Romans 15:14-15:21 - To Remind and Reinforce

Calvin (6/30/02-7/1/02)

15:14: Paul now clarifies his view of the Roman church a little. He first makes it clear that the urgency of his preaching is not intended as a reproach upon them, but that such preaching was the duty of his office as apostle. He then proceeds to make clear that this office indeed applied to his relationship to the Roman church. Paul is ever showing that his reputation was of no concern to him so long as the gospel doctrine he preached was taken as authoritative. The Romans, by the very fact of their being of that city in that time, were a proud people who would not easily accept such a foreigner and 'barbarian' as a teacher, but Paul's claim to the apostolic role was sufficient to overcome this pride. One who would succeed in his admonitions must know both kindness and prudence. If we are arrogant, we will despise the hearer rather than aid him. Harshness in word or delivery will also keep our admonitions from succeeding in their intent. Yet, the greatest kindness is not fit to admonish unless it is accompanied by the wisdom of experience. Paul attributes both of these qualities to the Romans as proof that they are fully able to exhort one another without outside help.
15:15: Paul humbles himself in elevating his office, recognizing in God the power to fill that office at all. He also apologizes for stepping in where the Romans are fully capable of doing the job. Finally, he rejects the thought that he is here operating as a teacher, for a teacher brings forth new knowledge, whereas the admonisher is tasked with reminding us of things we already know. Footnote: There is some debate as to what Paul meant by the 'in part' phrasing - whether he meant that he wrote only a portion of what he wished to write, whether he meant that parts of what he wrote were to be understood as admonition, whether he means that the present portion of the letter was written with this boldness. The editor suggests that the most likely meaning is as a description of his writing on the particular points he has been dealing with.
15:16: The purpose of the Christian priesthood is not to offer up Christ so as to reconcile men to God through His obedience, but rather to offer up men as sacrifices through their own obedience, thus being made acceptable by their obedience to God. The goal of the preacher must be to produce such purified offerings of faith from those he preaches to. The Gospel is not capable of being sacrificed to God. Rather, it is the sword by which the sacrifice is made. Footnote: The term 'minister' does not necessitate an understanding of one who sacrifices, although one who is such a minister no doubt does sacrifice as part of his duties. However, the more proper understanding is that he is one who performs sacred duties. As such, to speak of him as dispensing, administering, or preaching the Gospel would be most fitting. (Ro 12:1 - I urge you to present yourselves as living sacrifices, acceptable to God by His own mercies. This is your proper, worshipful service to Him.) The sacrificial victims have ever been dedicated to God when they have been externally cleansed. For us, it is no different. The cleansing comes by the work of the Holy Spirit, for though purity proceeds from faith, it will never proceed by the ineffective efforts of man. That the power of ministry is able to bring about this purity in us recommends not only the ministry, but our submission to it. Even so, the power of cleansing remains with the Holy Spirit and not the minister.
15:17: Paul now adds testimony to his faithfulness in pursuing the office Christ Jesus entrusted to him. The appointment is worthless, if the appointed does not do his duty. Paul does this not to promote himself, but to ensure that no possible means of obtaining a hearing for his doctrine was ignored. Thus, his glory is in God and not in himself. Knowing the true praiseworthiness of what he preached, he required no other praises. Knowing the lies that were spread about his teaching, he may also, in this statement, be answering those charges to his readers' satisfaction. This may also be the reason why he chooses not to cover new ground in this letter, but only to remind them of sound doctrine already established.
15:18: In both word and act, Paul has shown that his ministry was done in the power of God. That God saw fit to attest to his ministry with accompanying miracles confirmed the matter. In all these ways, then, Paul seeks to make his doctrine acceptable to the Romans solely because of its godly authority. Word and work are spoken of separately from miracles, showing us that work is something besides such miracles. The order of their mention is the same order observed in other writings in Scripture. (Lk 24:19 - Jesus the Nazarene was a prophet mighty in deed and word, and in the sight of all people. Jn 5:36 - The witness of my works is greater than that of John the Baptist, for my work is to accomplish what the Father gives Me to accomplish. These works stand as witness that the Father has sent Me. Ac 2:22 - God testified about Jesus with miracles, wonders, and signs which God performed through Him before your own eyes.) God displays His power to wake us up, to stimulate us to proper worship, and to give us to understand who and what He is. (Mk 16:20 - They preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming their words by the signs that followed. Ac 14:3 - They spoke boldly, relying on the Lord, who bore witness to the word of His grace with signs and wonders done by their hands.) If the miracle glorifies the creature, it is not from God, for the miracle is designed to promote His truth and glory. Both Paul's words and deeds, and the signs and wonders that testified to them were done by the power of the Holy Spirit. Footnote: Some take the power of the Holy Spirit to refer to the gift of tongues in this passage [note that that 'some' is not a reference to the present day charismatics, but to classic theologians.] Others take the power as applying to Paul's words, and his works as correlating with the signs and wonders. This appears to follow Paul's habit of first listing things in one order, then adding to them in reversed sequence. (1Co 6:11 - You were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Christ Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God.) Here, the Spirit refers back to the washing, whereas the name of Christ is relative to justification.
15:19: To the recommendations of his doctrine, Paul adds the success he has enjoyed in establishing churches throughout the area. Throughout the Mediterranean lands, the Church was gathering, and largely by the work of Paul, although others may have begun the work before him. Yet, by his efforts, the spread was widening greatly, because God blessed his ministry. Footnote: The gospel is synonymous with the preaching thereof, often used alone as a reference to that ministry. However, it seems likely that Paul is borrowing from Hebrew understanding here, thinking of that term used to describe the teaching of the Talmud, as completing the teaching. Paul, in this view, has preached the full gospel, leaving nothing out.
15:20: In this verse, Paul is declaring and defending his title as Apostle, for Apostles are founders, bringing the Gospel to places where it has not previously been heard. (Mk 16:15 - Go preach the gospel to all creation, to the whole world.) The building of the church which has once been established is the task of the pastor. Footnote: Paul's preaching was an honorable mission reflecting the goal of his strong desire and ambition. All this is wrapped up in that word 'aspire.' (2Co 5:9 - Our ambition is to be pleasing to Him, whether at home with Him, or absent. 1Th 4:11 - Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, concerned with your own business, as we commanded you.) Christ is assuredly the cornerstone of the church, yet it the Apostles who lay the foundation that is anchored to that Stone. (1Co 3:11 - No man can lay a foundation other than that one which is Jesus Christ. Eph 2:20 - The church has been built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself the cornerstone.)
15:21: (Isa 52:15 - He will sprinkle many nations, and kings will be silenced on His account. For they will see things they hadn't even known of, and will come to understand things of which they hadn't heard.) Thus, Paul shows that the Prophets also testify to the validity of the Apostolic office, for it was by their particular purpose that the Gentiles came to the knowledge of God so as to give Him praise. Footnote: The sole deviation of this quote from the Septuagint when compared to the Hebrew lies in the tense of the verbs. Hebrew prophecy is often written in the past tense to declare the certainty of the word given. The 'understanding' of this verse is a matter of discernment, sufficient knowledge to discriminate between possibilities.

