60. ROME. Nero Emperor. all that came in unto him, 31 preach- Jesus Christ, with all confidence,* no ...So that my those things which concern the Lord bonds in Christ (or, for Christ) are manifest in all the palace 60. ROME. Nero Emperor. (or, Cæsar's court), and in all other places (or, to all others). Ph. 1, 13. It is supposed that, after two years, Paul obtained his liberty; but that shortly after, he was again in prison under circumstances of greater hardship than at first. During his freedom, and expecting to visit Judæa, he wrote the epistle to the Hebrews [254]; and when in prison, the Second Epistle to Timothy [255]-a short time previous to his being put to death by order of Nero. The Epistle of PAUL the Apostle to the ROMANS. (Acts. 3.) THAT this Epistle is the production of the great apostle of the Gentiles has been admitted by universal consent; indeed the evidence of this is so copious and conclusive, that nothing but the most perverse scepticism would induce any so much as to question it. The persons to whom it was originally addressed were the Christians resident in Rome, and composing the church in that city. Some of these were of Jewish descent; some had been proselytes to Judaism before they embraced Christianity; and some were converts immediately from heathenism. It may be readily supposed that the last two of these classes combined were much more numerous than the first alone; and hence this body, as a whole, might be viewed as a Gentile church. That it was, sometimes at least, so viewed by the apostle seems to be indicated by such expressions as occur in Ch. i., 13; and Ch. xv., 15, 16. It is impossible, however, to doubt that the Jewish element in the church was such that the apostle kept it also distinctly in view in writing the epistle. By bearing in mind that the second of the three classes might sometimes be added to the first, and so present the church to the mind of the apostle as Judæo-Christian, and sometimes to the third, so as to give it the prevailing aspect of Ethnico-Christian, we shall probably completely reconcile the differences of opinion into which critics have fallen in drawing inferences from the Epistle itself, as to the original condition of the persons to whom it was addressed. Whether the apostle had any special reason in the church itself, for addressing to it such an epistle, is uncertain. No doubt, however, can be entertained as to the purpose of the epistle itself. The writer plainly strives to set forth, in clear statement and by cogent argument, the necessity and fitness of Christianity as a religion for mankind. He lays it down that "righteousness before God" is that which it is requisite for all men to possess; and this, he asserts that all menJew and Gentile-are without. Having thus shut up the whole race to condemnation, he proceeds to shew that this righteousness can be obtained only through faith, and to illustrate the adaptation of the Gospel as the object of faith to secure both the justification and the sanctification of the believer. The epistle is divided into two great parts—a doctrinal and a practical; in the former of which, Paul illustrates and proves the leading truths of Christianity; and in the latter, urges certain duties which flow from the belief of these. Though placed first in order in the New Testament—a place to which it is entitled by its intrinsic importance-this epistle was not, by any means, the earliest of the apostle's extant writings. Critics generally are agreed that it was written during Paul's second visit to Corinth, and some time in the year 58. Though addressed to Christians residing in Rome, this epistle was written originally in Greek-a language well understood not only at Rome but more extensively than any other throughout the Roman empire. futile. Doubts have been started as to the genuineness of the fifteenth and sixteenth chapters-but on grounds altogether a He is a chosen vessel unto Me 1 PAUL, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated... Your obedi to bear my name before the Gen and the chil dren of Israel. Salutation1-7 Ac. 9, 15. is come abroad unto all men. Ch. 16, 19. Striving accordto his, work ing which worketh in me might unto the Gospel of God, 2(which he had promised afore by his protiles, and kings, phets in the holy Scriptures,) 3 concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;ing 4 and "declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5by whom we have received graced and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: whoso to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. b To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name, ever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Ac. 10, 43. a Gr., determined. c He. 9, 14. d...By the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain...1 Co. 15, 10. B Or, to the obedience of faith. concern welfare,8-15. ly. Col. 1, 29. ...Paul purpos y Or, in my spirit. ed in the spirit... saying...I must also see Rome. Ac. 19, 21. h And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came upon them, and they with tongues and prophesied. Ac. 19, 6. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your 8 Or, in you. i Satan hindered us. 1 Th. 2, 18. Or...The Spirit not. Ac. 16, 7. Or, in you. suffered them me, Depart, for k He said unto | tiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to "Where no wood I will send thee the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach' the Gospel to you that are at Rome also. far hence unto the Gentiles. Ac. 22, 21. !...... Though I preach the gospel, I have no thing to glory of, for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is me if I preach not the gospel. 1Co. 9,16. m Ps. 110, 2. n Ch. 10, 17. is, there the fire goeth out; 80 where there is no talebearer (or, the strife ceaseth. Pr. 26, 20. 16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the powerm of whisperer), Subject of the epistle, Salvathat be tion to every one lieveth. ...For he hath sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Co. 5, 21. P......Saying, I shall have peace, though I walk made him to be have tion (or, stub will not spare 20. Or, to them. univer R had, 18-ii. 16. 21 be x Pr. 25, 23. A Or, unsociable. They consider not (Heb., say not to) in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness....... Ho. 7, 2. Or, consent with them. For He will not lay upon man more than right, that he should enter into judgment with God. Job 34, 23. "Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse : cause that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became in the imagina- fools, 23 and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an images made bornness) of mine like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping heart...The Lord things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the him...De. 29, 19, lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves :' 25 who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like 'to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to "a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient : being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousright hand? Is. ness, maliciousness;" full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; e...Many a time whisperers, 30 back