Observe here, 1. The title given to magistrates, they are POWERS, HIGHER POWERS, that is, persons invested with power, and placed in supreme authority over us. All mankind is not of one rank, doth not stand upon an equal level. Magistracy is an eminency or superiority of some persons above others.... [ Continue Reading ]
The forementioned duty of subjection unto magistracy, insisted upon in the foregoing verse, the apostle urges and enforces upon all Christians, by sundry arguments in this and the foregoing verses; as, namely, 1. From the sinfulness of resistance: THEY RESIST THE ORDINANCE OF GOD; they make war upon... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have. further argument for subjection to rulers and governors, drawn from the end of the magistrate's office, which is to punish vice, and to promote virtue: RULERS ARE NOT. TERROR TO GOOD WORKS; that is, they ought not, and they ordinarily are not; they were not ordained for that end, and i... [ Continue Reading ]
Here the apostle subjoins. reason, why. magistrate is not to be unduly dreaded and feared by his subjects who live well, for HE IS by his institution THE MINISTER OF GOD TO THEE FOR GOOD, if thou beest. doer of that which is good. Learn hence, that the magistrate is the minister of God for the good... [ Continue Reading ]
Here the apostle doth again assert the necessity of subjection to the civil magistrate. Seeing that magistracy is God's ordinance, for the good of human society; seeing that the sword in the magistrate's hand is backed and edged with God's authority; therefore there is. necessity of subjection unto... [ Continue Reading ]
From the duty of subjection unto magistrates, the apostle proceeds to urge and enforce the duty and necessity of paying tribute to them, or allowing them an honourable maintenance, for and towards the support of the government which they sustain and bear. The payment of taxes and tribute to the supr... [ Continue Reading ]
A twofold duty towards magistrates is here laid down by our apostle, namely, maintenance and reverence. 1. There is due unto them maintenance. Tribute and custom is payable to them for that purpose, and not without great reason and obligation: FOR HE IS THE MINISTER OF GOD FOR OUR GOOD, that is, an... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle having finished his exhortation to duty towards our superiors, comes now to enforce the duties which we owe unto our neighbours; the first of which is, to render and pay to every one what is due unto him. Moral duties are mutual debts which we owe one to another; one of which namely, tha... [ Continue Reading ]
Two particulars are here observable, namely,. proposition asserted, that LOVE IS THE FULFILLING OF THE LAW. "And this proposition proved by an induction and enumeration of particular duties belonging to the second table. Observe, 1. The proposition asserted and maintained by the apostle, ver. and 1... [ Continue Reading ]
Here begins the last part of the chapter, which treats of our duty towards ourselves, namely, sobriety, temperance, mortification of sin, and all the works of darkness, such as rioting and drunkenness, chambering and wantonness, and the like; and the argument or motive which the apostle uses in this... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. The apostle puts the Romans in mind of their former state before conversion, when THE MIGHT of heathenish ignorance and darkness was upon them, when they spent their time and strength in RIOTING AND DRUNKENNESS, in LASCIVIOUSNESS AND WANTONNESS. Where note, The odious character whe... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, the apostle doth not say, as. moral philosopher would have said, "Instead of rioting and drunkenness, chambering and wantonness, put on temperance, put on sobriety, put on chastity, and so set. single virtue against. single vice; but, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, seek by faith union w... [ Continue Reading ]