Matthew Henry (7/1/02-7/2/02)

15:14: As Paul opened his letter with a commendation of the faith of the Roman church, so now he closes with a like commendation. (Ro 1:8 - I thank God through Christ for you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the lands.) This commendation was no idle flattery designed solely to gain a hearing, for Paul was not one to fall in for such deceitful practices. Thus, this dual commendation is high praise indeed for the recipients in Rome. In this, Paul spoke based solely on second hand evidence, having not yet been to Rome. We should not take from this an example to suggest that we should take everything at face value. On the other hand, we mustn't become so skeptical as to believe nothing at all. We should be quick to believe the good report, for love hopes all things, and believes all things. See the things he commends in them. He notes their goodness, which suggests that they will accept the majority of what Paul has written, especially the last bit, for such goodwill will quickly end any strife, and promote healing. What a rarity to find full knowledge alongside such goodwill! That this was accompanied by a willingness and ability to proclaim what they knew is a great blessing indeed, for the preacher is blessed best when the gifts of their people, especially in this area of admonitions, takes over from the preacher's own efforts.
15:15: Paul was willing to speak well of the Roman church, as he was always prepared to become all things to all men. His motive in pleasing them with these words was to pave the way for the good of his other words. With that, he moves on to clear up any thoughts that he might be presuming too much for himself. To cut off this complaint, he points out that he is simply reinforcing what they had already learned. (2Pe 1:12 - I am always ready to remind you of these concepts, though you know them already, being established in the truth. 2Pe 3:1 - This second letter I am writing to remind you, to stir up your sincere thoughts.) The repetition of sound teaching is no excuse to ignore the minister. We need the reminder. Secondly, Paul points out that what he has written in this letter is but the duty of the office Christ Jesus gave to him; that of apostle. (Ro 1:5 - Through Christ, we received grace and apostleship for the purpose of promoting faith among the Gentiles for the glory of His name.)
15:16: Paul was deeply honored to be entrusted with that office. (Ro 1:13 - I must tell you that I have often planned to visit, but have been prevented to date. However, my desire remains to visit, and to obtain some fruit among you, as I have among the other Gentiles.) As Christ, so Paul, receiving from God only to give. This is the lesson of the talents lived out. The office came by grace, and we to pray for the continued grace needed to fulfill the office's duties. (1Co 4:1 - Think of us as servants of Christ, stewards of God's mysteries.) Thus are we all - servants of Jesus Christ, our Master. Paul was appointed to the specific task of bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles. (Ac 22:21 - He told me to go, for He was sending me to the Gentiles. Gal 2:7-9 - They saw that I had been entrusted with the task of bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter has been entrusted with the mission to the Jews. (It is the same God who worked so effectually in both of us, marking us as apostles.) They recognized the grace that had been given to me, and the leaders of the church in Jerusalem, James, Peter, and John, joined in fellowship with Barnabas and I, after which we each continued in our given fields, we the Gentiles, and they the Jews.) Paul is showing that he is not being presumptuous, and attempting to lord it over the Roman church, but merely doing what he was appointed to do - bring the Gospel to the Gentiles. In doing this, he functioned as a priest in a priesthood more excellent than the Levitical. Paul's purpose was to further God's glory, as would doubtless occur as more Gentiles came to be converted, to be made acceptable living sacrifices, or be made further priests in this new priesthood. Acting as priests, they join the history of the Jewish nation, which had been a kingdom of priests. (Rev 5:10 - You have made them a kingdom of priests to God, and they will reign on earth. Mal 1:11 - From horizon to horizon, My name will be great among the nations. Incense will be offered to My name everywhere, and everywhere, pure grain offerings will be given, for My name will be great among the nations. Eph 2:13 - Now, in Christ Jesus, you who were so far from Him have been brought near by the blood of Christ.) What is this but the priestly calling? "A sanctified soul is offered up to God in the flames of love, upon Christ the altar." What Paul gathered, he offered to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. It was not Paul's work that made them sacrifices, but the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. "Unholy things can never be pleasing to the holy God."
15:17: Having brought up his ministry, Paul now brags on it a bit, yet not to glorify his ministry, but only to glorify God. The office given by God is worthy of praise as being God's. This also serves as an encouragement to the church, which may feel vastly outnumbered by the surrounding culture. We do not stand alone. There are many others around the country and around the world. The very success of Christianity against such odds confirms the truth of its doctrine. How else such a spread from such weak sources as the apostles? Paul routes all the glory to Christ, as should we all. (1Co 1:31 - Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. Ps 115:1 - Not to us, God, but to Your name give glory for Your lovingkindness, and because of Your truth.) [The giving must be true, not a protecting catch-phrase.] Glory should be restricted to what pertains to God, as does the saving of souls. That the work has been fruitful is cause to bless God. (2Co 1:12 - We are confident that our conduct towards the world - towards you especially - has been in accord with the grace of God, and not led by fleshly wisdom. To this our conscience testifies, that our treatment of you has been holy and from godly sincerity. Php 3:3 - We who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus are the circumcision, yet our confidence is not in the flesh.) What cause have we to boast except the things of God, the sacrifices we have been able, by His grace, to offer up to Him? An effective ministry is cause to rejoice.
15:18: Paul says that he would not dare to speak of anything but what Christ has done. [Imagine if we were the same!] Nor would he dare to deceitfully claim another's works. The designed purpose of the Gospel is to bring obedience to God. It is not simply to be believed, but also to be obeyed. Salvation was ever Paul's goal for his hearers. Yet, he does not speak of how he worked, but how Christ worked. Any good we do is Christ's doing. "He works all our works." (Php 2:13 - It is God working in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Isa 26:12 - You, LORD, will establish peace for us, for You have performed for us all our works.) All the praise should go to Christ for the Church's success. Paul's preaching, and his manner of living, agreed. Thus was his ministry effective, because there was a unity of word and act. (Ac 1:1 - I wrote my first account to cover all that Jesus did and taught.) Such miraculous signs as accompanied his work served both to convict his hearers of the truth of his words, and to testify to God's seal of approval upon what had been preached. (Mk 16:17-18 - Those who believe will cast out demons in My name. They will speak in new languages. They will be able to pick up serpents, or drink poison without coming to harm. When they lay hands on the sick, the sick will recover.)
15:19: In any case, his labors exceeded all others, having preached over such a vast area. In pursuit of his commission, he had preached on islands, peninsulas, throughout Asia, Greece, and into Europe (Ac 13-15). The area of Illyricum is along the boundaries of Hungary, perhaps in what is presently Bulgaria. Yet, in spite of the geographical vastness of his territory, he was faithful to preach the whole gospel in each place, not cutting corners in favor of numbers. (Ac 20:27 - I did not shrink from telling you the whole purpose of God.) Nothing was held back. He filled his hearers with the gospel as a net is filled with fish. Thus does the gospel ever work, when it comes in power. Most knowledge is like the air, but the knowledge of the Gospel is a filling meal. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that makes the preaching effective. The same Holy Spirit that empowered the other apostles to do such wonders empowered Paul. (Ac 1:8 - You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you shall be My witnesses from Jerusalem, throughout Israel, and onward to the ends of the earth.) It is because the Spirit works the miracles that insulting the miracles is considered as blaspheming the Spirit. It is the power of that very same Holy Spirit that makes the preaching effectual in the heart of the hearer. It is His working that decides one will hear and another will discard the words. As good as Paul was, he could still only be effective to the extent that the Spirit accompanied his efforts. If we who labor feel weak, let us remember that it is the Spirit who is at work, and He is powerful enough to work through many weak vessels unto success. The same Spirit that empowered Paul perfects strength in weakness, brings praises out of the mouths of babes. Where nations are converted, there is rejoicing. Where this success is heard of, there is also rejoicing, and not only that, but a ground made more fertile for the truth of Christ.
15:20: He worked to open up new territories for Christ, bringing the gospel to places that had known only idolatry and witchcraft for generations. In this, the potential for discouragement was much greater with Paul than with those who worked in Judea. (Jn 4:38 - I sent you to reap what you have not labored to plant. Others labored, and you have entered into their labor.) Many watered, but Paul was the great planter in this effort. As the first to attack the stronghold, he often suffered greatly, yet he held true to his office. (Rev 21:14 - The wall of the new Jerusalem had twelve foundation stones, each bearing the name of one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.) This is not to say that Paul never preached where others had been already, but that his focus was on the new territories, on bearing the light of the Gospel into dark places, because this was the unique purpose of the apostles.
15:21: (Isa 52:15 - He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will be silent around Him. For they will see things unheard of, and understand things never before told them.) "Commonly, the greatest success of the gospel is at its first coming to a place; afterwards people become sermon-proof."

