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Romans Chapter
Fifteen
Romans 15
These instructions close the epistle. From chapter 15:8,
it is the exordium, the personal circumstances of the apostle, and salutations.
In verses 8 to 12, he sums up his thoughts respecting God's dealings
with the Jew and the Gentile in the advent of Jesus. He was a minister of the
circumcision for the truth of God, to accomplish the promises made to the
fathers. For to the Jews God had made promises; but none to the Gentiles. To
the latter it was not truth that was in question: but by grace they might
through Jesus glorify God for His mercy. For them the apostle quotes passages
from Deuteronomy (that is to say, from the Law), from the Psalms, and from the
Prophets.
In verse 13, he turns affectionately to the Romans to express
his desires for them, and his confidence in the blessing they had received from
God, which enabled them mutually to exhort one another, while expressing at the
same time his boldness in some sort, because of the grace God had given him, to
be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles by fulfilling a public function
with regard to them; being, as it were, a priest to offer up the Gentiles as an
offering acceptable to God, because sanctified by the Holy Ghost (see Num.
8:11). This was his glory before God. This sanctification by the Holy Ghost was
that which took the place of sanctification by birth, and it was well worth it.
Moreover he had accomplished his task from Jerusalem
round about to Illyricum; notwhere Christ had been preached before, but where
they had not yet heard of Him. This had prevented his coming to Rome. But now
that there was no more place for him, according to the Holy Ghost-nothing more
in those parts for him to do, and having long desired to see them, he thought
to visit them on his way to Spain. For the moment he was going to Jerusalem
with the collection made in Macedonia and Achaia for the saints.
We see that his heart turns to the Jews; they occupied
his thoughts; and while desiring to put the seal of performance on the grace
which this collection betokened, he was pre-occupied with them as Jews, as
those who had a claim: a mingled feeling perhaps of one who was anxious to shew
that he did not forget them; for, in fact, he loved his nation. We have to
learn whether, in executing this service (properly that of a deacon), pleasing
as it might be, he was at the height of his mission as apostle. However that
might be, the hand of God was in it to make all things work for the good of His
beloved servant and child, as well as for His own glory. Paul had a
presentiment that it would not perhaps turn out well, and he asks the prayers
of the saints at Rome, that he might be delivered from the hands of the wicked,
and see their face with joy. We know how it ended: the subject was spoken of
when we were considering the Acts. He saw them indeed at Rome; he was
delivered, but as a prisoner; and we do not know if he ever went to Spain The
ways of God are according to His eternal counsels, and according to His grace,
and according to His perfect wisdom.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Romans》
Romans 15
Chapter Contents
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)
Commentary on Romans 15:1-7
(Read Romans 15:1-7)
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.
Commentary on Romans 15:8-13
(Read Romans 15:8-13)
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.
Commentary on Romans 15:14-21
(Read Romans 15:14-21)
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.
Commentary on Romans 15:22-29
(Read Romans 15:22-29)
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!
Commentary on Romans 15:30-33
(Read Romans 15:30-33)
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.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Romans》
Romans 15
Verse 1
[1] We
then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to
please ourselves.
We who are strong — Of
a clearer judgment, and free from these scruples.
And not to please ourselves — Without any regard to others.
Verse 2
[2] Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
For his good —
This is a general word: edification is one species of good.
Verse 3
[3] For
even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them
that reproached thee fell on me.
But bore not only the infirmities, but
reproaches, of his brethren; and so fulfilled that scripture. Psalms 69:9
Verse 4
[4] For
whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we
through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Aforetime — In
the Old Testament.
That we through patience and consolation of
the scriptures may have hope — That through the consolation which God
gives us by these, we may have patience and a joyful hope.
Verse 5
[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one
toward another according to Christ Jesus:
According to the power of Christ Jesus.
Verse 6
[6] That
ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
That ye —
Both Jews and gentiles, believing with one mind, and confessing with one mouth.
Verse 7
[7]
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of
God.
Receive ye one another — Weak and strong, with mutual love.
Verse 8
[8] Now
I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of
God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
Now I say —
The apostle here shows how Christ received us. Christ Jesus-Jesus is the name,
Christ the surname. The latter was first known to the Jews; the former, to the
gentiles. Therefore he is styled Jesus Christ, when the words stand in the
common, natural order. When the order is inverted, as here, the office of
Christ is more solemnly considered.
Was a servant — Of
his Father.
Of the circumcision —
For the salvation of the circumcised, the Jews.
For the truth of God — To manifest the truth and fidelity of God.
Verse 9
[9] And
that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this
cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
As it is written — In
the eighteenth psalm, here the gentiles and Jews are spoken of as joining in
the worship of the God of Israel. Psalms 18:49
Verse 10
[10] And
again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
Verse 11
[11] And
again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
Verse 12
[12] And
again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to
reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
There shall be the root of Jesse — That kings and the Messiah should spring from his house, was promised to
Jesse before it was to David.
In him shall the gentiles hope — Who before had been "without hope," Ephesians 2:12. Isaiah 11:10
Verse 13
[13] Now
the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may
abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Now the God of hope — A
glorious title of God, but till now unknown to the heathens; for their goddess
Hope, like their other idols, was nothing; whose temple at Rome was burned by
lightning. It was, indeed, built again not long after, but was again burned to
the ground.
