Bible Commentary

One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike.] Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 5. One man esteemeth, &c.] Lit. One man judgeth day abeve day, but another Judgeth every day. The “ judgeth ” in the second clause is an echo from the first, without which … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 14:5”

Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 4. The question has been much debated whether the observance of the Sabbath was one of the tenets of the “weak brethren,” and so whether … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 14:4”

Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 3. It is unmistakable, from all the passages in question, on which side apostolic truth lay. St Paul clearly decides against the principle of the “weak brethren;” though he … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 14:3”

For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 2. This difference may be explained by the different quality and aspect of the controversies. In Galatia the question was of primary principle; at Rome and Corinth it was, on the whole, of secondary practice. How to be justified before … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 14:2”

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, [but] not to doubtful disputations. Ch. Rom 14:1-9. Christian practice: mutual toleration: each individual directly responsible to the Redeemer 1. Him that is weak, &c.] Lit. But him that is weak, &c. The “ but ” marks a slight contrast with the previous passage. Probably this … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 14:1”

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfill] the lusts [thereof.] 14. But put ye on, &c.] For similar language see Gal 3:27; (where Baptism is to be viewed in its ideal, as involving and sealing the acceptance and confession of Christ.) Cp. also Eph 4:24; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:14”

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 13. honestly ] Margin, decently, i.e. becomingly; with the true decorum of a life of obedience to the will of God. as in the day ] Here again the metaphor slightly varies … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:13”

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 12. The night is far spent ] Lit. The night was far spent. The Gr. verb is in the aorist; and the time-reference is, very probably, to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:12”

And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed. 11 14. Christian practice: duty enforced by the prospect of the Lord’s Return 11. And that, &c.] In this last section of the chapter, St Paul enforces all the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:11”

Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law. 10. Love worketh, &c.] Such is its very nature, to avoid the kind of acts which as a fact the Law forbids. Therefore Love (“Charity,” 1 Corinthians 13, &c.), though its action is not, strictly speaking, originated by the Law, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 13:10”