Vincent's Word Studies We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Infirmities (ἀσθενήματα)
Only here in the New Testament. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: Of the circumcision
Of those circumcised. See on the election, Romans 11:7. And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. It is written
The citations are from Psalm 18:50, compare 2 Samuel 22:50; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 117:1; Isaiah 11:10. Confess Rev., give praise. See on Romans 14:11. Sing (ψαλῶ) See on James 5:13. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. Rejoice (εὐφράνθητε)
Frequently in the New Testament of merry-making. Luke 12:19; Luke 15:23, Luke 15:24. See on fared sumptuously, Luke 16:19. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 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. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 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 (ἀγαθωσύνης) See on Romans 3:12. To admonish (νουθετεῖν) See on Acts 20:31. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, I have written (ἔγραψα)
Rev., I write. The epistolary aorist. See on 1 John 2:13. The more boldly (τολμηρότερον) Not too boldly, but the more boldly because you are full of goodness. In some sort (ἀπὸ μέρους) See on Romans 11:25. Rev., in some measure, qualifying I write, and referring to some passage in which he had spoken with especial plainness; as 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. That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Minister (λειτουργὸν)
See on Romans 13:6. Ministering (ἱερουργοῦντα) Only here in the New Testament. Lit., ministering as a priest. Offering up (προσφορὰ) Lit., the bringing to, i.e., to the altar. Compare doeth service, John 16:2. I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. Whereof I may glory (τὴν καύχησιν)
Rather, as Rev., my glorying, denoting the act. The ground of glorying would be καύχημα as in Romans 4:2; Galatians 6:4, etc. Those things which pertain to God (τὰ πρὸς τὸν Θεόν) 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. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Signs - wonders
See on Matthew 11:20. Round about (κύκλῳ) 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. Fully preached (πεπληρωκέναι) Lit., fulfilled Some explain, have given the Gospel its fall development so that it has reached every quarter. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: Have I strived (φιλοτιμούμενον)
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 (θεμέλιον) See on settle, 1 Peter 5:10. But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. I have been hindered (ἐνεκοπτόμην)
Imperfect tense, denoting continuousness, and implying a succession of hindrances. Rev., was hindered. Hence these many times. But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Place (τόπον)
Scope, opportunity. So of Esau, Hebrews 12:17. Compare Romans 12:19; Ephesians 4:27. Many (ἱκανῶν) 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 15:9). Adequate (2 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 3:5). Qualified (2 Timothy 2:2). Here the sense might be expressed by for years enough. Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. Spain
The usual Greek name is Iberia. Paul adopts a modification of the Roman name, Hispania. In my journey (διαπορευόμενος) Lit., journeying through, or as I pass through. To be brought on my way (προπεμφθῆναι) Escorted. See on Acts 15:3. Filled (ἐμπλησθῶ) Lit., filled full: satiated. Compare Acts 14:17; Luke 1:53. Rev., satisfied. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. Contribution (κοινωνίαν)
See on fellowship, Acts 2:42. Poor saints (πτωχοὺς τῶν ἁγίων) More literally, and better, the poor of the saints. Rev., among the saints. All the saints were not poor. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. To minister (λειτουργῆσαι)
See on 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. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. Sealed - this fruit
Secured to them the product of the contribution. See on John 3:33; see on Revelation 22:10. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Gospel
Omit, and read blessing of Christ. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; Strive together (συναγωνίσασθαι)
The simple verb is used of contending in the games, and implies strenuous effort. Here earnest prayer. That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; Them that do not believe (τῶν ἀπειθούντων)
See on Romans 10:21. Better, Rev., them that are disobedient. That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. With you be refreshed (συναναπαύσωμαι ὑμῖν)
See on give rest, Matthew 11:28. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]. Text Courtesy of Internet Sacred Texts Archive. Bible Hub |
    |