rwp - 15

rwp@Romans:15:1 @{We the strong} (\hmeis hoi dunatoi\). Paul identifies himself with this wing in the controversy. He means the morally strong as in strkjv@2Corinthians:12:10; strkjv@13:9|, not the mighty as in strkjv@1Corinthians:1:26|. {The infirmities} (\ta asthenmata\). "The weaknesses" (cf. \asthenn\ in strkjv@14:1,2|), the scruples "of the not strong" (\tn adunatn\). See strkjv@Acts:14:8| where it is used of the man weak in his feet (impotent). {To bear} (\bastazein\). As in strkjv@Galatians:6:2|, common in the figurative sense. {Not to please ourselves} (\m heautois areskein\). Precisely Paul's picture of his own conduct in strkjv@1Corinthians:10:33|.

rwp@Romans:15:2 @{For that which is good} (\eis to agathon\). "For the good." As in strkjv@14:16,19|. Not to please men just for popular favours, but for their benefit.

rwp@Romans:15:3 @{Pleased not himself} (\ouch heauti resen\). Aorist active indicative of \aresk\ with the usual dative. The supreme example for Christians. See strkjv@14:15|. He quotes strkjv@Psalms:69:9| (Messianic Psalm) and represents the Messiah as bearing the reproaches of others.

rwp@Romans:15:4 @{Were written aforetime} (\proegraph\). Second aorist passive indicative of \prograph\, old verb, in N.T. only here, strkjv@Galatians:3:1| (which see); strkjv@Ephesians:3:3; strkjv@Jude:1:4|. {For our learning} (\eis tn hmeteran didaskalian\). "For the instruction of us." Objective sense of possessive pronoun \hmeteros\. See strkjv@Matthew:15:9; strkjv@2Timothy:3:16| for \didaskalian\ (from \didask\, to teach). {We might have hope} (\tn elpida echmen\). Present active subjunctive of \ech\ with \hina\ in final clause, "that we might keep on having hope." One of the blessed uses of the Scriptures.

rwp@Romans:15:5 @{The God of patience and comfort} (\ho theos ts hupomons kai ts paraklses\). Genitive case of the two words in verse 4| used to describe God who uses the Scriptures to reveal himself to us. See strkjv@2Corinthians:1:3| for this idea; strkjv@Romans:15:13| for "the God of hope"; strkjv@15:33| for "the God of peace." {Grant you} (\di humin\). Second aorist active optative (_Koin_ form for older \doi\) as in strkjv@2Thessalonians:3:16; strkjv@Ephesians:1:17; strkjv@2Timothy:1:16,18; strkjv@2:25|, though MSS. vary in strkjv@Ephesians:1:17; strkjv@2Timothy:2:25| for \di\ (subjunctive). The optative here is for a wish for the future (regular idiom). {According to Christ Jesus} (\kata Christon Isoun\). "According to the character or example of Christ Jesus" (2Corinthians:11:17; strkjv@Colossians:2:8; strkjv@Ephesians:5:24|).

rwp@Romans:15:6 @{With one accord} (\homothumadon\). Here alone in Paul, but eleven times in Acts (Acts:1:14|, etc.). {With one mouth} (\en heni stomati\). Vivid outward expression of the unity of feeling. {May glorify} (\doxazte\). Present active subjunctive of \doxaz\, final clause with \hina\ "that ye may keep on glorifying." For "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" see strkjv@2Corinthians:1:3; strkjv@9:31| for discussion. It occurs also in strkjv@Ephesians:1:3; strkjv@1Peter:1:3|.

rwp@Romans:15:7 @{Receive ye} (\proslambanesthe\ as in strkjv@14:1|), {received} (\proselabeto\, here of Christ as in strkjv@14:3| of God). The repetition here is addressed to both the strong and the weak and the "us" (\hms\) includes all.

rwp@Romans:15:8 @{A minister of the circumcision} (\diakonon peritoms\). Objective genitive, "a minister to the circumcision." \Diakonon\ is predicate accusative with \gegensthai\ (perfect passive infinitive of \ginomai\ in indirect assertion after \leg\, I say) and in apposition with \Christon\, accusative of general reference with the infinitive. See strkjv@Galatians:4:4f|. {That he might confirm} (\eis to bebaisai\). Purpose clause with \eis to\ and the infinitive \bebaisai\ (first aorist active of \bebaio\, to make stand). {The promises given unto the fathers} (\tas epaggelias tn patern\). No "given" in the Greek, just the objective genitive, "the promises to the fathers." See strkjv@9:4,5|.

