_I beseech you therefore, brethren_ Paul uses to suit his exhortations to the doctrines he has been delivering. So here the general exhortation to universal holiness, grounded on, and inferred from, the whole of the preceding part of the epistle, is contained in the first and second verses. Particul... [ Continue Reading ]
_And be not conformed_ Neither in judgment, spirit, nor behaviour; _to this_ vain and sinful _world_ Which, neglecting the will of God, entirely follows its own; _but be ye transformed_ Regenerated and created anew; _by the renewing of your minds_ Of your understandings, wills, and affections, throu... [ Continue Reading ]
_For I say_ As if he had said, You must be renewed, in order that you may walk as it is your indispensable duty and great privilege to do. He proceeds to show what that will of God is, which he had just spoken of: _through the grace which is given to me_ He chiefly means, given him as an inspired ap... [ Continue Reading ]
_For as we have many members_ The apostle proceeds to illustrate his advice by a comparison taken from the members of the human body. _All members have not the same office_ But different members are appointed to different purposes. _So we_ Several believers, having different gifts and offices; _are... [ Continue Reading ]
Having spoken of faith and its fruits, Romans 12:3, he comes now to speak of love. _Let love be without dissimulation_ Not in pretence, but in reality; not _in word and tongue only_, but in deed and in truth, 1 John 3:18. In consequence of loving God because he hath first loved you, sincerely love a... [ Continue Reading ]
_Rejoicing in hope_ Of perfect holiness and everlasting happiness; or _of the glory of God;_ (Romans 5:2;) and _of eternal life, Titus 1:2_; _patient in tribulation_ To which you may be exposed for the cause of Christ, or in whatever you may be called to suffer, according to the wise disposals of Go... [ Continue Reading ]
_Dearly beloved_ So he softens the rugged spirit; _avenge not yourselves_ On those that have injured you, whatever wrongs you may receive; _but rather give place unto wrath_ Yield to the wrath of the enemy: _for it is written, Vengeance is mine_ It properly belongs to me; _and I will repay_ The dese... [ Continue Reading ]
_Be not overcome of evil_ As all are who avenge themselves; _but_ Even if you see no present fruit, yet persevere; and _overcome evil with good_ Conquer your enemies with kindness and patience, which is the most glorious victory, and a victory which may certainly be obtained, if you have the courage... [ Continue Reading ]