Adam Clarke (7/3/02)

15:14: After such direct speaking, Paul softens the blow a bit. He is not singling out the Roman church as somehow worse than the rest, but rather fulfilling what his office as apostle to the Gentiles required. Indeed, their reputation made it clear that they would willingly do whatever was needful to pursue a perfect understanding between Jew and Gentile. By their knowledge of God, they were fully qualified to exhort each other in all important matters. Some manuscripts suggest that the issue here is exhorting others, not each other, which would be sensible since, if they already were sufficiently knowledgeable to exhort, there was no longer cause for exhortation among them.
15:15: In spite of this reputation, some would translate Paul as saying there are small pockets among you that do still need such exhortations, and to them he writes on the authority of his office, an office received from God by His grace alone.
15:16: Paul now makes a clear allusion to the priestly office and its tasks. As the Levitical priest was charged with preparing the sacrifice for offering, so the apostle. As the sacrifice required washing unto sanctification, so the Gentiles. Here, the Holy Spirit fulfills the role of the water of sanctification, and the Gentiles fulfill the role of sacrificial offering. (Isa 66:20 - They will bring your brothers from every nation as an offering to the LORD. On horse, in chariot, in litters, on mules and camels, they will come to My holy mountain Jerusalem. Just as the Israelites bring their grain offering in clean vessels to the house of the LORD, they will come.)
15:17: Being sent on this important mission by God was cause to boast of what God had done. The success encountered in the pursuit of that mission was further cause.
15:18: Paul dare not claim honor belonging to another, belonging to God. All that he boasts of has been done by Christ working through him. The word and deed are doctrine and miracles. Paul's words were heeded because of the confirmation of the accompanying miracles.
15:19: The works are further explained here as signs and wonders, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This is what brought the acceptance of the Gospel among them. The region of Illyricum includes what is now Bosnia, Croatia, and Slavonia. It is clear from the text of Acts that Paul had covered the greater portion of the eastern Mediterranean, as well as these northern reaches. Where he preached, he preached effectively, leading to conversions and the founding of new congregations. (Mt 5:17 - I did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, I came to fulfill them.) This word 'fulfill' means not only a full and perfect completion of the task, but also a prosperous and successful completion.
15:20: To Paul, it was a great honor to be allowed to bring the Gospel into new territory. (Ro 1:16 - I am not ashamed of the Gospel, the power of God for salvation to all who believe, first to the Jew, then also to the Greek.) No shame, only the honor of bearing the message, of planting, rather than watering.
15:21: (Isa 52:15 - He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will be silenced in His presence, having seen what has never been foretold, and understanding what none have heard before.) This is not quoted as a prediction of Paul's particular work, but to show that his work was in line with God's declarations.

