now describes the contribution or collection as fruit, he probably means that it must be regarded as a product of the Gentiles genuine faith and of their sincere gratitude for the willingness of the Jewish believers to share with them their faith in Christ. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.14|AUTODETECT|” The gift from the Gentiles proved that the gospel was having a beneficial effect in their lives. It was the visible evidence of the operation of the Holy Spirit in the hearts and lives of the donors. And the handing over of this gift sealed or certified this gratifying fact to the Jewish recipients. Cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:14) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , and see also ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6” N.T.C.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 on Philippians, pp. 61, 62, 208. ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Do the words, I know that when I come to you, etc. imply that Paul realized that the Romans might be somewhat disappointed about the news that he could not come to them directly but must first visit Jerusalem? However that may be, he now assures them that when he does come he will arrive in the fulness of the blessing in Christ. ) In view of 15:24 and also of 1:11, 12, 13b, 15, he must have had in mind such blessings as the joy of meeting and conversing with one another, his preaching in their midst, their listening to the apostle s report about divine blessings in other congregations, together planning the trip to Spain, etc. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.27|AUTODETECT|” When Paul was writing this, he had no way of knowing that his actual meeting with his friends in Rome would take place a few years later 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.27|AUTODETECT|” Acts 24:27) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.28.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.28.11|AUTODETECT|” 28:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.28.11-44.28.15|AUTODETECT|” ) than he had expected, and that he would be arriving as a prisoner. But even then a hearty welcome was in store for him 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.28.11-44.28.15|AUTODETECT|” Acts 28:11 15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.12-50.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ), and he would receive much encouragement 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.12-50.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:12 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.15|AUTODETECT|” ), though some of the conditions in the Roman church would prove to be of a disappointing nature 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.15|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:15) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.17|AUTODETECT|” a, ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Prayer Request ) I exhort you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the) 6 1 3 12 0 0 Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me ) 6 3 3 8 0 0 15:30 33 ) 30 I exhort you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 that I may be rescued from the disobedient in Judea, and that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God s will my coming to you may be a matter of joy, and that together with you I may be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen. ) What we have here is (a) an appeal, (b) a description of the character of the prayer requested by Paul, (c) an indication of its contents, and (d) of its purpose. All this is climaxed by (e) an appropriate and concluding prayer-wish. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 A. The Appeal) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 30. I exhort you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit & ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The very wording indicates that Paul is deeply conscious of the need of the prayers of the church for him. Note the solemnity of the expression, by our lord Jesus Christ, referring to the Savior in all the fulness of his being and meaning for the church. Note especially our, for he is both Paul s Lord and the Lord of the addressed. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Paul appeals to our Lord Jesus Christ because it was that same Lord who had sacrificed himself for Paul out of love for him 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.17-44.22.22|AUTODETECT|” ), and who had personally appointed him to be the apostle to the Gentiles 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.17-44.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Acts 22:17 22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.5|AUTODETECT|” He appeals also to the love of the Spirit, probably indicating (though not all agree) that very love which the Spirit has poured out into the hearts of all those who belong to Christ 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and who therefore can be expected to pray for one another. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 B. Description of the Character of the Requested Prayer) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 & to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me & ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 There is nothing superficial about genuine prayer. Isaiah describes it as a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 taking hold) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 of God (64:7). For Jacob that is Israel it was a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 wrestling) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.32.24-1.32.30|AUTODETECT|” with God 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.32.24-1.32.30|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 32:24 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And Paul here similarly calls it a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 struggle) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.1|AUTODETECT|” . Cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.1|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.12|AUTODETECT|” 4:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . The apostle desires that the Roman believers join him in an intensely earnest and yearning petition. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 C. Its Contents) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The first requested petition is: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 31a. that I may be rescued from the disobedient in Judea & ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.21|AUTODETECT|” He refers here to the opposition he expects from the side of the unbelieving Jews in his own country. He calls them disobedient because of their refusal to subject themselves to the will of God as revealed in the gospel 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.21|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:21) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.30|AUTODETECT|” 11:30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.3|AUTODETECT|” ). That these Jews bitterly opposed Paul was made very clear when he was about to sail to Syria on his way to Jerusalem, and a plot by the Jews against his life was discovered. As a result traveling plans were changed, the apostle instead going to Jerusalem by way of Macedonia 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.3|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:3) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.29|AUTODETECT|” ). Moreover, he had not forgotten that earlier too the Jews had made an attempt to murder him 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.29|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.22|AUTODETECT|” ). See also ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.22|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.4|AUTODETECT|” 21:4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 f. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The second requested petition is: ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 31b. and that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.19-44.15.29|AUTODETECT|” Paul had worked long and hard for this collection or contribution from the Gentiles for the poor saints in Jerusalem. Nevertheless, he was afraid that those for whom it was intended might not even be willing to accept the gift. He knew but too well that, in spite of the decisions of the Jerusalem Council 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.19-44.15.29|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:19 29) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.1|AUTODETECT|” ), opposition to himself and his gospel of freedom in Christ had never ceased. See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.17|AUTODETECT|” f., ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.1-48.5.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.1-48.5.4|AUTODETECT|” 5:1 4) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.12|AUTODETECT|” 6:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . That explains his request for this earnest petition. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 D. Its Purpose) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 32 & so that by God s will my coming to you may be a matter of joy, and that together with you I may be refreshed.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 The prospect here visualized is very pleasing: the plots of the Jews are foiled, and the Jerusalem saints, emancipated from their prejudices, not only welcome Paul but are also delighted with the benevolence he brings. As a result Paul, filled with joy, heads for Rome, where he finds refreshment in the company of his dear friends! ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 But that is not entirely what happened.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 In some repects the very opposite occurred. We are reminded of the adage, Man proposes; God disposes ; expressed just as succinctly in German: der Mensch denkt, Gott lenkt; cf. the Dutch: de mens wikt, God beschikt. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.17-44.28.16|AUTODETECT|” What actually happened is recorded in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.17-44.28.16|AUTODETECT|” Acts 21:17 28:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.12|AUTODETECT|” . What should be emphasized, however, is that Paul submits himself, with body and soul, for life, death, and eternity, to the wise and sovereign will of God. He writes by God s will. In the present context God s decretive will is indicated. Result: even though events turned out in a manner Paul could not have anticipated, after he had been in Rome for a while he was able to write, Now I want you to know, brothers, that the things that have happened to me in reality turned out to the advantage of the gospel & 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 E. The Prayer-Wish) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 33. The God of peace be with you all. Amen.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 Note the following: ) a. Paul has been speaking about the Roman congregation, Jerusalem s Judaizers, the people of Macedonia and Achaia, his own traveling plans, etc. All of these are subject to change. Contingency is the universal rule. Stability is nowhere to be found. Nowhere? No, nowhere & except in God! That is why the present passage fits so neatly into this context; yes, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 especially) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 here, where the apostle has just now revealed his uncertainty with reference to what might or might not happen to him in Jerusalem. Besides, in the immediately preceding line he has made mention of God s will. So also for this reason a reference here to the God of peace is very appropriate. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.16|AUTODETECT|” b. The expression, the God of peace must mean the God who is the Author of peace, that is, who imparts peace. See ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.16|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Apart from close communion with him there is no peace. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” c. The expression the God of peace is found also in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.13.11|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 13:11) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.9|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.23|AUTODETECT|” I Thess 5:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.20|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.20|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 13:20) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; the very closely related Lord of peace occurs in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.16|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 3:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 d. The meaning of the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 peace) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 has been explained in connection with earlier passages (for example 1:7; 2:10; 5:1; 8:6; etc). Basic to it is reconciliation with God through the death of his Son. As a result the person who has been thus reconciled has the inner assurance that past sins are forgiven, present events are being overruled for good, and in the future nothing will be able to separate him from the love of God in Christ. Consequently this person has received the richest blessing of all: salvation full and free, prosperity shlMm in its most comprehensive, religious sense, including serenity the confidence: all is well. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 e. When the apostle now expresses the prayer-wish that this God of peace be ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 with) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 those whom he addresses, he means that his inner desire a desire to be realized in all who love the Lord is that this God of peace may come so close to them that they may experience his peace in their lives, may meditate on it, possess it, rejoice in it. Compare the title ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Emmanuel) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , that is, God ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 with) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 us, with the sick to heal them, with the hungry to feed them, and over-arching everything else, with the lost to seek and save them. See N.T.C. on Matthew, p. 141. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 f. The apostle concludes this prayer-wish by adding the word of solemn affirmation and enthusiastic approval ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Amen) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . Cf. 1:25. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 407 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Literally: because of the grace given me by God. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 408 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 ��p �t� �����, because of the grace; that is, the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 gift) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.40|AUTODETECT|” imparted to me by God s grace. For more on ����� see N.T.C. on ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.40|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:40) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 181. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.23|AUTODETECT|” With ���������� (here acc. s. -�) cf. liturgist. Others to whom the word minister is applied, either literally or by implication, are Zechariah 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:23) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.1|AUTODETECT|” ), the prophets and teachers of Antioch 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.1|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:1) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ), holy angels 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 1:7) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.2|AUTODETECT|” ), and even Jesus himself 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.2|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 8:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.12|AUTODETECT|” ). In a somewhat broader sense the word is applied to those who contribute to the cause of Christian benevolence 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.12|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 9:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.6|AUTODETECT|” ). For its use in connection with tax-collectors see on ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.6|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:6) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 436, 437. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 1�����������, acc. s. masc. pres. participle of 1��������, to perform priestly duty, offer as a priest; in the New Testament here only. ) 6 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.26|AUTODETECT|” �������� 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.26|AUTODETECT|” Acts 21:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.17|AUTODETECT|” 24:17) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.2|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:2) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.5|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:5) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The noun is derived from ��������, to bring to or forward. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 409 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 The idea that people can be presented to the Lord as a spiritual sacrifice was not strange to the Jews. See, for example, also S.BK. I, p. 84; III, p. 153. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 410 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Variants, such as ��������� ���� and ��������� ���� are probably the result of scribal addition. There does not seem to be a good reason to reject the shorter text. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 411 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.31|AUTODETECT|” The word ��������, glorying, boasting, reason for glorying, right to boast, pride (exact meaning here, as always, depending on the specific context), was used earlier in 3:27, and occurs also in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.31|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:31) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.19|AUTODETECT|” ; frequently in II Corinthians, beginning with 1:12; and also in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.19|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:19) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.16|AUTODETECT|” and in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.16|AUTODETECT|” James 4:16) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . For the verb ��������� and related forms see pp. 100 102, including footnotes 62 64. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 412 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.12|AUTODETECT|” Cf. ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.12|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 12:12) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , signs and wonders and mighty deeds. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 413 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 In the original a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 miracle) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 or ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 work of power) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is a ������� a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 wonder) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is a �����, and a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sign) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 is a �������. For more information on this subject see R. C. Trench, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , par. xci. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 414 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 See N.T.C. on Galatians, pp. 4 14. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 415 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.22|AUTODETECT|” If, the church in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.22|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:22) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 means the Jerusalem church, as is probable). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 416 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 Greek a� � = E��� followed by the pres. mid. subjunct. ���������, whensoever I go, indefinite; cf. when I go to Spain, whenever that may be. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 417 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 ������������, aor. infin. pass. of ��������, to send or help forward, to escort. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 418 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” It is interesting to observe that the word used in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 2:9) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 to indicate ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 fellowship) 6 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.26|AUTODETECT|” is the same as that which here in ) 13 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.26|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:26) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 indicates a ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 contribution) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 . That Greek word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 koinonia) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 has become so familiar in our circles that it is listed as an English word in Webster s Third International Dictionary. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 419 ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 �P������ �������, supported by the leading mss. should be preferred to the expansion ��� �P�������� ��� �������, supported by later witnesses. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 420 ) 6 2 3 8 0 0 My view has much in common with that of the following authors: ) S. Greijdanus, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , Vol. I, pp. 649, 650. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 E. F. Harrison, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 158, 159. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 H. Ridderbos, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 337, 338. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 G. B. Wilson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 op. cit.) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 239, 240. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” N.T.C. ) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 W. Hendriksen, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 New Testament Commentary) 6 1 -1 9 0 0 )

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