The first person here mentioned is Phebe; who going upon some occasion to Rome, St. Paul is supposed to have sent this epistle to the Romans by her: "I commend, says he, to your care and affectionate regard, Phebe our sister in the faith, who serveth the church at Chenchrea," in the quality of deaco... [ Continue Reading ]
The first persons at Rome whom St. Paul saluteth by name, are Priscilla and Aquila. The woman is named before her husband, and shows that they were all one in Christ Jesus, in whom is neither male nor female. Here, by the way, it appears how weakly the Papists argue for St. Peter's primacy, because... [ Continue Reading ]
Three persons are here saluted by name; the first, Epenetus, whom he calls the first-fruits of Achaia; that is, the first person that embraced Christianity, or the faith of Christ, in the region of Achaia: the second is Mary,. common name, but the person here intended was of special note, having b... [ Continue Reading ]
Here observe, 1. How the apostle salutes the Christians at Rome, not in general, but particularly and by name, that they might be convinced how particularly mindful he was of them. And as he mentions them by name in his salutations, it is not improbable but that he might mention them also by name in... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, How the apostle proceeds from greeting the saints at Rome himself, to persuade them to salute one another. There had been much dissension amongst them about meats and days; he therefore craves of them for the future to embrace each other with cordial love, and affectionate kindness, an... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe here, 1. How our apostle takes his leave and farewell of the Romans, with an admonition to them to take heed of persons that were erroneous in doctrine, and scandalous in practice. 'Tis probable he means either those Jews who pleaded the necessity of circumcision, and the observation of the... [ Continue Reading ]
As if the apostle had said, "I do not accuse you, but advise and warn you only;. acknowledge that you the Christians at Rome are famous for your obedience to the apostolical doctrine, and that you walk in faith and love, in unity and concord, to the credit of the gospel, and the honour of your holy... [ Continue Reading ]
These words may be considered either relatively, or absolutely; if relatively, or with relation to the context, then by Satan is to be understood seducers and false teachers, whom he had warned the Romans of in the preceding verses: MARK THEM WHICH CAUSE DIVISIONS, &C. Learn hence, 1. That all cor... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle had, in the former part of the chapter, saluted divers persons himself; here he sends the salutations of those that were with him to the saints or Christians at Rome: hereby showing that mutual love and amity, that happy concord and unity, which is and ought to be between all the sincere... [ Continue Reading ]
Here again our apostle, from the abundance of his affectionate heart towards them, repeats his benediction to them, that the mercy, grace, and goodness, of the Lord Jesus Christ, may abide upon, and evermore continue with, them. Where note, The fountain and original spring from whence all grace dot... [ Continue Reading ]
Our apostle here concludes his excellent epistle with. solemn doxology or thanksgiving to God; in which he first describes God, and then ascribes eternal glory to him. He describes him both by his power and by his wisdom. By his power first, TO HIM THAT IS ABLE TO ESTABLISH YOU ACCORDING TO MY GOSP... [ Continue Reading ]