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High character of the

CHAP. XV.

church at Rome.

A. M.cir. 4052 hope, through the power of the Holy you in mind, because of the grace .... that is given to me of God,

A. D. cir. 55. An. Olymp. Ghost. cc. CCIX. 2.

a

A.U.C.e.r.SH. 14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge,

b

able also to admonish one another.

15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting

A. M. cir.4062. A. D. cir. 58. An. Olymp. cir. CCIX. 2.

16 That I should be the minister A.U.C.cir.811. 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.

17 I have therefore, whereof I may glory

a 2 Pet. 1. 12. 1 John 2. 21. 1 Cor. 8. 1, 7, 10.——— ch. 1. 5. & 12. 3. Gal. 1. 15. Eph. 3. 7, 8.

a Ch. 11. 13. Gal. 2. 7, 8, 9. 1 Tim. 2. 7. 2 Tim. 1. 11. Phil. 2. 17. • Or, sacrificing. Isai. 66. 20. Phil. 2. 17.

perly translate trust, he pours out his heart in the following that they were well qualified to give one another suitable exaffectionate prayer. hortations on every important point.

Verse 13. Now, the God of hope, &c.] O de EOS TYS Elms, may the God of this hope, that God who caused both Jews and Gentiles to hope that the gracious promises which he made to them should be fulfilled; and who, accordingly, has fulfilled them in the most punctual and circumstantial manner:

Fill you with all joy] Give you true spiritual happiness ; peace in your own hearts, and unity among yourselves; in believing, not only the promises which he has given you, but believing in Christ Jesus, in whom all the promises are yea

and amen.

That ye may abound in hope] That ye may be excited to take more enlarged views of the salvation which God has provided for you, and have all your expectations fulfilled by the power of the Holy Ghost, enabling you to hope and believe; and then sealing the fulfilment of the promises upon your hearts.

Verse 14. And I-am persuaded of you] This is supposed to be an address to the Gentiles; and it is managed with great delicacy; he seems to apologize for the freedom he had used in writing to them; which he gives them to understand proceeded from the authority he had received by his apostolical office: the exercise of which office respected them particularly. So they could not be offended, when they found themselves so particularly dis tinguished.

Ye-are full of goodness] Instead of ayalworms, goodness: some MSS. of good repute, have ayaπys, love. In this connection both words seem to mean nearly the same thing. They were so full of goodness and love, that they were disposed, of themselves, to follow any plan that might be devised, in order to bring about the most perfect understanding between them and their Jewish brethren.

Filled with all knowledge] So completely instructed in the mind and design of God, relative to their calling, and the fruit which they were to bring forth to the glory of God;

Instead of aλs, one another, several MSS. have anλovs, others; which gives a clearer sense; for, if they were all filled with knowledge, there was little occasion for them to admonish one another; but by this they were well qua||lified to admonish others; to impart the wisdom they had, to those who were less instructed.

Verse 15. Nevertheless—I have written] Notwithstanding I have this conviction of your extensive knowledge in the things of God, I have made bold to write to you in some sort, ano pepovs, to a party among you, as some learned men translate the words, who stand more in need of such instructions than the others: and I do this, because of the grace, dia tηy xapir, because of the office which I have received from God; namely, to be the apostle of the Gentiles. This authority gave him full right to say, advise, or enjoin any thing which he judged to be of importance to their spiritual interests. This subject he pursues farther in the following verse.

Verse 16. Ministering the gospel of God] Iepoupуouvтa, acting as a priest. Here is a plain allusion, says Dr. Whitby, to the Jewish sacrifices offered by the priest, and sanctified, or made acceptable by the libamen offered with them. For, he compares himself in preaching the gospel, to the priest performing his sacred functions, preparing his sacrifice to be offered. The Gentiles converted by him, and dedicated to the service of God, are his sacrifices and oblation. Holy Spirit is the libumen poured upon this sacrifice, by which it was sanctified, and rendered acceptable to God. The words of Isaiah, Ixvi. 20. And they shall bring all your brethren for an OFFERING unto the Lord, out of all NATIONS, might have suggested the above idea to the mind of the apostle.

The

Verse 17. I have therefore, whereof I may glory] Being sent of God on this most honourable and important errand, I have matter of great exultation, not only in the honour which he has conferred upon me; but in the great success with which he has crowned my ministry.

The apostle's ambition

ROMANS.

to found new churches. A. M. cir.4062. through Jesus Christ in those things pel, not where Christ was named, lest A. M. cir.4062. I should build upon another man's foundation:

A. D. cir. 58.

An. Olymp, which pertain to God.

cir. CCIX. 2. A.U.C.cir.811.

b

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,

d

C

19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

A. D. cir. 58. An. Olymp. cir. CCIX. 2. A.U.C.cir.811.

21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard, shall understand.

