Chapter 15
Directions
how to behave towards the weak
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1–7
|
All
to receive one another as brethren
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8–13
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The
writing and preaching of the apostle
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14–21
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His
purposed journeys
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22–29
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He
requests their prayers
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30–33
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Verses 1–7
Christian
liberty was allowed, not for our pleasure, but for the glory of God, and the
good of others. We must please our neighbour, for the good of his soul; not by
serving his wicked will, and humouring him in a sinful way; if we thus seek to
please men, we are not the servants of Christ. Christ’s whole life was a
self-denying, self-displeasing life. And he is the most advanced Christian, who
is the most conformed to Christ. Considering his spotless purity and holiness,
nothing could be more contrary to him, than to be made sin and a curse for us,
and to have the reproaches of God fall upon him; the just for the unjust. He
bore the guilt of sin, and the curse for it; we are only called to bear a
little of the trouble of it. He bore the presumptuous sins of the wicked; we
are called only to bear the failings of the weak. And should not we be humble,
self-denying, and ready to consider one another, who are members one of
another? The Scriptures are written for our use and benefit, as much as for
those to whom they were first given. Those are most learned who are most mighty
in the Scriptures. That comfort which springs from the word of God, is the
surest and sweetest, and the greatest stay to hope. The Spirit as a Comforter,
is the earnest of our inheritance. This like-mindedness must be according to
the precept of Christ, according to his pattern and example. It is the gift of
God; and a precious gift it is, for which we must earnestly seek unto him. Our
Divine Master invites his disciples, and encourages them by showing himself as
meek and lowly in spirit. The same disposition ought to mark the conduct of his
servants, especially of the strong towards the weak. The great end in all our
actions must be, that God may be glorified; nothing more forwards this, than
the mutual love and kindness of those who profess religion. Those that agree in
Christ may well agree among themselves.
Verses 8–13
Christ
fulfilled the prophecies and promises relating to the Jews, and the Gentile
converts could have no excuse for despising them. The Gentiles, being brought
into the church, are companions in patience and tribulation. They should praise
God. Calling upon all the nations to praise the Lord, shows that they shall
have knowledge of him. We shall never seek to Christ till we trust in him. And
the whole plan of redemption is suited to reconcile us to one another, as well
as to our gracious God, so that an abiding hope of eternal life, through the
sanctifying and comforting power of the Holy Spirit, may be attained. Our own
power will never reach this; therefore where this hope is, and is abounding,
the blessed Spirit must have all the glory. “All joy and peace;” all sorts of
true joy and peace, so as to suppress doubts and fears, through the powerful
working of the Holy Spirit.
Verses 14–21
The
apostle was persuaded that the Roman Christians were filled with a kind and
affectionate spirit, as well as with knowledge. He had written to remind them
of their duties and their dangers, because God had appointed him the minister
of Christ to the Gentiles. Paul preached to them; but what made them sacrifices
to God, was, their sanctification; not his work, but the work of the Holy
Ghost: unholy things can never be pleasing to the holy God. The conversion of
souls pertains unto God; therefore it is the matter of Paul’s glorying, not the
things of the flesh. But though a great preacher, he could not make one soul
obedient, further than the Spirit of God accompanied his labours. He
principally sought the good of those that sat in darkness. Whatever good we do,
it is Christ who does it by us.
Verses 22–29
The
apostle sought the things of Christ more than his own will, and would not leave
his work of planting churches to go to Rome. It concerns all to do that first
which is most needful. We must not take it ill if our friends prefer work which
is pleasing to God, before visits and compliments, which may please us. It is
justly expected from all Christians, that they should promote every good work,
especially that blessed work, the conversion of souls. Christian society is a
heaven upon earth, an earnest of our gathering together unto Christ at the
great day. Yet it is but partial, compared with our communion with Christ; for
that only will satisfy the soul. The apostle was going to Jerusalem, as the
messenger of charity. God loves a cheerful giver. Every thing that passes
between Christians should be a proof and instance of the union they have in
Jesus Christ. The Gentiles received the gospel of salvation from the Jews;
therefore were bound to minister to them in what was needed for the body.
Concerning what he expected from them he speaks doubtfully; but concerning what
he expected from God he speaks confidently. We cannot expect too little from
man, nor too much from God. And how delightful and advantageous it is to have
the gospel with the fulness of its blessings! What wonderful and happy effects
does it produce, when attended with the power of the Spirit!
Verses 30–33
Let us
learn to value the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous. How careful
should we be, lest we forfeit our interest in the love and prayers of God’s
praying people! If we have experienced the Spirit’s love, let us not be wanting
in this office of kindness for others. Those that would prevail in prayer, must
strive in prayer. Those who beg the prayers of others, must not neglect to pray
for themselves. And though Christ knows our state and wants perfectly, he will
know them from us. As God must be sought, for restraining the ill-will of our
enemies, so also for preserving and increasing the good-will of our friends.
All our joy depends upon the will of God. Let us be earnest in prayer with and
for each other, that for Christ’s sake, and by the love of the Holy Spirit,
great blessings may come upon the souls of Christians, and the labours of
ministers.
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