rwp@Romans:15:9 @{And that the Gentiles might praise} (\ta de ethn doxasai\). Coordinate with \bebaisai\ and \eis to\, to be repeated with \ta ethn\, the accusative of general reference and \ton theon\ the object of \doxasai\. Thus the Gentiles were called through the promise to the Jews in the covenant with Abraham (4:11f.,16f.|). Salvation is of the Jews. Paul proves his position by a chain of quotations from the O.T., the one in verse 9| from strkjv@Psalms:18:50|. For \exomologe\, see strkjv@14:10|. {I will sing} (\psal\). Future active of \psall\, for which verb see on strkjv@1Corinthians:14:15|.

rwp@Romans:15:10 @{Rejoice, ye Gentiles} (\euphranthte\). First aorist passive imperative of \euphrain\, old word from \eu\, well and \phrn\, mind. See strkjv@Luke:15:32|. Quotation from strkjv@Deuteronomy:32:43| (LXX).

rwp@Romans:15:11 @{All the Gentiles} (\panta ta ethn\). From strkjv@Psalms:117:1| with slight variations from the LXX text.

rwp@Romans:15:12 @{The root} (\h riza\). Rather here, as in strkjv@Revelation:5:5; strkjv@23:16|, the sprout from the root. From strkjv@Isaiah:11:10|. {On him shall the Gentiles hope} (\ep' auti ethn elpiousin\). Attic future of \elpiz\ for the usual \elpisousin\.

rwp@Romans:15:13 @{The God of hope} (\ho theos ts elpidos\). Taking up the idea in verse 12| as in verse 5| from 4|. {Fill you} (\plrsai humas\). Optative (first aorist active of \plro\) of wish for the future. Cf. \di\ in verse 5|. {In believing} (\en ti pisteuein\). "In the believing" (\en\ with locative of the articular infinitive, the idiom so common in Luke's Gospel). {That ye may abound} (\eis to perisseuein humas\). Purpose clause with \eis to\, as in verse 8|, with \perisseuein\ (present active infinitive of \perisseu\, with accusative of general reference, \humas\). This verse gathers up the points in the preceding quotations.

rwp@Romans:15:14 @{I myself also} (\kai autos eg\). See strkjv@7:25| for a like emphasis on himself, here in contrast with "ye yourselves" (\kai autoi\). The argument of the Epistle has been completed both in the main line (chapters 1-8|) and the further applications (9:1-15:13|). Here begins the Epilogue, the personal matters of importance. {Full of goodness} (\mestoi agathosuns\). See strkjv@2Thessalonians:1:11; strkjv@Galatians:5:22| for this LXX and Pauline word (in ecclesiastical writers also) made from the adjective \agathos\, good, by adding \-sun\ (common ending for words like \dikaiosun\. See strkjv@1:29| for \mestos\ with genitive and \peplrmenoi\ (perfect passive participle of \plro\ as here), but there with instrumental case after it instead of the genitive. Paul gives the Roman Christians (chiefly Gentiles) high praise. The "all knowledge" is not to be pressed too literally, "our Christian knowledge in its entirety" (Sanday and Headlam). {To admonish} (\nouthetein\). To put in mind (from \nouthets\ and this from \nous\ and \tithmi\). See on ¯1Thessalonians:5:12,14|. "Is it laying too much stress on the language of compliment to suggest that these words give a hint of St. Paul's aim in this Epistle?" (Sanday and Headlam). The strategic position of the church in Rome made it a great centre for radiating and echoing the gospel over the world as Thessalonica did for Macedonia (1Thessalonians:1:8|).

rwp@Romans:15:15 @{I write} (\egrapsa\). Epistolary aorist. {The more boldly} (\tolmroters\). Old comparative adverb from \tolmrs\. Most MSS. read \tolmroteron\. Only here in N.T. {In some measure} (\apo merous\). Perhaps referring to some portions of the Epistle where he has spoken plainly (6:12,19; strkjv@8:9; strkjv@11:17; strkjv@14:3,4,10|, etc.). {As putting you again in remembrance} (\hos epanamimnskn humas\). Delicately put with \hs\ and \epi\ in the verb, "as if calling back to mind again" (\epi\). This rare verb is here alone in the N.T.