Barnes' Notes (7/3/02-7/4/02)

15:14: Paul moves on to explaining why he had written. Having delivered such exhortations to them, he shows them why he is so interested in their welfare, having never actually met them. (Ro 1:10-13 - I constantly pray for an opportunity to visit you. I long to give to you spiritual gifts, by which you may become established, and that I might also be encouraged by you while I'm with you. Thus, each of us gives from our faith, and is strengthened by the other's faith. I trust you realize how many times I've planned to come to Rome, yet to date every attempt has been prevented. But I still hope to obtain fruitful exchange with you, as has occurred amongst the rest of the Gentiles.) Paul's confidence in them was no less for having not met them personally. Note that he identifies himself as their brother, not as their lord or master. Given their propensity to be kind and loving, any errors in their conduct were clearly not issues of obstinacy. Pride was common enough in Rome, and the Gentiles there might well be reluctant to learn from a Jew, yet Paul felt certain that any trace of this could be overcome by the mild and humble spirit of true religion, and that instruction in such truth would be obeyed by them. Certainly, they were fully informed on all the major issues of Christian religion, yet there were just as certainly some minor matters which were not completely clear to them. These are the matters Paul pursues here, considering not new doctrines, but details that would remind them of the greater principles they already knew. Indeed, he declares them qualified to advise and counsel others as necessary. We learn, then, that such instruction or advice as we give should be given without harshness and severity. If the apostle did not assume the severity of his office, we certainly have no call to do so. It is not sinful to commend the good qualities in our brothers. Paul clearly preferred to commend when he could, although he would readily rebuke where necessary. Never, however, should our commendations descend into flattery. Truth must prevail. The preacher who focuses exclusively on the shortcomings of the flock will not long have a flock to focus upon. (Ro 1:8 - I thank God through Christ for you, because your faith is spoken of everywhere. Ro 16:19 - Everybody knows of your obedience, and for this I rejoice. Yet, be wise in goodness, and innocent of evil. 1Co 1:5 - All your speech and knowledge shows you to be enriched in Him. 2Co 8:7 - You abound in all faith and speech and knowledge, as well as an earnest love such as we inspired in you. Be sure, then, to abound in works of grace as well. 2Co 9:2 - I know how prepared you are. I boast of this to the Macedonians, telling them how Achaia has been ready since last year, and this report has stirred them to action. Php 1:3-7 - I am forever thanking God for you, joyfully speaking of you in my every prayer, for your participation in the Gospel from the first you heard until today is great cause for thanks. I am confident that He who began this great work will perfect until Christ's return. How could I feel otherwise about you? You are in my heart, because you have not only shared with me in defending and confirming the gospel, you have also shared with me in my imprisonment. Thus, in all things, you have been partakers of grace with me. Heb 6:9 - We are convinced of better things when it comes to you, things that accompany salvation. This we believe, even though we speak of such hard concerns. 2Pe 1:12 - I will always be prepared to remind you of these things, even though I know you know them, and are fully established in truth.)
15:15: In spite of knowing how well they understand and pursue the truth (or in spite of not knowing them personally) he has written, and given this situations, his words may have seemed excessively strong. The strength of his words he assigns to his office, as the one appointed to instruct the Gentiles. The 'in part' has been thought to apply to the Gentile party within the Roman church, or to certain subsections, certain subjects covered in the letter. It is more likely that this qualifies the 'boldness.' He has been 'somewhat bolder' in addressing them, than he would be, perhaps, with a Jewish church, because his office is to the Gentiles. (1Co 13:9 - We know in part, we prophesy in part. 1Co 13:12 - We see dimly, as in a mirror. But then, we will see face to face. Now, I know in part. Then, I will know fully, even as I am now fully known. 2Co 1:14 - You understood us in part, when we said we were your reason to be proud and you were ours when Christ returns. 2Co 2:5 - If he has caused any sorrow, it has not been in me, but perhaps in some part - not wanting to say more than I should here - to all of you.) Paul assumes that they are trained in the doctrines of Christian belief. Thus, his work in this letter was that of reminding, not of dictating. (2Pe 1:12-13 - I am always prepared to remind you of these things, even though you know them, being fully established in the truth present with you. This, I consider to be right, so long as I remain on this earth: to stir you up by these reminders.) All that Paul did remained a matter of God's grace. The office he filled, and the success with which he filled it were both no more and no less than God's grace in action. (Ro 1:5 - Through Him we received grace and apostleship, so as to bring obedience of faith among the Gentiles for His name's sake.)
15:16: The usual word for 'minister' is diakonos, but here, it is leitourgon. This latter word more often refers to a public official, or to the Levitical priesthood, as serving at the altar on behalf of the public. Inasmuch as the NT minister also serves on behalf of the public in promoting the church, and in pursuing holy things, they, too are occasionally spoken of by this term. (Ac 13:2 - While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to set Barnabas and Saul aside for a special work to which He was calling them. Ro 15:27 - If the Gentiles have shared in the spiritual things of the Jews, they are indebted to minister to them in material things also. 2Co 9:12 - The ministry that this service has provided is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but overflowing because of the many thanks that God is given because of the results. Ro 1:5 - Through Him we received grace and apostleship for the purpose of bringing the Gentiles into obedience of faith for His name's sake. Ac 9:15 - The Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.") To the Gentiles, then, he fills the office of priest, doing such duties as the priesthood ought do. The priests offered sacrifices, and that function is implied in Paul's wording here. The sacrifice he brings to offer is the Gentile converts. Christ Jesus had brought the Jewish animal sacrifices to an end by His perfect sacrifice, which fulfilled the purpose of those former offerings. All that is acceptable now is a living sacrifice, and these Paul sought to bring to God. Note that Paul is not establishing an office of priest, here, for if the text were a foundation for that order, it would be restricted to the apostles themselves, as that is the office he speaks of here. As priest, he serves by cleansing the offering before it is offered. The Gentiles, then, are his sacrificial offering to God. (Ac 21:26 - Paul took the men and purified them along with himself. They proceeded to enter the temple to declare the completion of their days of purification, after which sacrifice was to be offered for each one of them. Ac 24:17 - After many years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. Eph 5:2 - Walk in love, just like Christ loved you, and gave Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God. Heb 10:10 - By this we will have been sanctified through the offering once for all of the body of Jesus Christ. Heb 10:5 - When He enters the world, He says, "Sacrifice and offering You have not wanted, but