Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Romans 1:8-15

We may here observe, I. His thanksgivings for them (Rom. 1:8): First, I thank my God. It is good to begin every thing with blessing God, to make that the alpha and omega of every song, in every thing to give thanks.?My God. He speaks this with delight and triumph. In all our thanksgivings, it is good for us to eye God as our God; this makes every mercy sweet, when we can say of God, ?He is mine in covenant.??Through Jesus Christ. All our duties and performances are pleasing to God only through... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 1:8-15

1:8-15 To begin with, I thank my God for you all through Jesus Christ. I thank him that the story of your faith is told throughout the whole world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in the work of spreading the good news of his Son, is my witness that I continually talk to him about you. In my prayers I am always asking that somehow, soon, at last, I may by God's will succeed in finding a way to come to you. For I yearn to see you, that I may give you a share of some gift which the Spirit gives,... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 1:9

Whom I serve with my spirit - λατπευω Whom I worship with the profoundest religious reverence; for so the original certainly means: I not only employ all the powers of my body in this service, but all those of my soul; being thoroughly convinced of the absolute truth of the religion I preach. Probably St. Paul opposes, in this place, the spiritual worship of the Gospel to the external, or what some call the carnal, worship of the Jews. Mine is not a religion of ceremonies, but one in which... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 1:9

Verse 9 9.For God is my witness, etc. He proves his love by its effects; for had he not greatly loved them, he would not have so anxiously commended them to the Lord, and especially he would not have so ardently desired to promote their welfare by his own labors. His anxiety then and his ardent desire were certain evidences of his love; for had they not sprung from it, they would never have existed. And as he knew it to be necessary for establishing confidence in his preaching, that the Romans... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 1:8-15

Ministerial sympathy. The apostolic commission has been presented; in this section it is interfused with the sympathy and service of a brother. He is still pre-eminently the preacher of the gospel ( Romans 1:15 ), but he speaks as to those whose faith is one with his own, and who are therefore brethren in a most sacred brotherhood. We may consider, as in some sort distinct though mutually involved—his prayers, and his purpose. I. HIS PRAYERS . Does Paul for one moment here... 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 1:9

For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you in my prayers . A like solemn asseveration is made with a like intention ( Philippians 1:8 ; cf. also 2 Corinthians 11:31 ). It expresses the writer's earnestness, and is in place for attestation of a fact known only to himself and God. The word λατρεύω , ("I serve"), when used in a religious sense, most usually denotes "worship," and specifically the priestly... read more

Group of Brands