22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many

20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gos- years to come unto you;

Heb. 5. 1. b Acts 21. 19. Gal. 2. 8. ch. 1. 5. & 16. 26.-
Acts 19. 11. 2 Cor. 12. 12. 2 Cor. 10. 13, 15, 16.

Isai. 52. 15. ch. 1. 13. 1 Thes. 2. 17, 18.-
oftentimes. Acts 19. 21. ver. 32.

h Or, many ways, or ch. 1.11.

Verse 18. For I will not dare to speak] If the thing were not as I have stated it, I would not dare to arrogate to myself honours which did not belong to me. But God has made me the apostle of the Gentiles; and the conversion of the Gentiles is the fruit of my ministry; Christ having wrought by me, for this purpose. By word and deed] Λογῳ και εργῳ· These words may refer to the doctrines which he taught; and to the miracles which he wrought among them. So they became obedient to the doctrines, on the evidence of the miracles with which they were accompanied.

Verse 19. Through mighty signs and wonders] This more fully explains the preceding clause; through the power of the Holy Ghost, he was enabled to work among the Gentiles mighty signs and wonders; so that they were fully convinced that both his doctrine and mission were divine; and, therefore, they cheerfully received the gospel of the Lord Jesus.

Arabia, Cilicia, Pamphylia, Pisidia, Lycaonia, Galatia, Pontus, Paphlagonia, Phrygia, Troas, Asia, Caria, Lycia, Ionia, Lydia, Thrace, Macedonia, Thessaly, and Achaia; besides the isles of Cyprus and Crete. And, no doubt, he visited many other places which are not mentioned in the New Testament.

I have fully preached the gospel Πεπληρωκέναι το ευαγγε oy, I have successfully preached: I have not only proclaimed the word, but made converis, and founded churches. See the Note on Matt. v. 17. where this sense of the word Tanpour is noticed; for it signifies not only fully or perfectly, but also to teach with prosperity and success.

Verse 20. So have I strived to preach the gospel] Ourw de inoriμovμevov, for I have considered it my honour to preach the gospel where that gospel was before unknown. This is the proper import of the word probai, from

is a friend, and 7μr honour. As I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, so I esteem it an honour to preach it; and especially to proclaim it among the heathen; not building on another man's foundation; not watering what another apostle had planted; but cheerfully exposing myself to all kinds of dangers and hardships, in order to found new churches.

Verse 21. But as it is written] These words, quoted from Isai. lii. 15. the apostle applies to his own conduct; not that the words themselves predicted what Paul had done, but that he endeavoured to fulfil such a declaration by his manner of preaching the gospel to the heathen.

Round about unto Illyricum] Among ancient writers, this place has gone by a great variety of names, Illyria, Illyrica, Illyricum, Illyris, and Illyrium. It is a country of Europe, extending from the Adriatic gulph to Pannonia; according to Pliny, it extended from the river Arsia to the river Drinius, thus including Liburnia on the west, and Dalmatia on the east. Its precise limits have not been determined by either ancient or modern geographers. It seems, according to an inscription in Gruter, to have been divided || by Augustus into two provinces, the upper and lower. It now forms part of Croatia, Bosnia, Istria, and Sclavonia. Verse 22. For which cause, &c.] My considering it a When the apostle says that he preached the gospel from Jeru-point of honour to build on no other man's foundation; and salem round about to Illyricum, he intends his land journies chiefly; and by looking at the Map annexed to the Acts of the Apostles, the Reader will see that from Jerusalem, the apostle went round the eastern coast of the Mediterranean sea, and that he passed through Syria, Phænicia,

finding that the gospel has been long ago planted at Rome, I have been prevented from going thither, purposing rather to spend my time and strength in preaching where Christ has not, as yet, been proclaimed.

Verse 23. But having no more place in these parts]

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Gal. 6. 6.

ch. 11. 17.1 Cor. 9. 11.

Acts 15. 3.- b Gr. with you, ver. 32.- o Acts 19. 21. & 20. 22. & 4 1 Cor. 16. 1, 2. 2 Cor. 8. 1. & 9. 2, 12.

24. 17.

Having nothing farther at present that I can do, for Tomov || gratified with the splendour of the light." HOMER uses the EXE signifies not merely to have a place of residence, or the word in the same senselike, but convenience, opportunity; which is a frequent meaning of the phrase among the best Greek writers: having no large place or city where Christianity has not yet been planted, in which I can introduce the gospel. The apostle was then at Corinth; and, having evangelized all those parts, he had no opportunity of breaking up any new ground.

Η δ' εμε ουδε περ υιός ενιπλήσθηναι άκοιτις Οφθαλμοισιν εασε. Odyss. lib. xi. ver. 451. "But my wife never suffered my eyes to be delighted with my son."

