Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans · John Calvin

021 - Romans 151-33

·49 min·1 clip

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The commentary opens by treating strength in the church as a burden before it is a privilege. Those who have gone farther in the knowledge of God are said to carry a heavier duty to help those who are weaker. Christ is held up as the clear pattern, since he did not seek his own pleasure. Paul’s command is read as a rule for the whole body of believers, not a counsel for a few unusually generous souls. All graces are to be shared among the members of Christ’s body. The stronger member must therefore become the helper and protector of the weaker. The passage is taken to set aside self-regard as the governing principle of Christian conduct. Paul’s words about hope are then gathered into a broader account of divine help. The promise that believers may abound in hope is treated as the fruit of grace being confirmed and increased in them. The power of the Holy Ghost is described as the power by which the spirit of holiness, love, and consolation works in believers, and so produces faith, hope, joy, and peace. The argument insists that these blessings do not rise from human strength. They are gifts of God’s goodness working within the believer. The commentary then turns to Paul’s manner of speaking to the Romans. His boldness in admonishing them is defended as an act of duty rather than presumption. He is said to have wanted to avoid any hint of intruding into another man’s office or treating on subjects outside his province. That humility is praised as evidence of a heart willing to be counted as nothing if the doctrine might gain authority. The pride of Rome is noted as a real obstacle, since even the lowest citizens were thought to swell with the prestige of the imperial city. Paul’s answer is not contest in his own name but appeal in the character of an apostle of Christ. The closing blessing is read carefully, especially the desire that God, the author of peace, would be with every believer. The final prayer is thus made universal, direct, and pastoral. The section ends by joining doctrine, exhortation, and prayer into one continuous act of ministry.

As heard by us

A stern, patient reading of Romans 15 that treats strength as service.

Romans 15 is treated as a plain argument about strength that refuses self-importance. The strong are asked to carry the weak, look past their own comfort, and aim at the good of the next person.

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Need Romans 15 turned into a lesson on bearing the weak and not pleasing yourself?

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