4. To prepare the way for visiting Rome with a view to a more Contents. I. Salutation and Introduction, i. 1-16; II. Body of Epistle, from i. 16 to xv. 13; III. Conclusion, from xv. 14 to Body of the Epistle contains, (1.) statement of the subject, i. 17; (2.) treatment, from i. 18 to viii. 39; (3.) application, from ix. 1 Subject, the gospel, or doctrine of justification by faith alone, i. 17; Its excellence, universality, and necessity to Jew and Gentile, i. 16-18. Same proved of the Jews notwithstanding their privileges, ii. 1 to Fruits of justification,-peace, joy, holiness, eternal glory, v. 1 to Conduct and condition of the Jews in relation to the gospel, ix., x. Mysterious but gracious dispensations in regard to Jews and Gen- Exhortations as to life and conduct founded on the doctrine, xii. to xv. Subject of the Epistle similar to that of the Epistle to the Galatians. Both written at nearly the same time, but with different objects. Thoughts and expressions in both often alike and illustrating each Difference in tone and address corresponding to the circumstances of Language of the Epistle. Hellenistic Greek, but comparatively Greek, Paul's familiar language. Then more generally understood Style. Thoroughly Pauline. Frequent digressions, parentheses, Often abrupt, impetuous, elliptical, obscure. Occasional bursts of lofty impassioned eloquence. Close argumentation, often with a Jewish Rabbinical cast. Forcible expressions; pithy sentences; apt metaphors; winning General character. The fruit of much experience in God's word Written at a ripe age, twenty years after the Apostle's conversion. 1. Because of the dignity of the subject and fulness of its treatment; Chrysostom had this Epistle read to him twice a week. Bengel calls it a festal or holiday Epistle. Eminently fitted-1. For convincing and awakening the conscience; 4. For promoting a life of holiness and love to God and man. CHAPTER I. 1. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the Gospel Paul. Also called Saul. Jews often with two names, Acts i. 23. 1. More agreeable to his office as apostle of the Gentiles, Rom. xv. 16 ; Paulus, Acts xiii. 7, 9. Of Hebrew parentage. Belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, Phil. iii. Born in Tarsus, Acts xxii. 3. By birth a Roman citizen, ver. 26–28. Received a theological education at Jerusalem, Acts xxii. 3. His teacher, Gamaliel, one of the most renowned and liberal of the Became distinguished for his proficiency in Rabbinical learning, Was probably made a member of the Sanhedrim, Acts xxvi. 10. A bitter persecutor of Christians wherever he could find them, Acts Received from the high priest a persecuting commission at his own 4. To prepare the way for visiting Rome with a view to a more Contents. I. Salutation and Introduction, i. 1-16; II. Body of Epistle, from i. 16 to xv. 13; III. Conclusion, from xv. 14 to Body of the Epistle contains, (1.) statement of the subject, i. 17; (2.) treatment, from i. 18 to viii. 39; (3.) application, from ix. 1 Subject, the gospel, or doctrine of justification by faith alone, i. 17; Its excellence, universality, and necessity to Jew and Gentile, i. 16–18. Same proved of the Jews notwithstanding their privileges, ii. 1 to Fruits of justification,-peace, joy, holiness, eternal glory, v. 1 to Conduct and condition of the Jews in relation to the gospel, ix., x. Mysterious but gracious dispensations in regard to Jews and Gen- Exhortations as to life and conduct founded on the doctrine, xii. to xv. Subject of the Epistle similar to that of the Epistle to the Galatians. Both written at nearly the same time, but with different objects. Thoughts and expressions in both often alike and illustrating each Difference in tone and address corresponding to the circumstances of Language of the Epistle. Hellenistic Greek, but comparatively Greek, Paul's familiar language. Then more generally understood Style. Thoroughly Pauline. Frequent digressions, parentheses, Often abrupt, impetuous, elliptical, obscure. Occasional bursts of lofty impassioned eloquence. Close argumentation, often with a Jewish Rabbinical cast. Forcible expressions; pithy sentences; apt metaphors; winning General character. The fruit of much experience in God's word Written at a ripe age, twenty years after the Apostle's conversion. 