Bible Commentary

Let every one of us please [his] neighbor for [his] good to edification. 2. for his good to edification ] These words taken together perfectly define the principle of Christian complaisance. Cp. 1Co 10:33, and contrast Gal 1:10, where St Paul treats the case of radically false doctrine, not, as here, a question of secondary … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 15:2”

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Ch. Rom 15:1-7. The same subject: the Lord’s example in the matter 1. We then, &c.] This chapter and the next have been suspected and discussed by some foreign critics, as either ( a) out of place … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 15:1”

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin. 23. And he that doubteth ] This verse, like the last clause, is really aimed at the “strong” Christian’s mistaken conduct. He is reminded of the real sin he may occasion in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 14:23”

Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 22. Hast thou faith? ] “ Thou ” is emphatic, and marks the contrast of the persons the “strong” and the “weak.” “ Faith ” here, as throughout the Epistle, is (in its … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 14:22”

[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 21. It is good ] The word is in antithesis to the “ it is evil ” just before. The “strong” Christian might deem his own exercise of liberty good … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 14:21”

For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offense. 20. destroy not ] Lit. loosen, dissolve, pull down. The word is used in contrast to the idea of building up in the previous words. Same word as e.g. Mat 26:61; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 14:20”

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 19. the things which make for peace ] Lit. the things of peace. So below, the things of mutual edification. For remarks on the harmony between St Paul’s eirenicon here and his stern warnings (e.g. in Galatians … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 14:19”

For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men. 18. For he that in these things, &c.] The “ for ” indicates a connexion somewhat as follows: “the privileges of the Gospel are above all things spiritual: for the subjects of God’s evangelical kingdom approve themselves as loyal … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 14:18”

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 17. the kingdom of God ] This important phrase occurs elsewhere in St Paul, 1Co 4:20; 1Co 6:9-10 ; 1Co 15:50; Gal 5:21; Eph 5:5; Col 4:11; 1Th 2:12 ; 2Th 1:5; 2Ti 4:18. In … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 14:17”

Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 16. then ] therefore. The word sums up and applies the previous reasonings. your good ] i.e. your Christian light and liberty, in the “kingdom of God.” Misuse of this would be sure to embitter Christian intercourse, and to weaken the tenderness of conscience and so … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 14:16”