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| 1 But *we* ought, we that are strong, to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. |
That are strong – Intellectually, physically and spiritually. R4927:3, 1954:6, 216:5
The elders, older in years, older and more developed in the truth. R4927:6
There are not so many strong; it behooves each of us to become strong and helpful to the weak brethren in the Church. R4995:1
All are not alike strong in the faith, but the stronger should not despise the weaker. Paul approves the stronger, but counsels patience and consideration on their part. R1734:3
Some Corinthian Christians felt that it made no difference whether they partook of meat offered to idols or not, since the meat suffered no change, and since they had no sympathy with the idolatrous worship. R1586:6
All of this world are not equally endowed with perceptive and reasoning powers and judgment and acquisitive propensities. Forceful, intellectual power makes natural leaders. R1954:6
Ought to bear – Stronger ones should not rail at, or make light of, a brother's conscientious weakness, but receive him as a brother, trusting that experience will bring him to the liberty which others reached quickly. R1734:4
If the stronger brethren by sarcasm should try to force the weaker ones to use a liberty which they do not realize, it would be forcing them into sin. R5556:2
This does not imply that we should not expostulate with such a one and endeavor to help him to get rid of his infirmity. R5557:4, 4767:1, 3647:2
Weaker brethren should be left to the liberty of their own consciences. Love and truth may be used in hope of educating them to an appreciation of their full privileges as free men in Christ. R5556:2
Be peacemakers amongst the brethren. R4995:1
Because the Lord's people have "this treasure in earthen vessels" (2 Cor. 4:7) all of which are imperfect through the fall, true love ought to produce in our deportment great self-restraint lest we injure their weakness. R4263:5
As a matter of equity, laws should compensate for inequalities of the fallen race; but the only hope for this is the glorious Millennium; and many will then begin to search for true riches. R1954:6
The great principle set forth is the principle of love, the essence of the divine spirit. R4927:2
The infirmities – In the Body of Christ, the various members have inherited weaknesses, against which they must wage a lifelong warfare; these sometimes interfere with the rights and comforts of others and themselves. R3647:1
The stronger should bear with them in their difficulties as well as bear some of their blunders. R5557:4, 4927:3, 3647:2
They seek the welfare of others as well as of themselves, especially the welfare of the household of faith. R4927:2
The mission of the stronger would be so to call the attention of others to their weaknesses as not to offend or stumble them. R4927:3, 5557:4
All men were not enlightened by the gospel and so relieved from superstition; and the eating of meats offered to idols seemed to them to be an indorsement of idol-worship. R1587:1
The Apostle urges growth to the brother who thinks himself under bondage regarding meat or Sabbath days, and does not teach that this bondage is right considering the liberty we have in Christ. R1734:4
The weak – Intellectually, physically and spiritually. R4927:3
The younger. R4927:6
The weaker ones of the household of faith are to be cared for and loved and helped that they may grow strong in the Lord. R4767:1
Faith, in its beginning, is always comparatively weak: but God does not despise the day of small things. "A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench." (Matt. 12:20) R2163:4*
It should be sufficient to know that God accepts even the weakest one--weak in the faith, under bondage to fast days--who thinks that our Redeemer wishes him to be bound by such ordinances. R1734:4
Please ourselves – Principles may never be abandoned for any consideration; but liberties and personal rights may be ignored in the interest of others frequently and to divine pleasing. R4928:4, 5557:2, 5412:2, 4927:6
Use care that others are not injured by our liberty in Christ. R5555:3
We should look beyond our own preferences, seeking to arrange our own affairs so as to be most helpful to the brethren. R4928:1
Too often the Lord's people fellowship with those of the brethren most congenial to them in cultivation or in advancement. Rather, we are to "cover the blemishes" of those who are weak and out of the way. R4269:5
The Apostle does not teach that each should make up his mind and stick to it, whether right or wrong. R1734:4
We are not merely to please ourselves in respect to time and place of meetings. R4928:1
The elders and deacons should seek to arrange their meetings so as to assist all the congregation who have time and ability, etc., that all will feel that there is no class separation. R4928:4
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| 2 Let each one of us please his neighbour with a view to what is good, to edification. |
Every one of us – Not "The younger" nor "The older" but every one of us. R5412:1
We should deny self rather than injure another's conscience. R5412:2
While the new creature should have his own upbuilding prominent in his mind, he should also remember that he has a responsibility in being a member of Christ and be willing to serve others. R4927:6
He who does not learn to sacrifice his own preferences in the interests of others, will never have that character which the Lord demands of those who shall be joint-heirs with himself in the Kingdom. R4479:4
Please – It is not possible for us to please all people. The direction of our energies should be for their good as we have opportunity. We should rouse them to love and good works as far as possible. R5556:4
According to right principles. R5413:4
Even as I also please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (1 Cor. 10:33) R4479:1
If every Christian could apply these words to himself, the effect upon the world would be magical--energizing. They would see in Christians a renouncement of their own preferences in the interests of others. R4479:4
His neighbor – Those closest to us: the brethren, our families, and then others. No amount of zeal for the service of the truth will excuse us from the duties which we owe to our families. R5557:1
His brother; patiently submitting to the discomfort his errors entail. R4767:4, 3647:2
We have a responsibility towards those who are not so strong or not so clearly informed as ourselves--a responsibility that we will not wish to pass by if our hearts are in tune with the spirit of divine love. R4479:4
For his good – Let no man seek his own, but each his neighbor's good. (1 Cor. 10:24) R4478:6
This does not mean that we should necessarily please them according to the flesh. Rather, "Stir up their pure minds," their spiritual minds, to love and faith and zeal, to good works. R5556:4
Should all those now enjoying present truth resolve to live up to the standard of the Lord, what an influence it would bring, what an influence would extend from their words, their thoughts, their deeds! R4479:4
