Romans 1:16-18

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 1:17

Verse 17 17.For (39) the righteousness of God, etc. This is an explanation and a confirmation of the preceding clause — that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. For if we seek salvation, that is, life with God, righteousness must be first sought, by which being reconciled to him, we may, through him being propitious to us, obtain that life which consists only in his favor; for, in order to be loved by God, we must first become righteous, since he regards unrighteousness with hatred.... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 1:18

Verse 18 18.For (42) revealed, etc. He reasons now by stating things of a contrary nature, and proves that there is no righteousness except what is conferred, or comes through the gospel; for he shows that without this all men are condemned: by it alone there is salvation to be found. And he brings, as the first proof of condemnation, the fact, — that though the structure of the world, and the most beautiful arrangement of the elements, ought to have induced man to glorify God, yet no one... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 1:1-16

I. INTRODUCTORY . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 1:8-17

B. Introduction, in which the writer expresses his strong interest in the Roman Church, his long-cherished desire to visit it, and the grounds of this desire. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 1:8-17

The policy to be pursued in case Paul came to Rome. We tried to appreciate in our last homily the character of the Church to which Paul directed this Epistle. We now pass to the policy he meant to pursue should he ever reach Rome; and which he embodies also in this Epistle. One or two preliminary matters, however, will prepare us for the climax in the paragraph before us. And— I. PAUL LIFTS THE VEIL AND SHOWS HIMSELF AT HIS PRAYERS . It is a case of intercession.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 1:14-17

The gospel a message for every one. Narrow views of the gospel are very common. Amongst the very wealthy, what an erroneous idea often exists about the gospel and its claims! They think that religion may do very well for the poor, but they have no need of it. Amongst the very poor, on the other hand, you will often find the idea that religion may do very well for respectable people, but that it has nothing to do with them. Then, again, you will meet with a certain class of intellectual... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 1:15-16

Glorying in the gospel. It was not through any shrinking from either publicity or persecution, criticism or cruelty, that Paul had not, up to the date of writing this letter, visited Rome. Circumstances, in which he recognized the action of Divine providence, had hitherto hindered him from carrying his wish into effect. And now it was the holy ambition of his daring and benevolent heart to publish the gospel of Christ in the metropolis of the empire, of the world. I. THERE WERE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel ( of Christ, in the Authorized Version, is very weakly supported by manuscripts; neither is it required), for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and to the Greek . In saying he was "not ashamed," St. Paul may have had in his mind our Lord's own words ( Mark 8:38 and Luke 9:26 .) We are reminded in this verse of the passage, 1 Corinthians 1:17-31 , where the idea here shortly intimated is enlarged... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 1:16

"Not ashamed of the gospel." When these words were written by St. Paul, Christianity did not occupy in the world the position that it does now. In the mind of the ordinary Roman, the Jew was regarded almost always with contempt. And when the Christian was at all distinguished from the Jew, it was only to be the subject of more reproachful terms. Some of the most eminent and well-informed of the Roman writers speak of the Christian religion as a pernicious and detestable superstition. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 1:16

Glorying in the gospel For many reasons the apostle might be supposed ashamed to preach the gospel at Rome. He had been long delayed from fulfilling his purpose to visit that city. The "good news" centred in the mission of a Jew, belonging to a race despised by their masterful conquerors. The story of the cross could not fail to excite ridicule when the Romans heard that this Messiah had been rejected by his own countrymen, and handed over to an ignominious death, and that his disciples... read more

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