Matthew Poole Commentary - Romans 1:7 - 1:7

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Matthew Poole Commentary - Romans 1:7 - 1:7


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To all that be in Rome; he doth not direct this Epistle to all that there inhabited, as to the emperor and senate, &c.; but to the church, and all the Christians there, as appears by the two following phrases. He wrote not to those only which were Romans by nation, but to all the faithful, whether Jews or Gentiles, bond or free, for they were all one and alike in Christ. They are deceived that think this Epistle, because directed to the Romans, was written in Latin. The Greek tongue was well understood in that city. Juvenal calls Rome a Greek city, because the inhabitants, as well natives as strangers, did some of them use, and most of them understand, that language.



Called to be saints, or, called saints; though there might be hypocrites amongst them, yet they were denominated from the better part. The Jews of old were only accounted a holy nation or people; and the Gentiles, common or unclean; but now that difference is taken away, faith in Jesus Christ, and effectual calling, makes the Gentiles holy as well as the Jews. The name saint doth not denote a perfection in holiness, but one that is devoted and consecrated to God, who is holy in heart and life, though he hath many imperfections.



Grace to you, and peace: under these two words, grace and peace, are comprehended all spiritual and temporal blessings. It is a usual salutation or benediction in the Epistles of this apostle: see 1Co_1:3 2Co_1:2 Gal_1:3 Eph_1:2 Phi_1:2 Col_1:2 2Th_1:2 1Ti_1:2 Tit_1:4 Phm_1:3. See the like in the Epistles of Peter, 1Pe_1:2 2Pe_1:2. See also 2Jo_1:3 Rev_1:4.



From God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: why is there no mention made here of the Holy Ghost?



Answer. Because he is implied in his gifts: grace and peace are the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit. In other salutations the Holy Ghost is expressed; see 2Co_13:14; and here, when the Father and Son are named, he is plainly implied.