Chapter 16
The
apostle recommends Phebe to the church at Rome, and greets several friends
there
|
1–16
|
Cautions
the church against such as made divisions
|
17–20
|
Christian
salutations
|
21–24
|
The
epistle concludes with ascribing glory to God
|
25–27
|
Verses 1–16
Paul
recommends Phebe to the Christians at Rome. It becomes Christians to help one
another in their affairs, especially strangers; we know not what help we may
need ourselves. Paul asks help for one that had been helpful to many; he that
watereth shall be watered also himself. Though the care of all the churches
came upon him daily, yet he could remember many persons, and send salutations
to each, with particular characters of them, and express concern for them. Lest
any should feel themselves hurt, as if Paul had forgotten them, he sends his
remembrances to the rest, as brethren and saints, though not named. He adds, in
the close, a general salutation to them all, in the name of the churches of
Christ.
Verses 17–20
How
earnest, how endearing are these exhortations! Whatever differs from the sound
doctrine of the Scriptures, opens a door to divisions and offences. If truth be
forsaken, unity and peace will not last long. Many call Christ, Master and
Lord, who are far from serving him. But they serve their carnal, sensual,
worldly interests. They corrupt the head by deceiving the heart; perverting the
judgments by winding themselves into the affections. We have great need to keep
our hearts with all diligence. It has been the common policy of seducers to set
upon those who are softened by convictions. A pliable temper is good when under
good guidance, otherwise it may be easily led astray. Be so wise as not to be
deceived, yet so simple as not to be deceivers. The blessing the apostle
expects from God, is victory over Satan. This includes all designs and devices
of Satan against souls, to defile, disturb, and destroy them; all his attempts
to keep us from the peace of heaven here, and the possession of heaven
hereafter. When Satan seems to prevail, and we are ready to give up all as
lost, then will the God of peace interpose in our behalf. Hold out therefore,
faith and patience, yet a little while. If the grace of Christ be with us, who
can prevail against us?
Verses 21–24
The
apostle adds affectionate remembrances from persons with him, known to the
Roman Christians. It is a great comfort to see the holiness and usefulness of
our kindred. Not many mighty, not many noble are called, but some are. It is
lawful for believers to bear civil offices; and it were to be wished that all
offices in Christian states, and in the church, were bestowed upon prudent and
steady Christians.
Verses 25–27
That which
establishes souls, is, the plain preaching of Jesus Christ. Our redemption and
salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, are, without controversy, a great mystery
of godliness. And yet, blessed be God, there is as much of this mystery made
plain as will bring us to heaven, if we do not wilfully neglect so great
salvation. Life and immortality are brought to light by the gospel, and the Sun
of Righteousness is risen on the world. The Scriptures of the prophets, what
they left in writing, is not only made plain in itself, but by it this mystery
is made known to all nations. Christ is salvation to all nations. And the
gospel is revealed, not to be talked of and disputed about, but to be submitted
to. The obedience of faith is that obedience which is paid to the word of
faith, and which comes by the grace of faith. All the glory that passes from
fallen man to God, so as to be accepted of him, must go through the Lord Jesus,
in whom alone our persons and doings are, or can be, pleasing to God. Of his
righteousness we must make mention, even of his only; who, as he is the
Mediator of all our prayers, so he is, and will be, to eternity, the Mediator
of all our praises. Remembering that we are called to the obedience of faith,
and that every degree of wisdom is from the only wise God, we should, by word
and deed, render glory to him through Jesus Christ; that so the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ may be with us for ever.
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 