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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 16:17-20

The apostle having endeavoured by his endearing salutations to unite them together, it was not improper to subjoin a caution to take heed of those whose principles and practices were destructive to Christian love. And we may observe, I. The caution itself, which is given in the most obliging manner that could be: I beseech you, brethren. He does not will and command, as one that lorded it over God's heritage, but for love's sake beseeches. How earnest, how endearing, are Paul's exhortations!... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 16:17-20

16:17-20 Brothers, I urge you to keep your eye on those who, contrary to the teaching which they have received, cause dissensions and put in your way things which would trip you up. Steer clear of them. Such men are not real servants of Christ, our Lord; they are the servants of their own greed. By their plausibility and their flattery they deceive the hearts of innocent folk. I know that you will deal with such people, for the story of your obedience has reached all men. So, then, I rejoice... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 16:18

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ ,.... They do not preach him, but themselves; they do not seek the things of Christ, his honour and glory, the spread of his Gospel, and the enlargement of his kingdom and interest; they seek their own things, worldly honour and applause, riches, wealth, and grandeur; they seek to please men, and so are not the servants of Christ: they introduced the observance of meats and drinks in to the kingdom of Christ, which it do not consist of,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 16:18

They - serve not our Lord Jesus - They profess to be apostles, but they are not apostles of Christ; they neither do his will, nor preach his doctrine; they serve their own belly - they hate intruded themselves into the Church of Christ that they might get a secular support; it is for worldly gain alone that they take up the profession of the ministry: they have no Divine credentials; they convert not the heathen nor the ungodly, for they have no Divine unction; but by good words and fair... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 16:18

Verse 18 18.For they who are such, etc. He mentions an unvarying mark, by which false prophets are to be distinguished from the servants of Christ; for they have no care for the glory of Christ, but seek the benefit of their stomach. As, however, they deceitfully crept in, and by assuming another character, concealed their own wickedness, he at the same time pointed out, in order that no one might be deceived, the arts which they adopted — that they ingratiated themselves by a bland address.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:1-19

Words of counsel for a Christian Church. The practical exhortations given in most of these closing chapters of this Epistle have reference mainly to the duties of individual Christians. The exhortations of this last chapter refer specially to the duty of the local Church in its corporate capacity. I. ATTENTION TO STRANGERS . Consideration for strangers was constantly impressed upon the Jewish people in ancient times. "Oppress not the stranger" ( Exodus 22:21 ; Exodus 23:1-33 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:1-20

K. Commendation of Phoebe, and salutations to Christians at Rome. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:1-23

Christian salutations. There remain now only salutations and conclusions. But the same courteous love shall be manifested to the end. Nowhere do the ethics of the new life come out more delicately than in these trivialities, as some would deem them, of epistolary correspondence. They are as the fragrance of the rose. I. First, the letter-bearer is commended to their care. "Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the Church." The mere sisterhood in Christ should be enough, but she was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:1-27

Salutations and benedictions. The programme being sketched, the apostle now proceeds to the salutations and benedictions with which his Epistles usually end. And here notice— I. THE DISTINGUISHED PLACE OCCUPIED IN THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH BY WOMEN . There are no less than nine women specially referred to in this list, and all are active in the Church. Some were deaconesses; for instance, Phoebe, Mary, Tryphena and Tryphosa, and Persis. Oriental society separates the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 16:17-18

Fomenters of discord. A bright galaxy of Christian stars has been enumerated in this chapter. In contrast with these "lights of the sky" are those wandering will-o'-the-wisps which lead men astray in the darkness; marshy exhalations conducting to quagmires of destruction. The only course to be pursued in relation to the latter is to avoid them as a plague, as moral lepers whose presence brings contagion. I. PERSONS TO BE SHUNNED . Those "who cause divisions and offences." True... read more

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