The apostle, though he had not the honour of having planted the church at Rome; yet expected much gratification from the visit which he intended to pay them.

Verse 25. Now I go unto Jerusalem] From this, and the two following verses, we learn that the object of his journey to Jerusalem was, to carry a contribution made among the Gentile Christians of Macedonia and Achaia, for the relief of the poor Jewish Christians at Jerusalem. About this affair he had taken great pains, as appears from 1 Cor. xvi. 1—4. 2 Cor. viii. and ix. chapters. His design in this affair is very evident, from 2 Cor. ix. 12, 13. where he says, The administration of this service, not only supplieth the want of the

Verse 24. Whensoever I take my journey into Spain] Where it is very likely the gospel had not yet been planted; though legendary tales inform us, that St. James had planted the gospel there, long before this time; and had founded many bishoprics! But this is as unfounded as it is ridiculous and absurd: for nothing like what is now termed a bishopric, nor even a parish, was founded for many years after this. An itinerant preacher might, with more propriety, say travelling circuits were formed, rather than bishoprics. Whether the apostle ever fulfilled his design of going to Spain, is unknown; but there is no evidence whatever that he did; and the presumption is, that he did not un-saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; dertake this voyage. Antiquity affords no proof that he fulfilled his intention.

I will come to you] Exεvooμai πpos pas; these words are wanting in almost every MS. of note: and in the Syriac of Erpen, Coptic, Vulgate, Ethiopic, Armenian, and Itala. If the first clause of this verse be read in connection with the latter clause of the preceding, it will fully appear that this rejected clause is useless. Having a great desire, these many years, to come unto you whensoever I take my journey into Spain: for I trust to see you in my journey, &c. Somewhat filled with your company.] The word suλow, which we translate filled, would be better rendered gratified: for suλobyvai, signifies to be satisfied, to be gratified, and to enjoy. ELIAN. Hist. Anim. lib. v. c. 21. speaking of the peacock spreading out his beautiful plumage, says sayap εμπλησθήναι της θεας τον παρεσώτα· "He readily permits the spectator to gratify himself by viewing him." And MAXIMUS TYRIUS, Dissert. 41. pag. 413. "That he may behold the heavens, xa μλŋŋ raμnçou euros, and be

whilst, by the experiment of this ministration, they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ; and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men. The apostle was in hopes that this liberal contribution, sent by the Gentile Christians, who had been converted by St. Paul's ministry, would engage the affections of the Jewish Christians, who had been much prejudiced against the reception of the Gentiles into the church, without being previously obliged to submit to the yoke of the law. He wished to establish a coalition between the converted Jews and Gentiles; being sensible of its great importance to the spread of the gospel; and his procuring this contribution, was one laudable device to accomplish this good end. And this shews why he so earnestly requests the prayers of the Christians at Rome; that his service which he had for Jerusalem, might be accepted of the saints. See Dr. Taylor.

Verse 27. For, if the Gentiles have been made partakers, &c.] It was through, and by means of the Jews, that the Gentiles were brought to the knowledge of God, and

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the gospel of Christ. These were the spiritual things which they had received: and the pecuniary contribution was the carnal things which the Gentiles were now returning.

Verse 28. When, therefore, I have performed this] Service: And have sealed, faithfully delivered up to them, this fruit of the success of my ministry, and of your conversion to God; I will come by you into Spain: this was in his desire; he had fully purposed it, if God should see meet to permit him; but it does not appear that he ever went. See ver. 24.

Ver. 29. In the fulness of the blessing (of the gospel) of Christ.] The words To Evayyskou rov, of the gospel, are wanting in almost every MS. of importance. Griesbach has left them out of the text. There is no doubt they should be omitted. The fulness of the blessing of Christ is really more than the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. He hoped to come to them not only with the blessing of the gospel, but endued with the gifts and graces of the Lord Jesus himself; which he was now a constant instrument in the hand of God, to dispense among those who were converted to the Christian faith.

Jewish religion; but as one who was labouring to subvert and entirely destroy it.

And that my service] Alanova, but several eminent MSS. read dwpopopia, the gift which I bear. This probably was a gloss, which in many MSS. subverted the word in the text, for danovia service, in its connection here, could refer to nothing else, but the contribution which he was carrying to the poor saints at Jerusalem.

