Chapter 15:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Luther
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Acts 1 Corinthians
Romans 15
Concise Complete
Directions how to behave towards the weak. (1-7) All to
receive one another as brethren. (8-13) The writing and preaching of the
apostle. (14-21) His purposed journeys. (22-29) He requests their prayers.
(30-33)
Verses 1-7
Christian liberty was allowed, not for our pleasure, but for the glory of God,
and the good of others. We must please our neighbour, for the good of his soul;
not by serving his wicked will, and humouring him in a sinful way; if we thus
seek to please men, we are not the servants of Christ. Christ's whole life was a
self-denying, self-displeasing life. And he is the most advanced Christian, who
is the most conformed to Christ. Considering his spotless purity and holiness,
nothing could be more contrary to him, than to be made sin and a curse for us,
and to have the reproaches of God fall upon him; the just for the unjust. He
bore the guilt of sin, and the curse for it; we are only called to bear a little
of the trouble of it. He bore the presumptuous sins of the wicked; we are called
only to bear the failings of the weak. And should not we be humble,
self-denying, and ready to consider one another, who are members one of another?
The Scriptures are written for our use and benefit, as much as for those to whom
they were first given. Those are most learned who are most mighty in the
Scriptures. That comfort which springs from the word of God, is the surest and
sweetest, and the greatest stay to hope. The Spirit as a Comforter, is the
earnest of our inheritance. This like-mindedness must be according to the
precept of Christ, according to his pattern and example. It is the gift of God;
and a precious gift it is, for which we must earnestly seek unto him. Our Divine
Master invites his disciples, and encourages them by showing himself as meek and
lowly in spirit. The same disposition ought to mark the conduct of his servants,
especially of the strong towards the weak. The great end in all our actions must
be, that God may be glorified; nothing more forwards this, than the mutual love
and kindness of those who profess religion. Those that agree in Christ may well
agree among themselves.
Verses 8-13
Christ fulfilled the prophecies and promises relating to the Jews, and the
Gentile converts could have no excuse for despising them. The Gentiles, being
brought into the church, are companions in patience and tribulation. They should
praise God. Calling upon all the nations to praise the Lord, shows that they
shall have knowledge of him. We shall never seek to Christ till we trust in him.
And the whole plan of redemption is suited to reconcile us to one another, as
well as to our gracious God, so that an abiding hope of eternal life, through
the sanctifying and comforting power of the Holy Spirit, may be attained. Our
own power will never reach this; therefore where this hope is, and is abounding,
the blessed Spirit must have all the glory. "All joy and peace;" all sorts of
true joy and peace, so as to suppress doubts and fears, through the powerful
working of the Holy Spirit.
Verses 14-21 The
apostle was persuaded that the Roman Christians were filled with a kind and
affectionate spirit, as well as with knowledge. He had written to remind them of
their duties and their dangers, because God had appointed him the minister of
Christ to the Gentiles. Paul preached to them; but what made them sacrifices to
God, was, their sanctification; not his work, but the work of the Holy Ghost:
unholy things can never be pleasing to the holy God. The conversion of souls
pertains unto God; therefore it is the matter of Paul's glorying, not the things
of the flesh. But though a great preacher, he could not make one soul obedient,
further than the Spirit of God accompanied his labours. He principally sought
the good of those that sat in darkness. Whatever good we do, it is Christ who
does it by us.
Verses 22-29 The
apostle sought the things of Christ more than his own will, and would not leave
his work of planting churches to go to Rome. It concerns all to do that first
which is most needful. We must not take it ill if our friends prefer work which
is pleasing to God, before visits and compliments, which may please us. It is
justly expected from all Christians, that they should promote every good work,
especially that blessed work, the conversion of souls. Christian society is a
heaven upon earth, an earnest of our gathering together unto Christ at the great
day. Yet it is but partial, compared with our communion with Christ; for that
only will satisfy the soul. The apostle was going to Jerusalem, as the messenger
of charity. God loves a cheerful giver. Every thing that passes between
Christians should be a proof and instance of the union they have in Jesus
Christ. The Gentiles received the gospel of salvation from the Jews; therefore
were bound to minister to them in what was needed for the body. Concerning what
he expected from them he speaks doubtfully; but concerning what he expected from
God he speaks confidently. We cannot expect too little from man, nor too much
from God. And how delightful and advantageous it is to have the gospel with the
fulness of its blessings! What wonderful and happy effects does it produce, when
attended with the power of the Spirit!
Verses 30-33 Let
us learn to value the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous. How careful
should we be, lest we forfeit our interest in the love and prayers of God's
praying people! If we have experienced the Spirit's love, let us not be wanting
in this office of kindness for others. Those that would prevail in prayer, must
strive in prayer. Those who beg the prayers of others, must not neglect to pray
for themselves. And though Christ knows our state and wants perfectly, he will
know them from us. As God must be sought, for restraining the ill-will of our
enemies, so also for preserving and increasing the good-will of our friends. All
our joy depends upon the will of God. Let us be earnest in prayer with and for
each other, that for Christ's sake, and by the love of the Holy Spirit, great
blessings may come upon the souls of Christians, and the labours of ministers.
Chapter 15:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Luther
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Acts 1 Corinthians
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
