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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Romans 1:8 - 1:8
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
First (πρῶτον μὲν)
Not above all, but in the first place. The form of the phrase leads us to expect a succeeding clause introduced by secondly or next; but this is omitted in the fullness and rapidity of Paul's thought, which so often makes him negligent of the balance of his clauses.
Through Jesus Christ
As the medium of his thanksgiving: “As one who is present to his grateful thoughts; in so far, namely, as that for which he thanks God is vividly perceived and felt by him to have been brought about through Christ.” Compare Rom 7:25; Col 3:17; Eph 5:20. In penitence and in thanksgiving alike, Jesus Christ is the one mediator through whom we have access to God.
For you all (περὶ πάντων ὑμῶν)
The preposition means rather concerning, about.
Is proclaimed (καταγγέλλεται)
The different compounds of the simple verb ἀγγέλλω to announce, are interesting. The simple verb occurs only at Joh 20:18. Ἁναγγέλλειν is to report with the additional idea of bringing tidings up to or back to the person receiving them. So Joh 5:15. The impotent man brought back information to the Jews. Compare Mar 5:14. So Christ will send the Comforter, and He will bring back to the disciples tidings of things to come. Joh 16:13-15. See Act 14:27; 2Co 7:7; 1Pe 1:12.
Ἁπαγγέλλειν is to announce with a reference to the source from (ἀπό) which the message comes So Mat 2:8; Act 12:14. Compare Luk 7:22; Luk 8:34, Act 5:22.
Καταγγέλλειν is to proclaim with authority, as commissioned to spread the tidings throughout, down among those that hear them, with the included idea of celebrating or commending. So here. Compare Act 16:21; Act 17:3. Thus in ἀναγγέλλειν the recipient of the news is contemplated; in ἀπαγγέλλειν the source; in καταγγέλλειν the relation of the bearer and hearer of the message. The first is found mostly in John, Mark, and Acts; the second in the Synoptists and Acts; the third only. in the Acts and Paul.
Throughout the whole world
Hyperbolical, but according with the position of the metropolitan church. Compare 1Th 1:8.