biters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inheathen are sil-ventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 who hands. Ps. 135, knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are Who being past worthy of death," not only do the same, but "have pleasure in them that do feeling,have giv- them. HEREFORE thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the and true God. judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape" the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasureste up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of clean that is God: who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who man? Job 25, 4. by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and im × Or, a mind void of judgment. u How then can with God? man be justified how can he be born of a wo sen thongh hand join tongue to speak themselves 9...Taught their mortality, eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and do not | Behold the days lies, and weary obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tributolation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the "Gentile; 10 but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without commit iniquity. Je. 9, 5. v Gr., Greek. & Gr., Greek. h Sodom......they were haughty, and committed fore Me; there abomination be come, saith the Lord, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised;......for all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart. Je. 9, 25, 26. law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 which shew the work of Is. 56, 6, 7. the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts "the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according The spirit of to my Gospel. fore I took them good. Ez. 16, 50. away, as I saw i De. 27, 26. man is the candle (or, lamp) of the Lord......Pr. 20, 27. The Jew alike o Or, the conscience guilty with the witnessing with Gentile, 17 them. " Or, between themselves. p Or, triest the 29. s...Which swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of in truth, nor in righteousness. Is. 48, 1. t...For the Lord seeth not as man seeth....1 Sa. 16, 7. 17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18 and knowest his will, and Papprovest the things that are more excellent, being instructed' out of the law; 19 and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal," dost thou steal? 22 thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit things that differ. adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege ?o 23 thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you," as it is written. 25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness law which I set of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?" 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which and prudent in is outwards in the flesh: 29 but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and their own sight. circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. For the comlamp; and the law is light, and struction are the mandment is a reproofs of in way of life. Pr. 6, 23. m Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, Is. 5, 21. n...Making the ephah small, & 28 For the shekel grent 3 WHAT advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of cir were committed the oracles" of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true," but every man a liar; as it is written, "THAT THOU MIGHTEST BE JUSTIFIED IN THY SAYINGS, AND MIGHTEST OVERCOME WHEN THOU ART JUDGED.' 5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6God forbid for then how shall God judge the world ?* 7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? and not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) "Let us do evil, that good may come?" whose damnation is just." u For what nation is there so great that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this before you this day? De. 4, 8. v He is the rock, His rock is perfect for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he. De. 32, 4. z... With righte y......Ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness...Jude 4. s Gr.. charged. The Scripture hath concluded all under den, Christ might be 53, 1. a Ps. 14, 4. 9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise for we have Or, passing over. before sproved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE: THERE IS NONE THAT UNDERSTANDETH, THERE IS NONE THAT SEEKETH AFTER GOD. a 11 12 THEY ARE ...For He shall bear their iniquities. Is. 53, 11. r...For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Ga. 2, O daughter of Zion......I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord; z Ps. 14, 1-3; & POISON OF ASPS is UNDER THEIR LIPS: 14 WHOSE MOUTH is FULL OF CURSING 1. c Ps. 14, 3. blessedness obtainedby ful d Ps. 58, 1. Ec. mands of God, 7, 20. e Ps. 5, 9. f De. 32, 33. Ps. 140, 3. по man be blessed, 20. and many na tions shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people. Ze.2, 10, 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets; 22even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ" unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 for all have" sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 whom God hath "set forth to be a propitiation? through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the Premission the judgment of of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.? 27 Where is boasting then? By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. conclude that a man is justified by faith" without the deeds of the law.—29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Gentiles also: 30 seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.-31 Do we then make void the ...He that hearlaw through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish' the law. 4 W the Tesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he HAT shall we then say that Abraham, our father, as pertaining to B This doctrine firmed by the ch. iv. UNTO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS."" Know ye there fore that they eth my word, & believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation... Jno. 5, 24. The Scripture foreseeing that God would jus hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the Scripture ?" "ABRAHAM Believed God, AND IT WAS COUNTED 4 Now to him that worketh is y Ps. 32, 1, 2. by faith con- the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also desNESS. Je. 23,6. cribeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness through faith, without works, saying," " BLESSED are THEY WHOSE INIQUITIES ARE FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS ARE COVERED. 8 BLESSED is THE MAN TO WHOM THE LORD WILL NOT IMPUTE SIN." 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the cir- ing, In thee shall cumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also ? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the "be of faith are righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; o Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but accord ing to His mercy He saved us. ...Tit. 3, 5. v Or, foreordained P Ex. 25, 17, 22. Le. 16, 15. He. 9, 5. preached before the gospel unto Abraham, say all nations be blessed. Ga. 3, 8. blessed with faithful Abraham. Ga. 3, 9. |