1. Because of the dignity of the subject and fulness of its treatment; 2. Because of the quarter to which it was sent, the metropolis of the world. Chrysostom had this Epistle read to him twice a week. Bengel calls it a festal or holiday Epistle. Eminently fitted-1. For convincing and awakening the conscience; 2. For enlightening the mind in the knowledge of saving truth; 3. For comforting and establishing the believer; 4. For promoting a life of holiness and love to God and man. CHAPTER I. 1. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the Gospel of God. Paul. Also called Saul. Jews often with two names, Acts i. 23. 1. More agreeable to his office as apostle of the Gentiles, Rom. xv. 16; 2. More likely to conciliate Gentile hearers. "All things to all men.” Paul first occurs in connection with the conversion of Sergius Paulus, Acts xiii. 7, 9. Of Hebrew parentage. Belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, Phil. iii. 5; Rom. xi. 1. Born in Tarsus, Acts xxii. 3. By birth a Roman citizen, ver. 26-28. Probably made acquainted in his youth with Greek literature, Acts xvii. 28; Tit. i. 12. Received a theological education at Jerusalem, Acts xxii. 3. His teacher, Gamaliel, one of the most renowned and liberal of the Rabbies. Became distinguished for his proficiency in Rabbinical learning, strictness in religion, and zeal for Judaism, Gal. i. 14. Was probably made a member of the Sanhedrim, Acts xxvi. 10. Took a prominent part in the martyrdom of Stephen, Acts vii. 58; viii. 1. A bitter persecutor of Christians wherever he could find them, Acts xxvi. 11. Received from the high priest a persecuting commission at his own request, Acts ix. 3. Converted while on his way to Damascus in the execution of it, Acts xxvi. 12, &c. Called immediately to the apostleship, probably when about thirtysix years of age. Exceeded all the apostles in labours and sufferings, 1 Cor. xv. 10; 2 Cor. xi. 23-27. Preaches first in Damascus, Acts ix. 19, 20; is in danger from the Jews, ver. 23. Withdraws to Arabia, and returns again to Damascus, Gal. i. 17. Goes to Jerusalem, Acts ix. 26; same danger there, ver. 29; goes to Tarsus, ver. 30. Brought by Barnabas to assist in the work at Antioch, A.D. 44. Acts xi. 25. Called by the Spirit, enters on his first missionary journey, A.D. 48. Acts xiii. 2. Visits Cyprus, Perga, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Returns by the same places to Antioch in Syria, A.D. 49. Acts xiv. 21-26. Attends with Barnabas the Council at Jerusalem, A.D. 50. Acts xv. 2. Second missionary tour, A.D. 51. Visits Cilicia, Lycaonia, Galatia. Acts xv. 40, 41; xvi. 1–8. Directed by a vision at Troas, crosses over to Europe, and lands at Preaches in Philippi, Thessalonica, Beræa, Athens, and Corinth. Leaves Corinth for Jerusalem, Acts xviii. 21; soon after returns to Third missionary journey. Visits Ephesus, and remains three years, Acts xix. 1, &c. Writes at Ephesus his First Epistle to the Corinthians, A.D. 57. Leaves for Macedonia, Acts xx. 1. Writes there his Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Departs for Corinth, Acts xx. 2. Writes there his Epistle to the Galatians. About the same time writes his Epistle to the Romans, A.D. 58. After a three months' stay leaves Corinth for Jerusalem, Acts xx. 3. On the way preaches at Troas, and restores Eutychus to life, ver. 6-11. Addresses the Elders of Ephesus at Miletus, ver. 17-38. Arrives at Jerusalem about the Feast of Pentecost, Acts xx. 16; xxi. 17; xxiv. 17. Is arrested and sent to Cæsarea. Remains there a prisoner two years. |