You have made for Me a body." Heb 10:8 - You find no pleasure in these sacrifices and offerings. Heb 10:14 - By one offering He perfected all who are sanctified. Heb 10:18 - Where there is forgiveness, there is no more need for a sin offering.) The Gentiles had effectively devoted themselves to God, much as the sacrificial animals were devoted to Him from birth. It is in this reflection of the Jewish system that Paul casts himself in the priestly role. (Isa 66:20 - They shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the LORD. By all means of transport they shall come to My holy Jerusalem, just as the sons of Israel bring their grain offerings in clean vessels to the house of the LORD.) It was not the apostle's merit that made them acceptable. He merely prepared the way of approach by which they might come before God. The addition of salt, oil, frankincense, and the like was a purification process, a preparation declaring the item to be devoted and set apart. (Lev 6:14 - The sons of Aaron are to be the ones to present the grain offering before the LORD at the altar.) In the case of the Gentiles, their offering was purified by the Holy Spirit, this being the cleansing agent of God on their lives. (Ac 10:46-47 - They could hear them speaking with tongues, exalting God. Peter asked how any could consider refusing water baptism to those the Holy Spirit had already come to. Ac 11:17 - If God has given them the same gift that we received after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I presume to stand in His way?)
15:17: Paul had reason to boast in what God had chosen for him, and in the success He had provided in pursuit of that chosen purpose. The word kaucheesin can indicate boasting, or it can indicate joyful praise and thanksgiving, which is its meaning here. (Jas 4:16 - But you boast in arrogance. Boasting of this nature is evil. Ro 3:27 - What cause is there to boast? All reasons are done away with by the Law of faith, which stands opposed to the Law of works. 2Co 7:14 - If I boasted about you, it was not to my shame, for everything we told you is truth, and all that you boasted of before Titus was also truth. 2Co 8:24 - Be open with the churches, give proof of your love, and the reason of my boasting about you. 2Co 9:3-4 - I have sent brothers so as to ensure that our boasting about you will not be made vain; so that you will be prepared in advance. I would not want the Macedonians to find you unprepared at their arrival, which would be cause for me to be ashamed of my confidence in you, and for you to be ashamed for yourselves. 2Co 10:15 - We don't boast beyond what is right. We don't lay claim to the labors of others, but our hope is that as your faith grows, we will grow all the more by your growing. 2Co 11:10 - As Christ's truth is in me, my boasting will not be stopped in Achaia. 2Co 11:17 - What I say in boasting so confidently, I say not as the Lord would, but as if I were foolish. 1Co 15:31 - I protest that in boasting in you, something I do in Christ our Lord, I die daily. 2Co 1:12 - Our proud confidence is this: our conscience testifies with all holiness and godly sincerity - knowing nothing of fleshly wisdom, but only God's grace - to the fact that we have conducted ourselves well in the world, especially in regard to you. 2Co 7:4 - I am confident in you, and I boast greatly of you. I am filled with comfort, overflowing with joy in all afflictions. 1Th 2:19-20 - Who is our hope, our joy, our crown of exultation? It is you, standing in the Lord's presence at His coming, for you are our glory and joy.) The success of Paul's mission was due to the aid of Jesus Christ. (Heb 5:1 - Every high priest of man is appointed on men's behalf in those things pertaining to God, to offer both gifts and the sacrifices for sin.) The things pertaining to God are those things He has commanded pertaining to His honor and glory. Not of Paul, nor done by Paul, but of God, done by Christ Jesus. Even so, as the means used, there is great cause to rejoice. The minister's success is neither by his own skill, nor to his own praise. It is every by the aid of Jesus Christ, to the honor of God most High.
15:18: The minister should be afraid to lay claim to anything beyond the truth, especially as regards his ministry. We must not claim as our own doing that which Christ has done, for this would be exaggeration and untruth. Nor may we lay claim to the works of other ministers as though they were our own. Paul's preaching, his example, his life, all that he did was done to promote the Gospel. The minister's life will often prove more effective than his preaching, if his life indeed aligns with his words.
15:19: Miracles also accompanied Paul on his travels, giving further power to his word and example, to the truth of his doctrines. (Ac 2:43 - All were struck with awe, for many wonders and signs were occurring through the apostles. Ac 19:11-12 - God was working extraordinary miracles by Paul's hands, so great that handkerchiefs or aprons were taken from his body to the sick, and even these sufficed to dispel diseases and evil spirits.) Does the 'power of the Spirit' explain the source of the miracles, or does Paul refer to the gifts of tongues and prophecy? This is uncertain, yet we know that Paul certainly traced all his success back to the Holy Spirit. Jerusalem remained the center of Paul's work, as it is the center of all preaching of the Gospel. It is not that Paul started his own preaching there, but that the gospel he preached proceeded from there. (Gal 1:17-18 - I did not go to Jerusalem to meet the other apostles, but rather went into Arabia, and then came back to Damascus. It was not until three years later that I went to Jerusalem and met Peter, with whom I stayed for fifteen days. Lk 24:49 - I am sending the Father's promise unto you, but remain in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.) Paul describes his journeys as describing a circle with Jerusalem at its center. Illyricum touched on Italy and Germany, as well as Macedonia. Today, parts of that area are what we know as Croatia. Not only in Damascus, Arabia, and Syria, then, but throughout the regions of the Greek peninsula, and the islands of the Mediterranean he had spread word of the Gospel. That Paul's work extended not only up to the border of Illyricum, but across its borders, is suggested by the fact that he sent Titus into Dalmatia, a part of Illyricum. (2Ti 4:10 - Demas has deserted me and headed for Thessalonica due to his love for this world. Crescens is off to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.) Paul speaks of his efforts as having filled that entire region with the gospel. (2Ti 4:17 - The Lord stood with me, strengthening me to fully proclaim the Gospel to all the Gentiles, ensuring that they would all have opportunity to hear. For this, I was delivered out of the lion's mouth.)
15:20: His aspiration, his earnest desire, was to preach in new places. He sought to be a founder, and not just a custodian. Whereas others were called to water by edification, it was Paul's specific task to plant. (2Co 10:13-16 - We will not boast beyond what we have done, but will stay within the bounds measured to us by God, which reaches even to you. We are not overreaching as though we were not the first to come to you with news of the gospel. No, and our boasting is not beyond what is right, claiming the labor of others, but is boasted in hope that we will see the scope of our work enlarged as your faith grows, and thus be able to preach to those regions beyond your own. Thus we will have no cause to boast of what another has accomplished in his own arena.
15:21: (Isa 52:15 - He will sprinkle many nations, shutting the mouths of kings. They will be awed by sights untold, and will have understanding of things never heard.) By this quote, Paul shows justification for his work among the Gentiles, seeing himself as the instrument chosen to bring about what was predicted.

