Romans 1:1-15 NIV

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:7

To all that be in Rome ,.... These words contain both the inscription of the epistle, and the apostle's usual salutation, as in all his epistles, The inscription of it is not to the Roman emperor; nor to the Roman senate, nor to all the inhabitants in Rome; but to all the saints there, whether rich or poor, bond or free, male or female, Jew or Gentile, without any distinction, being all one in Christ Jesus: and these are described as beloved of God ; not for any loveliness there was in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:8

First, I thank my God, through Jesus Christ, for you all ,.... After the inscription and salutation, follows a thanksgiving, which begins the epistle: it is usual with the apostle in all his epistles to make requests for the churches, with thanksgivings for mercies; his view in it was, to glorify God, to testify his affection to the saints, and to show that all they had must be referred to the grace of God. The object of thanksgiving is God not merely as a creator and preserver, but as a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:9

For God is my witness, whom I serve ,.... These words are an appeal to God, and carry in them the nature and form of an oath; the reason of the apostle's using it was, because he was personally unknown to the Romans, and they to him, and so might doubt of his affectionate regard unto them; and therefore for the confirmation thereof he uses it: this was a case which was only known to God and himself, and hence he appeals to him for the truth of it. The object of his oath or appeal, or by... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:10

Making request, if by any means now at length ,.... A principal thing, which be incessantly and importunately requested at the throne of grace, was, that he might have an opportunity of coming to them; that God in his providence would open a way for him; and that he might have a safe and comfortable journey in a very little time; all which he submits to the will of God, as a good man ought to do; and which he thus expresses, I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God, to come... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:11

For I long to see you ,.... Not the city of Rome, which was one of Austin's three wishes to have seen in its glory; nor the emperor of it, nor the senate in it, nor its populous inhabitants, fine buildings, riches and grandeur; but the poor saints there, which were the excellent men of the earth, of the whole Roman empire, and in whom was his delight: his desire to see them was not to gratify his curiosity, nor to spend his time in idle chat with them, nor with a view to enrich himself by... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:12

That is, that I may be comforted together with you ,.... This is a further explanation of his view, in being desirous of coming to them, and preaching: the Gospel among them; for what makes for establishment, makes for comfort; and what makes for comfort, makes for establishment; and when souls are established, ministers are comforted as well as they; and whilst ministers are imparting their spiritual gifts for the use of others, they themselves are sometimes comforted of God in their work,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:13

Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren ,.... The apostle calls them brethren, because many of them were Jews, his brethren and kinsmen according to the flesh, and all of them were his brethren in a spiritual relation; and this he does to express his affection to them, and engage their attention and credit to him, and particularly to this matter which he now acquaints them with, being unwilling they should be ignorant of it; that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you : it was not a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:14

I am a debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians ,.... The meaning is, that he was obliged by the call he had from God, the injunction that was laid upon him by him, and the gifts with which he was qualified, to preach the Gospel to all sorts of men; who are here distinguished into Greeks and Barbarians: sometimes by Greeks are meant the Gentiles in general, in opposition to the Jews; see Romans 1:16 ; but here they design only a part of the Gentiles, the inhabitants of Greece, in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:15

So, as much as in me is, I am ready ,.... This explains what he was a debtor to one and another for, namely, to preach the Gospel ; expresses the readiness of his mind to that work, whatever difficulties lay in his way; and declares what a willing mind he had to preach it also to the Romans, as elsewhere: to you that are at Rome also ; the metropolis of the Roman empire, a very public place, the seat of Satan, and where was the heat of persecution. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 1:1

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ - The word δουλος , which we translate servant, properly means a slave, one who is the entire property of his master; and is used here by the apostle with great propriety. He felt he was not his own, and that his life and powers belonged to his heavenly owner, and that he had no right to dispose of or employ them but in the strictest subserviency to the will of his Lord. In this sense, and in this spirit, he is the willing slave of Jesus Christ; and this is,... read more

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:7

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:9

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:10

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:11

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:12

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:13

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:14

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 1:15

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 1:1

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