rwp@Romans:15:16 @{That I should be} (\eis to einai me\). The \eis to\ idiom with the infinitive again (verses 8,13|). {Minister} (\leitourgon\). Predicate accusative in apposition with \me\ and see strkjv@13:6| for the word. "The word here derives from the context the priestly associations which often attach to it in the LXX" (Denney). But this purely metaphorical use does not show that Paul attached a "sacerdotal" character to the ministry. {Ministering} (\hierourgounta\). Present active participle of \hierourge\, late verb from \hierourgos\ (\hieros, erg\), in LXX, Philo, and Josephus, only here in N.T. It means to work in sacred things, to minister as a priest. Paul had as high a conception of his work as a preacher of the gospel as any priest did. {The offering up of the Gentiles} (\h prosphora tn ethnn\). Genitive of apposition, the Gentiles being the offering. They are Paul's offering. See strkjv@Acts:21:26|. {Acceptable} (\euprosdektos\). See strkjv@2Corinthians:6:2; strkjv@8:12|. Because "sanctified in the Holy Spirit" (\hgiasmen en pneumati hagii\, perfect passive participle of \hagiaz\).

rwp@Romans:15:17 @{In things pertaining to God} (\ta pros ton theon\). Accusative of general reference of the article used with the prepositional phrase, "as to the things relating to (\pros\, facing) God."

rwp@Romans:15:18 @{Any things save those which Christ wrought through me} (\ti hn ou kateirgasato Christos di' emou\). Rather, "any one of those things which Christ did not work through me." The antecedent of \hn\ is the unexpressed \toutn\ and the accusative relative \ha\ (object of \kateirgasato\) is attracted into the genitive case of \toutn\ after a common idiom. {By word and deed} (\logi kai ergi\). Instrumental case with both words. By preaching and life (Luke:24:19; strkjv@Acts:1:1; strkjv@7:22; strkjv@2Corinthians:10:11|).

rwp@Romans:15:19 @{In power of signs and wonders} (\en dunamei smein kai teratn\). Note all three words as in strkjv@Hebrews:2:4|, only here \dunamis\ is connected with \smeia\ and \terata\. See all three words used of Paul's own work in strkjv@2Corinthians:12:12| and in strkjv@2Thessalonians:2:9| of the Man of Sin. See strkjv@1Thessalonians:1:5; strkjv@1Corinthians:2:4| for the "power" of the Holy Spirit in Paul's preaching. Note repetition of \en dunamei\ here with \pneumatos hagiou\. {Songs:that} (\hste\). Result expressed by the perfect active infinitive \peplrkenai\ (from \plro\) with the accusative \me\ (general reference). {Round about even unto Illyricum} (\kukli mechri tou Illurikou\). "In a ring" (\kukli\, locative case of \kuklos\). Probably a journey during the time when Paul left Macedonia and waited for II Corinthians to have its effect before coming to Corinth. If so, see strkjv@2Corinthians:13; strkjv@Acts:20:1-3|. When he did come, the trouble with the Judaizers was over. Illyricum seems to be the name for the region west of Macedonia (Dalmatia). Strabo says that the Egnatian Way passed through it. Arabia and Illyricum would thus be the extreme limits of Paul's mission journeys so far.

rwp@Romans:15:20 @{Yea} (\houts de\). "And so," introducing a limitation to the preceding statement. {Making it my aim} (\philotimoumenon\). Present middle participle (accusative case agreeing with \me\) of \philotimeomai\, old verb, to be fond of honour (\philos, tim\). In N.T. only here and strkjv@1Thessalonians:4:11; strkjv@2Corinthians:5:9|. A noble word in itself, quite different in aim from the Latin word for {ambition} (\ambio\, to go on both sides to carry one's point). {Not where} (\ouch hopou\). Paul was a pioneer preacher pushing on to new fields after the manner of Daniel Boone in Kentucky. {That I might now build upon another man's foundation} (\hina m ep' allotrion themelion oikodom\). For \allotrios\ (not \allos\) see strkjv@14:4|. For \themelion\, see strkjv@Luke:6:48f.; strkjv@1Corinthians:3:11|. This noble ambition of Paul's is not within the range of some ministers who can only build on another's foundation as Apollos did in Corinth. But the pioneer preacher and missionary has a dignity and glory all his own.