Wycliffe (7/5/02)

15:14-15:15: Paul's conclusion is lengthened by statements regarding his goals, thus including the reader in his ministry. His confidence in the Roman church is high, yet this is no excuse not to remind them of some points, as he has done. Yet, in doing so he sees himself as nothing special, but only speaks out as the office that God so graciously gave him requires.
15:16: As the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul sees himself in a priestly role, serving the Gospel, and making of the Gentiles a holy and consecrated offering to God.
15:17: As such a priest, Paul could boast of his relationship to God, as Christ Jesus had provided that relationship.
15:18-15:19: All his boasting was of what Christ had done, not of what he had done. Through Christ's efforts, using Paul as the means, his ministry purpose was being fulfilled.
15:20-15:21: Even so, his goal was to continue bringing the Gospel's message into new territories. He sees this as a fulfillment of Isaiah's words, even though the passage he quotes was directed at kings. In place of kings, Paul sees the Gentiles at large, who believed when the Gospel was first heard by them.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown (7/5/02)

15:14: Paul is absolutely convinced that the Romans will accept what he has said, and put it into practice. After all, they have had full exposition of the truth, and are well equipped to admonish one another without outside assistance.
15:15: Yet, as an apostle, Paul feels obliged to provide reminders on certain matters.
15:16: By the grace of God, Paul was made a minister of Christ to the Gentiles. (Ac 13:2 - The Holy Spirit said to set Barnabas and Saul apart for the work to which God had called them. Ro 1:13 - Don't be uninformed of the fact that I have so often planned to visit so as to gather fruit among you, as I have among other Gentiles. Yet, to date I have been prevented from coming.) This verse is further proof that the letter was targeted at a Gentile church. The offerings of the Levitical priest were given so as to make the giver acceptable to God. Paul is here comparing his present office with that of the priest, his service being given in the cleansing of the Gentile offering, which cleansing was shown by their conversion. The offering he made, however, was for their sanctification and acceptance, rather than his own.
15:17: The things that God has entrusted to him in Christ are reasons for him to boast.
15:18: Yet, only of what Christ has done, for Paul has done nothing by his own power. His words and actions were all by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, his boasting does not exceed its proper bounds.
15:19: That his preaching was effective was solely by the power of God. That his words were indeed truth was attested to by the miracles and signs that accompanied his preaching, showing God's approval upon his ministry. Thus, his efforts had reached from Jerusalem to the northwest extent of Greece, Illyricum including the regions of Croatia and Dalmatia. (2Ti 4:10 - Demas has loved this world, and so deserted me for Thessalonica. Crescens is off to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Ac 20:1-2 - When the disturbance was over, Paul sent for the disciples and gave them words of exhortation. This done, he bid farewell, and left for Macedonia. After much travel and exhortation in those regions, he came to Greece.)
15:20: In all his efforts, his ambition had been, and remained, to bring the Gospel to new regions. (2Co 5:9 - Our ambition, whether home or away, is to please Him. 1Th 4:11 - Make it your ambition to live a quiet life, attending to your own business, working at your tasks, just as we commanded you.)
15:21: (Isa 52:15 - He will sprinkle many nations, awe of Him will silence kings. They will see things none has ever spoken of before, and understand things never heard of.)

New Thoughts (7/6/02-7/8/02)

After the week that has just passed, the reminders to keep the credit where it is due are most appropriate. The entirety of the week has been spent in repairing and reshaping the new building into which our church moves today. It has been spent in moving things out and in, in taking down and putting up, of lowering and lifting. Many have put in great effort, in many cases it was no doubt greater effort than they thought they had to give. It would be easy to focus on all those who came and helped, and lay the praises on them. But that's not where the praises belong.

Those who came and helped did so for one reason, and one reason alone - because God had prompted them to do so. What they accomplished was likewise accomplished for one reason - because God had enabled them to work. Those who worked were able to deal with each other in grace and peace for that very same reason - because God was hard at work within them to maintain a witness to His abiding presence and power.

Now, we have an opportunity to choose. We can choose to claim as our own doing all that God has done through us this last week, or we can choose to glorify Him. The record of Scripture is clear as to which choice we ought to make. 2Co 10:17 tells us that if we must boast, we ought do so in the Lord. In all that occurs in the ministry of this church, Lord, may we only boast of what You have done, what You are doing. We dare not fail in this. If we cannot look back over this week and see how utterly beyond ourselves we have been, how much we have accomplished that we are incapable of accomplishing, then all this will go to waste. It will not be God who has built the house, and all our labor will have been in vain.

