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The Epilog of the Letter.
Paul's reason for writing:
v. 14. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
v. 15. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind because of the grace that is given to me or God,
v. 16. that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
The apostle now, having finished both instruction and admonition to the Christians of Rome, with his usual mildness and modesty adds an explanation to show why he had addressed them in the manner that he did. Giving them the intimate and honoring title "my brethren," he frankly tells them that he, for his own person, is fully convinced concerning them that they, on their part, are filled with goodness, that they possess the right Christian disposition and excellence. He also is persuaded to an extent which admits of no doubt that his readers are filled with all knowledge, that they have the full and correct understanding of Christian doctrine. This good opinion naturally results in the confidence that they will do what is right and proper under all circumstances. If there is any teaching or exhorting in doctrine and life necessary, they will surely attend to that in an adequate manner. Since Paul was personally acquainted with the leading members of the congregation at Rome, and also knew the power of the Gospel which was preached among them, he could make this assertion in all confidence. His manner of writing would serve as an incitement and spur to them to make rapid progress in both understanding and sanctification.
But in spite of this good opinion which he held of them, Paul had been under obligation to write to them: For I have written to you quite boldly in part, as one that was reminding you through the grace that is given me by God, v. 15. There were portions of his letter in which Paul had used much boldness, had brought out his points with striking and telling force. And in this method he was justified altogether; he could not have done differently, since it was his duty to recall to their memory certain things. What the Christians have once learned, know, and understand, they must ever be reminded of again, in order that their knowledge may be furthered and confirmed. The believers of all times will turn again and again to the instructions contained in this inspired epistle, in order to become ever better acquainted with the mysteries of their justification and salvation, to become ever more fervent in faith, hope, and love.
But there was another duty that made it incumbent upon Paul to address this letter to the Christians at Rome, namely, the grace that was given him from God that he should be a servant, a minister, of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, to administer the Gospel of Christ and God, in order that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Ghost, vv. 15-16. His office, his apostleship, was a gift of God's grace, a service of which he knew himself to be unworthy, Eph_3:8. But it had been given to him by a special call of God, and he must, therefore, as a true priest of God, administer the Gospel, proclaim it among the Gentiles, in order that by its instrumentality the offering of the Gentiles might be brought about. The heathen themselves, persuaded by the Gospel-message, were a sacrifice unto God, they offered themselves as a living sacrifice to their Lord, Rom_12:1. Due to the influence and work of the Gospel, then, their sacrifice was well-pleasing, acceptable, to God, Php_2:17; 2Ti_4:6. For the sake of Jesus, God has turned to the former Gentiles in grace. And therefore they are also hallowed in the Holy Ghost, because the Spirit has sanctified, consecrated, their hearts to God. At all times and in all places, wherever the Gospel is preached, the hearts of men are renewed, converted to God, offered up as God's own; and the purpose of the Gospel is to keep them in the state of sanctification, until hope and faith are replaced by everlasting possession.