rwp@Romans:15:21 @{As it is written} (\kaths gegraptai\). From strkjv@Isaiah:52:15|. Paul finds an illustration of his word about his own ambition in the words of Isaiah. Fritzsche actually argues that Paul understood Isaiah to be predicting his (Paul's) ministry! Some scholars have argued against the genuineness of verses 9-21| on wholly subjective and insufficient grounds.

rwp@Romans:15:22 @{I was hindered} (\enekoptomn\). Imperfect passive (repetition) of \enkopt\, late verb, to cut in, to cut off, to interrupt. Seen already in strkjv@Acts:24:4; strkjv@1Thessalonians:2:18; strkjv@Galatians:5:7|. Cf. modern telephone and radio and automobile. {These many times} (\ta polla\). "As to the many things." In strkjv@1:13| Paul used \pollakis\ (many times) and B D read it here. But Paul's work (\ta polla\) had kept him away. {From coming to you} (\tou elthein pros humas\). Ablative case (after the verb of hindering) of the articular infinitive, "from the coming."

rwp@Romans:15:23 @{Having no more any place in these regions} (\mketi topon echn en tois klimasin\). Surprising frankness that the average preacher would hardly use on such a matter. Paul is now free to come to Rome because there is no demand for him where he is. For \klima\ (from \klin\, to incline), slope, then tract of land, region, see already strkjv@2Corinthians:11:10; strkjv@Galatians:1:21| (the only N.T. examples). {A longing} (\epipotheian\). A _hapax legomenon_, elsewhere \epipothsis\ (2Corinthians:7:7,11|), from \epipothe\ as in strkjv@Romans:1:11|. {These many years} (\apo hikann etn\). "From considerable years." Songs:B C, but Aleph A D have \polln\, "from many years."

rwp@Romans:15:24 @{Whensoever I go} (\hs an poreumai\). Indefinite temporal clause with \hs an\ and the present middle subjunctive (cf. strkjv@1Corinthians:11:34; strkjv@Phillipians:2:23| with aorist subjunctive). {Into Spain} (\eis tn Spanian\). It was a Roman province with many Jews in it. The Greek name was \Iberia\, the Latin _Hispania_. The Textus Receptus adds here \eleusomai pros humas\ (I shall come to you), but it is not in Aleph A B C D and is not genuine. Without it we have a parenthesis (or anacoluthon) through the rest of verse 24|. {In my journey} (\diaporeuomenos\). Present middle participle, "passing through." Paul planned only a brief stay in Rome since a strong church already existed there. {To be brought on my way thitherward} (\propemphthnai ekei\). "To be sent forward there." First aorist passive infinitive of \propemp\, common word for escorting one on a journey (1Corinthians:16:6,11; strkjv@2Corinthians:1:16; strkjv@Titus:3:13; strkjv@2John:1:6|). {If first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company} (\ean humn protn apo merous emplsth\). Condition of third class with \ean\ and first aorist passive subjunctive of \empimplmi\, old verb, to fill up, to satisfy, to take one's fill. See strkjv@Luke:6:25|. Literally, "if I first in part be filled with you" (get my fill of you). delicate compliment for the Roman church.

rwp@Romans:15:25 @{But now} (\nuni de\). Repeats the very words used in 23|. {I go} (\poreuomai\). Futuristic present as in strkjv@John:14:2|. {Ministering unto the saints} (\diakonon tois hagiois\). Present active participle of purpose like \eulogounta\ in strkjv@Acts:3:26|. This collection had been one of Paul's chief cares for over a year now (see strkjv@2Corinthians:8; 9|). See strkjv@2Corinthians:8:4|.

rwp@Romans:15:26 @{For it hath been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia} (\udoksan gar Makedonia kai Achaia\). "For Macedonia and Achaia took pleasure." The use of \udoksan\ (first aorist active indicative of \eudoke\) shows that it was voluntary (2Corinthians:8:4|). Paul does not here mention Asia and Galatia. {A certain contribution} (\koinnian tina\). Put thus because it was unknown to the Romans. For this sense of \koinnian\, see strkjv@2Corinthians:8:4; strkjv@9:13|. {For the poor among the saints} (\eis tous ptchous tn hagin\). Partitive genitive. Not all there were poor, but strkjv@Acts:4:32-5:11; strkjv@6:1-6; strkjv@11:29f.; strkjv@Galatians:2:10| prove that many were.