We must acknowledge Your hand in this. We cannot help but do so. Father, if any part of this has been about anything else but You, forgive us. If, in any way, I have been trying to steal Your glory for my part in this, forgive me. The whole of this effort is to make Your name known in the area, to bring the good news of Your continued care for this world to those who still need to hear about it. Let us not fall into bragging about our ministry, for our ministry is nothing. Let us brag about Your ministry, for it is Your ministry that changes lives, that brings life into the midst of death, that brings victory out of the jaws of defeat.

Ps 115:1 repeats the same message from the times of David. No glory to us, Lord! It's all to Your name, for You are loving, faithful, and true. This was not a case of David covering himself, but it was the cry of his heart. It was a reflection of his total unwillingness to accept the praise for what God was doing. This is the same spirit in which Paul walked, always pointing away from himself, back through his ministry to the Lord who made the ministry possible and powerful.

There are a number of lessons for us to take from Paul's ministry. Aside from his constant turning of the attention back on God, the next in importance is, perhaps, his faithfulness in never cutting corners. As far and wide as he traveled, he did not make this an excuse for preaching less than the whole truth of God. He didn't settle for delivering the good bits in hopes of expanding his congregation. No, he gave the hard with the good. He made certain that before he left the area, the church he had established would understand not only the grace of salvation, but the difficulty of holiness. He made certain that they would understand not just the freedom of liberty, but the responsibility of knowledge. He made certain to leave behind not just thankful debtors, but living sacrifices, fired up and strong, ready to go the distance for their Lord and Master.

Next, we see Paul's comprehensive understanding of grace. He knew (how could he not!) that it was solely by the grace of God that he had been made an apostle. He knew that his office was by divine appointment. Many have known that call, and yet failed of the task. Paul knew the call, but more importantly, he knew what it would take to do what he was called to do. It would take continued grace, it would take the non-stop, powerful presence of God for him to do anything at all. Thus, his constant prayer is for that continued grace. He prayed for the grace to be effective in his own ministry, and he also prayed for continued grace upon those to whom he ministered.

Here is yet another good lesson from Paul. He didn't allow his ministry to become a one man show. He wasn't raising up a church of dependents, but a church of co-workers, as well equipped as himself to carry the Gospel forward. A dependent must look to his benefactor for everything, is unable to safely make any decision on his own. For a time, this was the way Moses led the Israelites in the desert. It about burned him out, and would have done so, had his father-in-law not spoken wisdom to him.

The purpose of church ministry is to equip, to turn sheep into shepherds. If this is not done, then the impact of the church will be minimal, for even with God, one man can only do so much. But give God an army of men and women, dedicated to Him, equipped with the knowledge of His Gospel, prepared to go forth boldly in His name, and nations will be changed! In the opening portion of Isaiah 52:15, God declares that He will sprinkle many nations. That sprinkling is the mark of atonement, of sanctification. As the priests sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice on those things that had been purified, made holy, so God has sprinkled the blood of His own Son on all mankind, purifying them, and making them holy. The Jews missed this point, somehow. Many people today are still missing this point. God has preserved the Church through all these centuries to make certain that somebody would be there to explain it to them. He designed the Church to prepare us to carry that message. Too many of us have allowed the Church to be come our weekly entertainment, our chance to feel good about ourselves. It's not about us, though, it's about God. It's about bringing life to a dead world. It's about getting busy with the work of the kingdom.

Another great lesson from Paul's ministry lies in recognizing how God made that ministry so effective. Seeing this, it will be all the more evident that God alone should get the glory for what the ministry is. The powerful key to Paul's ministry was that his actions matched the words of his sermons. His life matched his claims. We all know the impossibility of this. We've all heard the charges of hypocrisy raised against the church family, and we've all known those charges to be true not just in general, but true in our own case. It requires a constant focus on God, a constant crying out to Him for the grace to live a holy life. Only this can empower our walk to be worthy of His calling. Only this can empower the minister's life to be a living example of the words he preaches.

This unity of life and word is mandatory, if we would be effective for God. If our life doesn't align with our words, our words are worthless in the ears of the hearer. It's the same lesson every parent is forced to learn; that if we demand of our kids what we won't demand of ourselves, our kids will see through our demands, and follow our example instead. If it's not important enough for us to live by, why should they care about it?

But there's more. If we live the life we speak of, yet do it grumbling and complaining all the way, this will also serve to keep others from seeking out what we've found. Who's going to be interested in a life that is at best no more pleasant than the life they're already leading, and shows all the signs of being less so? God's children are not known by the fact that they do as He has commanded, but by the fact that they love doing it, that their obedience to His commands fills them with great joy! Think about it. If we are overflowing with irrepressible joy when we are doing as He commands us, now we have something to offer. Now, we have something that the people around us are hungry for. We have joy! Real joy! Unquenchable joy! And it's source is in knowing that our actions are pleasing to God, in knowing that our lives are as they should be, because they are in line with His commandments.

Recognizing this powerful witness, recognizing a world hungry for joy, we must go full circle, and remember the first lesson of Paul's ministry - that we dare not cut corners. The whole truth must be preached. The example of a joyful, holy life will make it easier to hear the hard parts, easier to accept the challenging parts, because the end results are then in sight, and they look good. When such a good end is in sight, the difficulties that must be endured to obtain that end are bearable. Christ, for the joy set before Him endured the cross. Do you see the leading example there? The unbeliever, for the joy set before him in the example of the obedient believer, can endure the changes he must make to know that same joy.

God has blessed us with the knowledge of Him, with understanding of His requirements on us, with the ability to learn of His wisdom, and to teach others from what we have learned (1Co 1:5). What we have learned, we have learned because He has increased our understanding, He has opened not just our minds, but our spirits, so that we can comprehend the fullness of His grace and wisdom. What we are able to teach, we are able to do because He fills us with a greater power, He communicates through our words Spirit to spirit to spirit. This is the true soul to soul communication! This is where the wisdom of man shows itself to be foolishness, for man's wisdom cannot penetrate the heart and soul of a man, it cannot fill the void that every one of us has known. Only God can do that, and He has sovereignly chosen to use His children to accomplish it.

