Bible Commentaries
Romans 15

Verse 1

Infirmities [ασθενηματα] Only here in the New Testament.

Verse 8

Of the circumcision. Of those circumcised See on the election, ch. 11 7.

Verse 9

It is written. The citations are from Psalms 18:50, compare 2 Samuel 22:50; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalms 117:1; Isaiah 11:10.

Confess. Rev., give praise. See on ch. Romans 14:11.

Sing [ψαλω] . See on James 5:13.

Verse 10

Rejoice [ευφρανθητε] . Frequently in the New Testament of merry - making. Luke 12:19; Luke 14:23, Luke 14:24. See on fared sumptuously, Luke 16:19.

Verse 12

Root. See on Nazarene, Matthew 2:23. Root is a sprout from the root. He that shall rise to reign. Rev., that ariseth to reign. Literally from the Septuagint. Ariseth to reign is a paraphrase of the Hebrew stands as banner. Bengel says : "There is a pleasant contrast : the root is in the lowest place, the banner rises highest, so as to be seen even by the remotest nations."

Shall - hope. So Septuagint, which is a free rendering of the Hebrew seek or resort to.

Verse 14

Here the Epilogue of the Epistle begins. Bengel says : "As one street often leads men, leaving a large city, through several gates, so the conclusion of this Epistle is manifold." Goodness [αγαθωσυνης] . See on ch. Romans 3:12.

To admonish [νουθετειν] . See on Acts 20:31.

Verse 15

I have written [εγραψα] . Rev., I write. The epistolary aorist. See on 1 John 2:13.

The more boldly [τολμηροτερον] . Not too boldly, but the more boldly because you are full of goodness.

In some sort [απο μερους] . See on ch. Romans 11:25. Rev., in some measure, qualifying I write, and referring to some passage in which he had spoken with especial plainness; as ch. Romans 6:12, Romans 6:19; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:17; Romans 14:3, Romans 14:4, Romans 14:10, Romans 14:13, Romans 14:15, Romans 14:20, etc.

Verse 16

Minister [λειτουργον] . See on ch. Romans 13:6.

Ministering [ιερουργουντα] . Only here in the New Testament. Lit., ministering as a priest.

Offering up [προσφορα] . Lit., the bringing to, i e., to the altar. Compare doeth service, John 16:2.

Verse 17

Whereof I may glory [την καυχησιν] . Rather, as Rev., my glorying, denoting the act. The ground of glorying would be kauchma as in ch. 4 2; Galatians 6:4, etc.

Those things which pertain to God [τα προς τον θεον] . A technical phrase in Jewish liturgical language to denote the functions of worship (Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 5:1). According with the sacerdotal ideas of the previous verse.

Verse 19

Signs - wonders. See on Matthew 11:20.

Round about [κυκλω] . Not, in a circuitous track to Illyricum, but Jerusalem and the regions round it. For the phrase, see Mark 3:34; Mark 6:6, Mark 6:36; Luke 9:12; Revelation 4:6. For the facts, Acts 13:19.

Illyricum. Lying between Italy, Germany, Macedonia, and Thrace, bounded by the Adriatic and the Danube. The usual Greek name was Illyris. The name Illyria occurs in both Greek and Latin. Though the shore was full of fine harbors and the coast - land fertile, Greek civilization never spread on the coast. Dyrrachium or Epidamnus was almost the only Greek colony, and its history for centuries was a continuous conflict with the barbarous nations. In the time of the Roman Empire the name spread over all the surrounding districts. In the division between the Eastern and Western Empire it was divided into Illyris Barbara, annexed to the Western Empires and Illyris Graeca, to the Eastern, including, Greece, Epirus, and Macedonia. The name gradually disappeared, and the country was divided between the states of Bosnia, Croatia, Servia, Rascia, and Dalmatia. No mention of a visit of Paul occurs in the Acts. It may have taken place in the journey mentioned Acts 20:1-3. Acts 20:6 Acts 20:9 Fully preached [πεπληρωκεναι] . Lit., fulfilled Some explain, have given the Gospel its fall development so that it has reached every quarter.

Verse 20

Have I strived [φιλοτιμουμενον] . The verb means originally to be fond of honor, and hence, from a love of honor, to strive, be ambitious. Compare 2 Corinthians 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:11. The correct sense is to prosecute as a point of honor.

Foundation (qemelion). See on settle, 1 Peter 5:10.

Verse 22

I have been hindered [ενεκοπτομην] . Imperfect tense, denoting continuousness, and implying a succession of hindrances. Rev., was hindered. Hence these many times.

Verse 23

Place [τοπον] . Scope, opportunity. So of Esau, Hebrews 12:17. Compare Romans 12:19; Ephesians 4:27.

Many [ικανων] . See on worthy, Luke 7:6. The primary meaning is sufficient, and hence comes to be applied to number and quantity; many, enough, as Mark 10:46; Luke 8:32; Acts 9:23, etc. So, long, of time (Acts 8:11; Acts 27:9). Worthy, i e., sufficient for an honor or a place (Mark 1:7; Luke 7:6; 1 Corinthians 14:9). Adequate (2 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 3:5). Qualified (2 Timothy 2:2). Here the sense might be expressed by for years enough.

Verse 24

Spain. The usual Greek name is Iberia. Paul adopts a modification of the Roman name, Hispania.

In my journey [διαπορευομενος] . Lit., journeying through, or as I pass through.

To be brought on my way [προπεμφθηναι] . Escorted. See on Acts 14:3. Filled [εμπλησθω] . Lit., filled full : satiated. Compare Acts 14:17; Luke 1:53. Rev., satisfied.

Verse 26

Contribution [κοινωνιαν] . See on fellowship, Acts 2:42.

Poor saints [πτωχους των αγιων] . More literally, and better, the poor of the saints. Rev., among the saints. All the saints were not poor.

Verse 27

To minister [λειτουργησαι] . See on ch. Romans 13:6. By using this word for priestly service, Paul puts the ministry of almsgiving on the footing of a sacrificial service. It expresses the worship of giving.

Verse 28

Sealed - this fruit. Secured to them the product of the contribution. See on John 3:33; Revelation 22:10.

Verse 29

Gospel. Omit, and read blessing of Christ.

Verse 30

Strive together [συναγωνισασθαι] . The simple verb is used of contending in the games, and implies strenuous effort. Here earnest prayer.

Verse 31

Them that do not believe [των απειθουντων] . See on ch. Romans 10:21. Better, Rev., them that are disobedient.

Verse 32

With you be refreshed [συναναπαυσωμαι υμιν] . See on give rest, Matthew 11:28.