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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 14:8

Verse 8 8.To the Lord we live, etc. This does not mean the same as when it is said in Romans 6:11, that we are made alive unto God by his Spirit, but that we conform to his will and pleasure, and design all things to his glory. Nor are we only to live to the Lord, but also to die; that is, our death as well as our life is to be referred to his will. He adds the best of reasons, for whether we live or die, we are his: and it hence follows, that he has full authority over our life and our death. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:1-6

Ceremonial and spiritual religion. This passage is one of many instances occurring in St. Paul's writings in which circumstances of local and temporary interest suggest the statement of great moral truths and principles, applicable over a far wider area. To us these questions—as to whether certain food should be eaten, and certain days should be observed—seem trifling enough; yet to how grand and comprehensive a law of Christian action do these considerations lead the mind of the deep... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:1-9

The Christian's dependence and the Christian's independence. The composite character of the Christian community at Rome—the Jewish origin of many of its members on the one hand, and contact with heathenism on the other—had doubtless given rise to differences of opinion. Some there were who still retained their Jewish prejudices and ideas. They abstained from meats. They observed special days. They were inclined to judge harshly and even to look down upon those who did not think and act as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:1-12

The risen Saviour as Lord of the conscience. The apostle, as we have just seen, has been discussing the neighbourly character of Christian living, and showing that the Christ-like soul will love his neighbour as himself, and do no ill to him. And this leads by an easy transition to the whole class of weak consciences, and how they are to be dealt with. For there are people painfully scrupulous, who have come, for example, to fancy that vegetarianism is the only lawful system of diet; or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:1-23

F. The duty of enlightened Christians towards weak brethren. From moral duties in general of Christians towards each other and towards all the apostle now passes to such as they owe peculiarly to each other as members of a religious community, united by a common faith. He has already ( Romans 12:16 ) admonished his readers to be "of the same mind one toward another;" but, as was remarked under that verse, this did not imply agreement of view on all subjects, such as is impossible where... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:1-23

Christian liberty. The general treatment of the ethics of the gospel is concluded, and now the apostle deals with a particular application which the condition of the Church at Rome required. There were some there, a minority probably, who were more or less in subjection to the spirit of the old Judaic economy, making distinctions of meats and of days. And when they came together for the Christian love-feasts, the differences were of awkward consequence. The stronger ones doubted whether... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:6

He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord (omit, as ill-supported, as well as unnecessary, and he that regardeth not, etc .); he that eateth, eateth unto the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks . Both parties are supposed to be equally desirous of serving God. The eater of whatsoever is set before him is so, as is shown by his thanking God for it—observe "for he giveth," etc.—and no creature of God can be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:7

Life a trust. Our life is not a possession to do as we like with. Yet many act as if it were; as if they were at liberty to be idle or to work, to employ their time and their powers in one way or in another, without giving account to any. Christians are summoned to take a different and a nobler view of this earthly existence. I. WHAT IS ENTRUSTED BY THE CREATOR . 1. Life itself; the successive years and stages of which it is composed. 2. Its advantages; both the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:7

The influence of our lives upon others. "None of us liveth to himself." The apostle, as we have seen, was here enforcing certain Christian duties, and he strengthened his exhortation by reminding his readers that they were not their own, but Christ's. But the words are capable of a wider application. I. THE INFLUENCE WHICH ONE MAN MAY EXERCISE FOR GOOD . Many who would like to do good are sometimes disposed to say, "What use can I be in the world? What influence can... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 14:7-8

For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's . The mention of dying as well as living unto the Lord, though it does not seem needed by the context, makes complete the view of the entire devotion of redeemed Christians to him; and introduces the thought, which follows, of their union with him in his own death as well as in his life. read more

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