rwp@Romans:15:27 @{Their debtors} (\opheiletai autn\). Objective genitive: the Gentiles are debtors to the Jews. See the word \opheilets\ in strkjv@1:14; strkjv@8:12|. {For if} (\ei gar\). Condition of the first class, assumed as true, first aorist active indicative (\ekoinnsan\, from \koinne\, to share) with associative instrumental case (\pneumatikois\, spiritual things). {To minister unto} (\leitourgsai\, first aorist active infinitive of \leitourge\ with dative case \autois\, to them), but here certainly with no "sacerdotal" functions (cf. verse 16|). {In carnal things} (\en tois sarkikois\). Things which belong to the natural life of the flesh (\sarx\), not the sinful aspects of the flesh at all.

rwp@Romans:15:28 @{Have sealed} (\sphragisamenos\). First aorist middle participle (antecedent action, having sealed) of \sphragiz\, old verb from \sphragis\, a seal (Romans:4:11|), to stamp with a seal for security (Matthew:27:66|) or for confirmation (2Corinthians:1:22|) and here in a metaphorical sense. Paul was keenly sensitive that this collection should be actually conveyed to Jerusalem free from all suspicion (2Corinthians:8:18-23|). {I will go on by you} (\apeleusomai di' humn\). Future middle of \aperchomai\, to go off or on. Note three prepositions here (\ap'\ from Rome, \di'\ by means of you or through you, \eis\ unto Spain). He repeats the point of verse 24|, his temporary stay in Rome with Spain as the objective. How little we know what is ahead of us and how grateful we should be for our ignorance on this point.

rwp@Romans:15:29 @{When I come} (\erchomenos\). Present middle participle of \erchomai\ with the time of the future middle indicative \eleusomai\ (coming I shall come). {In the fulness of the blessing of Christ} (\en plrmati eulogias Christou\). On \plrmati\, see strkjv@11:12|. Paul had already (1:11f.|) said that he had a \charisma pneumatikon\ (spiritual blessing) for Rome. He did bring that to them.

rwp@Romans:15:30 @{By} (\dia\). The intermediate agents of the exhortation (the Lord Jesus and the love of the Spirit) as \dia\ is used after \parakal\ in strkjv@12:1|. {That ye strive together with me} (\sunagnisasthai moi\). First aorist middle infinitive of \sunagni zomai\, old compound verb, only here in N.T., direct object of \parakal\, and with associative instrumental case \moi\, the simplex \agnizomenos\, occurring in strkjv@Colossians:4:12| of the prayers of Epaphras. For Christ's agony in prayer see strkjv@Matthew:26:42; strkjv@Luke:22:44|.

rwp@Romans:15:31 @{That I may be delivered} (\hina rusth\). First aorist passive subjunctive of \ruomai\, old verb to rescue. This use of \hina\ is the sub-final one after words of beseeching or praying. Paul foresaw trouble all the way to Jerusalem (Acts:20:23; strkjv@21:4,13|). {May be acceptable to the saints} (\euprosdektos tois hagiois gentai\). "May become (second aorist middle subjunctive of \ginomai\) acceptable to the saints." The Judaizers would give him trouble. There was peril of a schism in Christianity.

rwp@Romans:15:32 @{That} (\hina\). Second use of \hina\ in this sentence, the first one sub-final (\hina rusth\), this one final with \sunanapausmai\, first aorist middle subjunctive of the double compound verb \sunanapauomai\, late verb to rest together with, to refresh (\anapau\ as in strkjv@Matthew:11:28|) one's spirit with (\sun\), with the associative instrumental case \humin\ (with you), only here in the N.T.

rwp@Romans:15:33 @{The God of peace} (\ho theos ts eirns\). One of the characteristics of God that Paul often mentions in benedictions (1Thessalonians:5:23; strkjv@2Thessalonians:3:16; strkjv@2Corinthians:13:11; strkjv@Phillipians:4:9; strkjv@Romans:16:20|). Because of the "amen" here some scholars would make this the close of the Epistle and make chapter 16 a separate Epistle to the Ephesians. But the MSS. are against it. There is nothing strange at all in Paul's having so many friends in Rome though he had not yet been there himself. Rome was the centre of the world's life as Paul realized (1:15|). All men sooner or later hoped to see Rome.

Romans 15