Yet, even where He has filled us with knowledge, if that knowledge is not tempered by love, it will still come to nothing (1Co 13:2). Again, Paul's example speaks volumes on this. Again, his life matches his teaching. We all know the love chapter. Throughout this letter to the Romans, we've been seeing Paul put it in action. Hard messages need to be delivered, but that does not require that we deliver them in harshness. Love knows balance. It knows that the spirit can only take so much critique before some encouragement must be given as well. The harshest of medicines can be rendered sweet by a loving hand administering it. Here we must lean hard upon our God yet again, for it is not in us to work this way. When there is a correction to be made, our focus is on the wrong to be corrected. Our flesh wants to react as the disciplinarian, brooking no dispute, accepting no excuse. But God tells us, shows us by His example and by the example of those through whom He is working, that there is indeed a better way. Love covers.

Once again, everything resolves back to the law of love. Here is the root of the Law of Moses, as Jesus told us. Here is the root of Christian responsibilities and behavior. Here is the root of a ministry that is successful in God's eyes. Here is the root of the impossibility of fully complying with God's will in our own power. We don't know how to love like this. We can do it on occasion, but to maintain it at all times and in all situations is beyond us. This shouldn't really come as a surprise. To my thinking, this just shows that love is also the root of our need for God; the reason that we cannot do anything by our own power, but must trust to the power of God to accomplish His will through us. (2Co 3:5).

If our ability to love is so completely wrapped up in dependence upon Him, it should be clear that any good that we accomplish must also be by His hand, by His power. After all, any good work we do must be defined as a work done out of loving concern for somebody, done with a heartfelt desire to do those things God plans for us to do. We cannot accomplish this without His working in us. It goes against the grain. Thus, we must ever recognize and acknowledge that any good in us, any good that comes of our doings, must be cause to glorify Him, for it is truly His doing in which He has graciously allowed us to participate. Every good we do is truly a gift from His hand.

On a new topic, Matthew Henry writes that in all the history of the Church, the pattern is consistent: when the work is first begun, there is a great reaction, a revival. Yet, in short order the "people become sermon-proof." It seems that the Pastor's words no longer register, no matter how hard he may try, no matter whether he preaches conviction and repentance, or mercy and acceptance. Nothing seems to get through. Mr. Henry does not pursue this thought, to find the cause of it, but I think we may already be looking at it. Wherever God begins to move, the one who stands as the means used in that movement is balanced on a razor edge. He can choose to come down on the side of great honor for himself, or great honor for God. This was doubtless a constant fight for Paul, one we don't see on the surface, yet one which must have been the cause of many restless nights. Clearly, he consistently came through it victoriously, recognizing that all that was happening in his ministry was happening not because he was such a great man, but because God was such a great God. This victory, in its coming, must have served to reinforce that great truth, for even the victory over pride (or perhaps especially so, that victory) comes solely by the power of God.

It is the great temptation of ministry to begin to take credit, to seek out the limelight, and forget Whom we serve. Saul did this, and was deposed from his throne by God. If the minister falls for this trap, if he begins to forget that it's all about God, and starts to focus all the attention on himself, is it any wonder that the effectiveness of the ministry will wane? Once more, we must stress the fact that the power of ministry is not in the words, nor in the charisma of the one who speaks. The power is in God. When He ministers through the ministry, that ministry will be a force to be reckoned with, changing lives and changing nations. But, if that ministry falls back to functioning in its own power, it will find itself powerless. "The people become sermon-proof." I must contend that if this be the case, it is not the people who have failed, but the ministry that serves them.

It may be an almost inevitable case, that every ministry will go through this powerless phase. It may be that the fallen nature of man is indeed that pervasive. But God does not leave it at that. He does not leave His sheep long without a proper shepherd. No. He will display His power to wake up such a slumbering people. What are His miracles for, if not to shock us to life again?!

Look at the occasions of the miraculous. There were the Jews in Egypt, so buried under the hardships of their slavery that all thought of God was seemingly forgotten. It took a steady stream of situations where God broke through the natural order to save them for them to reawaken to the realization that He is.

The miraculous works of our Lord and Savior are another case, another wake up call to a people lulled to sleep. The people of that time had gotten wrapped up either in ignoring God completely, and following after whatever idols were at hand, or had made their worship of God an idol in itself - setting their own works up as the rule of righteousness, rather than pursuing what God had declared righteous. They needed a wakeup call. Christ was it. Throughout His period of ministry, miracles were being done before the eyes of all. Some saw and remembered their God. Others saw, but refused to accept the implications. Many rejected the proof, yet those who did not were now fully awake to what God was doing.

This wave of the miraculous continued through the apostolic age, putting God's seal upon the work of His chosen representatives. It needed His testimony to be made acceptable in the sight of His people. Although all that the apostles were teaching was founded upon the Hebrew Scriptures, it seemed so new and foreign; it was so completely 'other' than what they had learned from their youth. Though they awaited the coming Messiah, it was inconceivable to them that He who came was He who was expected. Yet again, those who saw and understood were now fully awake to what God was doing. They were fully involved. There were no passive believers in that time. There was either belief followed by the actions of belief, or disbelief followed by nothing.

So, God displays His power to wake us up. He still does this today. He does it daily, if we have eyes to see and ears to hear. He does so with an eye to moving us to proper and heartfelt worship. He does so with a purpose of helping us to better understand who and what He is. Yet, we seemingly live in the age of the passive believer. For too long, we have been asleep in our pews, hearing and hearing and hearing, yet leaving unchanged. Can it be that this is coming to an end? Can it be that God is moving once more in His power in His Church? Can it be that we are yet capable of coming fully awake? God, I hope and pray that it can be. I hope and pray that You have not given up on Your Church, that You are still filling our hearts and our homes. I hope and pray that You will move in power.

Awaken Your people, oh God! What will it take to goad us out of our slumbers? You know. Will You then take action, my Lord? Will You light the eternal fire within us? Will You bring Your power to bear upon our lives, that we might truly live to You and You alone? Come, Lord. Come in power. Come in victory. Come and awaken Your bride, for the night approaches, and much work remains to be done. Come, and awaken me, my God, for I, too, have been entirely too willing to sit passively. Bring change in me, in us, in those who don't yet know You. We need You more with each passing moment. Come.