Romans 1:12

that is, that I may be comforted together, &c. We have here St Paul's fine tact, to use a word "soiled by ignoble use," because sometimes associated with insincerity. The tact of the Apostle is only an exquisite combination of sympathy and judgment; he speaks the true word, in the right place, and from the heart. It would be shallow criticism indeed which would see here only an ingenious religious compliment. To the sincere Christian teacher nothing is more real than the reflex aid he receives among Christian learners [32].

[32] See Introduction, i. § 33, note.

with you Better, in you; among you; "that I may share consolation among you."

by the mutual faith Lit. the faith which is in one another; a pregnant phrase; q. d., "the faith which dwells in each, and which each manifests to the other."