Chapter 12
Believers
are to dedicate themselves to God
|
1,
2
|
To
be humble, and faithfully to use their spiritual gifts, in their respective
stations
|
3–8
|
Exhortations
to various duties
|
9–16
|
And
to peaceable conduct towards all men, with forbearance and benevolence
|
17–21
|
Verses 1, 2
The
apostle having closed the part of his epistle wherein he argues and proves
various doctrines which are practically applied, here urges important duties
from gospel principles. He entreated the Romans, as his brethren in Christ, by
the mercies of God, to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to Him. This
is a powerful appeal. We receive from the Lord every day the fruits of his
mercy. Let us render ourselves; all we are, all we have, all we can do: and
after all, what return is it for such very rich receivings? It is acceptable to
God: a reasonable service, which we are able and ready to give a reason for,
and which we understand. Conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the
mind; a change, not of the substance, but of the qualities of the soul. The
progress of sanctification, dying to sin more and more, and living to
righteousness more and more, is the carrying on this renewing work, till it is
perfected in glory. The great enemy to this renewal is, conformity to this
world. Take heed of forming plans for happiness, as though it lay in the things
of this world, which soon pass away. Do not fall in with the customs of those
who walk in the lusts of the flesh, and mind earthly things. The work of the
Holy Ghost first begins in the understanding, and is carried on to the will,
affections, and conversation, till there is a change of the whole man into the
likeness of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. Thus, to be
godly, is to give up ourselves to God.
Verses 3–8
Pride is a
sin in us by nature; we need to be cautioned and armed against it. All the
saints make up one body in Christ, who is the Head of the body, and the common
Centre of their unity. In the spiritual body, some are fitted for and called to
one sort of work; others for another sort of work. We are to do all the good we
can, one to another, and for the common benefit. If we duly thought about the
powers we have, and how far we fail properly to improve them, it would humble
us. But as we must not be proud of our talents, so we must take heed lest,
under a pretence of humility and self-denial, we are slothful in laying out
ourselves for the good of others. We must not say, I am nothing, therefore I
will sit still, and do nothing; but, I am nothing in myself, and therefore I
will lay out myself to the utmost, in the strength of the grace of Christ.
Whatever our gifts or situations may be, let us try to employ ourselves humbly,
diligently, cheerfully, and in simplicity; not seeking our own credit or
profit, but the good of many, for this world and that which is to come.
Verses 9–16
The
professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit,
and unmeaning and deceitful compliments. Depending on Divine grace, they must
detest and dread all evil, and love and delight in whatever is kind and useful.
We must not only do that which is good, but we must cleave to it. All our duty
towards one another is summed up in one word, love. This denotes the love of
parents to their children; which is more tender and natural than any other;
unforced, unconstrained. And love to God and man, with zeal for the gospel,
will make the wise Christian diligent in all his wordly business, and in
gaining superior skill. God must be served with the spirit, under the
influences of the Holy Spirit. He is honoured by our hope and trust in him,
especially when we rejoice in that hope. He is served, not only by working for
him, but by sitting still quietly, when he calls us to suffer. Patience for
God’s sake, is true piety. Those that rejoice in hope, are likely to be patient
in tribulation. We should not be cold in the duty of prayer, nor soon weary of
it. Not only must there be kindness to friends and brethren, but Christians
must not harbour anger against enemies. It is but mock love, which rests in
words of kindness, while our brethren need real supplies, and it is in our
power to furnish them. Be ready to entertain those who do good: as there is
occasion, we must welcome strangers. Bless, and curse not. It means thorough
good will; not, bless them when at prayer, and curse them at other times; but
bless them always, and curse not at all. True Christian love will make us take
part in the sorrows and joys of each other. Labour as much as you can to agree
in the same spiritual truths; and when you come short of that, yet agree in
affection. Look upon worldly pomp and dignity with holy contempt. Do not mind
it; be not in love with it. Be reconciled to the place God in his providence
puts you in, whatever it be. Nothing is below us, but sin. We shall never find
in our hearts to condescend to others, while we indulge conceit of ourselves;
therefore that must be mortified.
Verses 17–21
Since men
became enemies to God, they have been very ready to be enemies one to another.
And those that embrace religion, must expect to meet with enemies in a world
whose smiles seldom agree with Christ’s. Recompense to no man evil for evil.
That is a brutish recompence, befitting only animals, which are not conscious
of any being above them, or of any existence hereafter. And not only do, but
study and take care to do, that which is amiable and creditable, and recommends
religion to all with whom you converse. Study the things that make for peace;
if it be possible, without offending God and wounding conscience. Avenge not
yourselves. This is a hard lesson to corrupt nature, therefore a remedy against
it is added. Give place unto wrath. When a man’s passion is up, and the stream
is strong, let it pass off; lest it be made to rage the more against us. The
line of our duty is clearly marked out, and if our enemies are not melted by
persevering kindness, we are not to seek vengeance; they will be consumed by
the fiery wrath of that God to whom vengeance belongeth. The last verse
suggests what is not easily understood by the world; that in all strife and
contention, those that revenge are conquered, and those that forgive are
conquerors. Be not overcome of evil. Learn to defeat ill designs against you,
either to change them, or to preserve your own peace. He that has this rule
over his spirit, is better than the mighty. God’s children may be asked whether
it is not more sweet unto them than all earthly good, that God so enables them
by his Spirit, thus to feel and act.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
Rick Meyers.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary. e-Sword ®: www.e-sword.net