Verse 32. That I may come unto you with joy] That his apprehensions of ill usage were not groundless, and the danger to which his life was exposed, real, we have already seen in the account given of this visit, Acts xxi. xxii. xxiii. and xxiv. And that he had such intimations from the Holy Spirit himself, appears from Acts xx. 23. xxi. 11. and xx. 38. Should his journey to Jerusalem be prosperous, and his service accepted, so that the converted Jews and Gentiles should come to a better understanding, he hoped to see them at Rome with great joy. And if he got his wishes gratified through their prayers, it would be the full proof that this whole business had been conducted according to the will of God. Verse 33. The God of peace be with you] The whole

Verse 30. For the love of the Spirit] By that love of object of the Epistle is to establish peace between the believ God which the Holy Spirit sheds abroad in your hearts. That ye strive together] Evvaywvcarbai, that ye agonize with me. He felt that much depended on the success of his present mission to the Christians at Jerusalem; and their acceptance of the charitable contribution which he was bring ing with him in order to conciliate them to the reception of the Gentiles into the church of God, without obliging them to submit to circumcision.

Verse 31. That I may be delivered from them that do not believe] He knew that his countrymen, who had not received the gospel, lay in wait for his life; and, no doubt, they thought they should do God service by destroying him; not only as an apostate in their apprehension, from the

ing Jews and Gentiles; and to shew them their mutual obligations, and the infinite mercy of God to both and now he concludes, with praying that the God of peace, he from whom it comes, and by whom it is preserved, may be for ever with them. The word Amen, at the end, does not appear to have been written by the apostle: it is wanting in some of the most ancient MSS.

1. In the preceding chapters the apostle enjoins a very hard but a very important and necessary duty, that of bearing with each other; and endeavouring to think, and let think, in those religious matters which are confessedly not essential to the salvation of the soul. Most of the disputes

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among Christians have been concerning non-essential points. Rites and ceremonies, even in the simple religion of Christ, have contributed their part in promoting those animosities by which Christians have been divided. Forms in worship, and sacerdotal garments, have not been without their influence in this general disturbance. Each side has been ready to take out of the 14th and 15th chapters of this Epistle, such expressions as seemed suitable to their own case; but few have been found who have taken up the whole. You believe that a person who holds such and such opinions is wrong; pity him, and set him right; lovingly, if possible. He believes you to be wrong, because you do not hold those points: he must bear with you. Both of you stand precisely on the same ground, and are mutually indebted to mutual for

bearance.

2. Beware of contentions in religion; if you dispute

the deaconess Phabe.

concerning any of its doctrines, let it be to find out truth;
not to support a pre-conceived and pre-established opinion.
Avoid all polemical heat and rancour; these prove the ab-
sence of the religion of Christ. Whatever does not lead you
to love God and man more, is most assuredly from beneath.
The God of peace is the author of Christianity: and the
Prince of peace, the priest and sacrifice of it: therefore love
one another; and leave off contention before it be meddled
with. On this subject the advice of pious Mr. Herbert is
good:-

Be calm in arguing; for fierceness makes
Error a fault, and truth discourtesy.
Why should I feel another man's mistakes
More than his sickness or his poverty?
In love I should; but anger is not love;

Nor wisdom neither:-therefore g-e-n-t-l-y m-o-v-c.

CHAPTER XVI.

The Apostle commends to the Christians at Rome, Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchrea, 1, 2. Sends greetings to Aquila and Priscilla, of whom he gives a high character; and greets also the church at their house, 3-5. Mentions several others by name, both men and women, who were members of the church of Christ at Rome, 6-16. Warns them to beware of those who cause dissensions and divisions, of whom he gives Extols the obedience of the Roman Christians, and promises them a complete Several persons send their salutations, 21-23. To whose good wishes he subjoins the apostolic blessing; commends them to God; gives an abstract of the doctrines of the gospel; and concludes with ascribing glory to the only wise God, through Christ Jesus, 24—27.

an awful character, 17, 18.

victory over Satan, 19, 20.

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NOTES ON CHAP. XVI. Verse 1. I commend unto you Phœbe] As the apostle had not been at Rome, previously to his writing this Epistle; he could not have had a personal acquaintance with those members of the church there, to whom he sends these friendly salutations. It is likely that many of them were his own converts; who, in different parts of Asia Minor and Greece, had heard him preach the gospel, and afterwards became settlers at Rome.

Phoebe is here termed a servant, dixxovor, a deaconess of the church at Cenchrea. There were deaconesses in the primitive church, whose business it was to attend the female converts at baptism; to instruct the catechumens, or persons who were candidates for baptism; to visit the sick, and

those who were in prison; and, in short, perform those religious offices for the female part of the church, which could not with propriety be performed by men. They were chosen in general out of the most experienced of the church, and were ordinarily widows, who had borne children. Some ancient Constitutions required them to be forty, others fifty, and others sixty years of age. It is evident that they were ordained to their office, by the imposition of the hands of the bishop; and the form of prayer used on the occasion is extant in the apostolical Constitutions. In the tenth or eleventh century, the order became extinct in the Latin church; but continued in the Greek church till the end of the twelfth century. See Broughton's Dictionary, article deaconess.

Cenchrea was a sea-port on the east side of the Isthmus, which

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