Romans 15:1-3

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 15:3

Verse 3 3.For even Christ pleased not himself, etc. Since it is not right that a servant should refuse what his lord has himself undertaken, it would be very strange in us to wish an exemption from the duty of bearing the infirmities of others, to which Christ, in whom we glory as our Lord and King, submitted himself; for he having no regard for himself, gave up himself wholly to this service. For in him was really verified what the Prophet declares in Psalms 69:9 : and among other things he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 15:1-3

We then (rather, but we, or now we. The δὲ here certainly seems to link this chapter to the preceding section; but it is not inconsistent with the chapter being an addition to a completed letter, of which it takes up the concluding thought) that are strong (St. Paul, here as elsewhere, identifies himself with the more enlightened party) ought ( ὀφείλομεν expresses obligation of duty ) to bear the infirmities of the weak (cf. Galatians 6:2 ), and not to please... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 15:1-3

Self-pleasing and self-denial. The controversy which gave rise to this statement of Christian principle was local and temporary, and seems to us somewhat trivial. It was, however, the occasion for an inspired publication of important, practical moral truths and precepts, of world-wide and lasting application. When a difference arises between two parties, who are accustomed to think and act together, there is danger of each party becoming bitter and overbearing, and resolving to thrust its... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 15:1-13

H. Renewed admonition to bear with the weak, enforced by Scripture and the example of Christ. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 15:1-13

Union in God. Here, as Godet says, "the particular question treated in Romans 14:1-23 . broadens; the point of view rises, and the tone is gradually heightened even to the elevation of a hymn, as at the end of all the great parts preceding ( Romans 5:12 , et seq.; Romans 8:31 , et seq.; Romans 11:33 , et seq. ) . Paul first exhorts, by the example of Christ, to mutual condescension ( Romans 14:1-3 ); he points out ( Romans 14:4-7 ), as an end to be reached, the common... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 15:1-13

The Christ-like duty of pleasing our neighbour. Having just counselled the strong to defer as far as possible to the consciences of the weak, the apostle continues the subject in the thirteen verses now before us. He urges as the principle of the Christian life, not self-pleasing, but neighbour-pleasing. He limits this, of course, by the condition of edification. In short, a Christian is to be a public character, regulating his life by the spiritual interests of all around him. In this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 15:3-4

Unselfishness. That alliance is beneficial which lends the aid of the strong to bear the burdens of the weak. Sympathy renders this possible by its real participation in another's distress. Sometimes the infirmities of others are succoured by yielding up our own gratification, or by restricting our own liberty in order not to shock the scruples of the less enlightened. What is our guide in such cases? The reply is—To live in the spirit of Christ, to walk as he walked. I. CHRIST HAS ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 15:1

We then that are strong - The apostle resumes the subject of the preceding chapter; and continues the exhortation to brotherly love and mutual kindness and forbearance. By the “strong” here he means the strong “in faith” in respect to the matters under discussion; those whose minds were free from doubts and perplexities. His own mind was free from doubt, and there were many others, particularly of the Gentile converts, that had the same views. But many also, particularly of the “Jewish”... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 15:2

Please his neighbour - That is, all other persons, but especially the friends of the Redeemer. The word “neighbor” here has special reference to the members of the church. It is often used, however, in a much larger sense; see Luke 10:36.For his good - Not seek to secure for him indulgence in those things which Would be injurious to him, but in all those things whereby his welfare would be promoted.To edification - See the note at Romans 14:19. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 15:3

For even Christ - The apostle proceeds, in his usual manner, to illustrate what he had said by the example of the Saviour. To a Christian, the example of the Lord Jesus will furnish the most ready, certain, and happy illustration of the nature and extent of his duty.Pleased not himself - This is not to be understood as if the Lord Jesus did not voluntarily and cheerfully engage in his great work. He was not “compelled” to come and suffer. Nor is it to be understood as if he did not “approve”... read more

Group of Brands