Verse 14
[14] And
I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of
goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
There are several conclusions of this
Epistle. The first begins at this verse; the second, Romans 16:1; the third, Romans 16:17; the fourth, Romans 16:21; and the fifth, Romans 16:25; Ye are full of goodness - By being
created anew. And filled with all knowledge - By long experience of the things
of God. To admonish - To instruct and confirm.
Verse 15
[15]
Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort,
as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
Because of the grace — That is, because I am an apostle of the gentiles.
Verse 16
[16] That
I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the
gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being
sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
The offering up of the gentiles — As living sacrifices.
Verse 17
[17] I
have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which
pertain to God.
I have whereof to glory through Jesus Christ — All my glorying is in and through him.
Verse 18
[18] For
I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought
by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
By word — By
the power of the Spirit.
By deed —
Namely, through "mighty signs and wonders."
Verse 20
[20] Yea,
so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I
should build upon another man's foundation:
Not where Christ had been named — These places he generally declined, though not altogether, having an
holy ambition (so the Greek word means) to make the first proclamation of the
gospel in places where it was quite unheard of, in spite of all the difficulty
and dangers that attended it. Lest I should only build upon another man's
foundation - The providence of God seemed in a special manner, generally, to
prevent this, though not entirely, lest the enemies of the apostle, who sought
every occasion to set light by him, should have had room to say that he was
behind other apostles, not being sufficient for planting of churches himself,
but only for preaching where others had been already; or that he declined the
more difficult part of the ministry
Verse 21
[21] But
as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that
have not heard shall understand.
Verse 22
[22] For
which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
Therefore I have been long hindered from
coming to you — Among whom Christ had been named.
Verse 23
[23] But
now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many
years to come unto you;
Having no longer place in these parts — Where Christ has now been preached in every city.
Verse 24
[24]
Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see
you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I
be somewhat filled with your company.
Into Spain —
Where the gospel had not yet been preached.
If first I may be somewhat satisfied with
your company — How remarkable is the modesty with which
he speaks! They might rather desire to be satisfied with his.
Somewhat satisfied —
Intimating the shortness of his stay; or, perhaps, that Christ alone can
throughly satisfy the soul.
Verse 26
[26] For
it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for
the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
The poor of the saints that are in Jerusalem — It can by no means be inferred from this expression, that the community
of goods among the Christians was then ceased. All that can be gathered from it
is, that in this time of extreme dearth, Acts 11:28,29, some of the church in Jerusalem
were in want; the rest being barely able to subsist themselves, but not to
supply the necessities of their brethren.
Verse 27
[27] It
hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have
been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister
unto them in carnal things.
It hath pleased them; and they are their
debtors — That is, they are bound to it, in justice
as well as mercy.
Spiritual things — By
the preaching of the gospel.
Carnal things —
Things needful for the body.
Verse 28
[28] When
therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will
come by you into Spain.
When I have sealed to them this fruit — When I have safely delivered to them, as under seal, this fruit of their
brethren's love.
I will go by you into Spain — Such was his design; but it does not appear that Paul went into Spain.
There are often holy purposes in the minds of good men, which are overruled by
the providence of God so as never to take effect. And yet they are precious in
the sight of God.
Verse 30
[30] Now
I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of
the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
I beseech you by the love of the Spirit — That is, by the love which is the genuine fruit of the Spirit.
To strive together with me in your prayers — He must pray himself, who would have others strive together with him in
prayer. Of all the apostles, St. Paul alone is recorded to desire the prayers
of the faithful for himself. And this he generally does in the conclusions of
his Epistles; yet not without making a difference. For he speaks in one manner
to them whom he treats as his children, with the gravity or even severity of a
father, such as Timothy, Titus, the Corinthians, and Galatians; in another, to
them whom he treats rather like equals, such as the Romans, Ephesians,
Thessalonians, Colossians, Hebrews.
Verse 31
[31] That
I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service
which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
That I may be delivered — He is thus urgent from a sense of the importance of his life to the
church. Otherwise he would have rejoiced "to depart, and to be with
Christ." And that my service may be acceptable - In spite of all their
prejudices; to the end the Jewish and gentile believers may be knit together in
tender love.
Verse 32
[32] That
I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
That I may come to you — This refers to the former, With joy - To the latter, part of the
preceding verse.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on Romans》
Chapter 15. Ambition to Open Up New
Land
In These
Regions
No More Place to Preach
I. Not to
Please Ourselves
II. Paul's
Narration of His Own Ministry
III. Paul
Informs His Intended Itinerary
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
Chapter Fifteen General Review
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To see further the importance of being considerate of weak brethren 2) To be impressed with the example of the churches in Macedonia Achaia in their liberality toward the church in Jerusalem SUMMARY
Paul continues his discussion on how those who are strong are to receive and bear with the infirmities of the weak. Encouraging the strong to be concerned with uplifting the weak, he reminds them of Christ and His unselfishness (1-3). Reminding them of the value of the Old Testament Scriptures, he pleads for patience so that with one mind and one mouth they may glorify God (4-6). Finally, he calls for them to receive one another to the glory of God, just as Christ served both Jews and Gentiles in fulfilling the prophets of old (7-12). Paul then offers a prayer that God might fill them with joy and peace in believing, so that they may abound in hope with the help of the Holy Spirit (13). At this point, Paul begins to draw this epistle to a close by making remarks concerning his apostleship and plans to see them. Recognizing their own abilities in the faith, he still felt it appropriate to write to them as he did (14-16). Speaking of his design not to preach where Christ had already been received (17-21), Paul tells of his plan to come to Rome on his way to Spain the poor saints in Jerusalem