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ROMANS CHAPTER 15
Rom_15:1-3 We ought, in condescension to the weak, to give up
our own will for our neighbour’s good, after the
example of Christ.
Rom_15:4 The intent of the Scriptures.
Rom_15:5,6 Paul prayeth for unanimity among Christians.
Rom_15:6-12 Exhorteth to receive one the other, as Christ did
all, both Jews and Gentiles,
Rom_15:13 and wisheth them all joy, peace, and hope.
Rom_15:14-16 He apologizeth for his freedom in admonishing them,
as he was the apostle of the Gentiles,
Rom_15:17-21 and showeth the success and extensiveness of his labours.
Rom_15:23-29 He excuseth his not coming to them before, and
promiseth them, a visit on his return from Jerusalem.
Rom_15:30-33 He requesteth their prayers.
We then that are strong: the particle then showeth, that what followeth is inferred from what went before. By the strong, he means those who have attained to a good measure of knowledge and understanding, that are instructed in the Christian faith, and particularly in the doctrine of Christian liberty. He putteth himself in the number, not out of ambition, but that he may propose himself an example of the following duty.
Ought; i.e. we are obliged and bound both by the law of God and nature.
To bear the infirmities of the weak: by the weak, he means those who are weak in faith and knowledge, Rom_14:1. By their infirmities, he means their ignorance, frowardness, consoriousness, &c. He doth not speak of heresies and manifest enormities; but of such errors in doctrine and life, which proceed from ignorance or common infirmity. When he says, we must bear their infirmities, his meaning is, that we must bear with them, as we do with children or sick persons in their waywardness: though it a great burden to us, yet we must bear it; we must not impatiently contradict them, but prudently instruct them: see Exo_23:5 1Co_9:22 Gal_6:2.
And not to please ourselves: q.d. We ought not to do what we please in indifferent thing’s, and to act according to our own sentiments without any regard to others; we should not please ourselves in a proud reflecting upon our own knowledge, and in contemning of others because of their ignorance; we should not stand upon the terms of our liberty and contentment, but rather, for the sake of others, depart a little from our own right.