To edification – To assist, uplift, upbuild, primarily in spiritual things. R5412:6
Not by ignoring his fault, but by kindly urging him to strive against it. R4767:4, 3647:2
All things are lawful, but not all things edify. (1 Cor. 10:23) R4478:6
Our general conduct, conversation, manners, dress, etc., should all be to the glory of God. R1587:4
We are not to descend to the world's methods. If we cannot please them by that which is good, we are to avoid unnecessary contact. R5556:5
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| 3 For the Christ also did not please himself; but according as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproach thee have fallen upon me. |
For even Christ – Those who deny themselves what their consciences permit, have the greater blessing. They can realize in an additional degree that they are following in the Master's steps. R5556:2, 1734:4
We are enlisted under the banner of Christ, which is the banner of love. We are to look well to the rules which belong to this new order of things of which we have become members. R5556:3
Pleased not himself – Christ sacrificed his own spirit, and was filled with the spirit of God. "The words that I speak unto you they are spirit and they are life." (John 6:63) They express the mind of God, in giving heed to which is life. R371:5
He was not in the world to seek to do the things pleasing to his own flesh. He renounced his own fleshly interests and gratification for the benefit of mankind. R5556:3
So we are to give thought and time to pleasing others where this will not conflict with our consecration. R5656:5, 1734:4
Lev. 2:11 forbade honey, to teach that whatever is sweet to nature must be disowned, if we would walk after the example of Christ who pleased not himself. R84:5*
Jonah was more interested in himself and his own reputation than in the Ninevites and their interests. The Lord's servants must not be so! R4785:6
Reproaches – The reproaches of the Scribes and Pharisees were evidently the most cutting of all. R2316:4, 1964:4
"Let us go to him without the camp bearing the reproach with him." (Heb. 13:13) R3776:5
Fell on me – Whoever will faithfully exercise his ambassadorship, can so say. E490; R1964:5
This does not mean that the disciples of Christ are to seek their own misery, but they are to give their thought and time to pleasing others rather than themselves. R5556:6
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| 4 For as many things as have been written before have been written for our instruction, that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. |
Written aforetime – In the Old Testament. R5607:2
It is a great mistake to affirm that the Bible is the product of the Church. The Old Testament Scriptures were written before the Church came into being--before Christ, the head and forerunner of the Church. R1584:3
The Old Testament Scriptures abound in significant types, one of which is the nation of Israel, a picture of what he is now doing and what he purposes to do through Christ and the Church to the world. CR485:1
"Holy men of old spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit," in various times and places, uttering words not knowing what they meant, words constituting a harmonious whole. (2 Pet. 1:21) OV407:4
For our – Prophecies of the past were written for the special instruction of the Church. PD37/48
Even those things in Jeremiah's prophecy which were applicable in some measure to his day were of two-fold significance--applying also to the mystic Babylon of this Gospel age. R3614:3
Learning – Instruction. R3435:2
Not for the learning of those who uttered them. B23
The holy Spirit of God is exerted in directing those now begotten through the pathway of their humanity, and upholds them by unfolding the exceeding great and precious promises of God's Word. R385:4*
An example of spiritual lessons to spiritual Israel, found in the Old Testament's account of experiences of the past: Gideon's call resembles the Gospel call for volunteers on the side of righteousness. R5607:2
That we – Prophecies, though recorded aforetime, and made to bear witness to the divine foreknowledge and arrangement, were for the learning of those living in the due time for their fulfillment. B23
The sanctified in Christ Jesus, not the for the unregenerate world. R3646:3
Jeremiah and his scribe prepared another statement of the prophecy destroyed by King Jehoiakim; and this larger and fuller book was designed for the instruction of the Gospel Church. R3614:3
And comfort – "The Comforter, which is the holy Spirit." (John 14:26) E268, E267
To the "new creature in Christ" who seeks to know the Father's will, comfort and peace and joy and contentment are found in the instruction of the divine Word, even in the midst of tribulation and persecution. E268
The holy Spirit comforts the Church through the Scriptures, and through the promises of God, the truth. R3435:1
The Scriptures are the medium through which the knowledge of God's grace and the comfort of all knowledge reach us. R2665:1, 3435:1, 385:3*, 372:3
Of the scriptures – The Word of God, as the channel of the truth, is to comfort us in proportion as the holy Spirit guides us into an understanding of it. R3435:1
The Word of the Lord through the apostles is not the product of the Church but of divine revelation. R1584:4
Might have hope – Because we are commanded to be subject to the powers that be, we receive comfort and hope through the dream of Nebuchadnezzar and its divine interpretation. A252
The hope of the Gospel. R1584:4
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| 5 Now the God of endurance and of encouragement give to you to be like-minded one toward another, according to Christ Jesus; |
And consolation – The mission of the brethren is to comfort the Church as the channels of the holy Spirit, and as the mouthpieces of God. R3435:2
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| 6 that ye may with one accord, with one mouth, glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
With one mind – "Gathering or Scattering. Which?" offers kind words of admonition. The love of Christ constrains us to be of "one mind," "one mouth," "of the same judgment," having the "same love." R3920:2*
The oneness of thought, mind and action required of the Church of God, may be seen in this text and others, including "Love one another, as I have loved you. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples." (John 13:34, 35) R1130:6*
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| 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, according as the Christ also has received you to the glory of God. |
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| 8 For I say that Jesus Christ became a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises of the fathers; |
Of the circumcision – Symbolizing a cutting off, a separation from the flesh, its aims, hopes and desires. R3022:3
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| 9 and that the nations should glorify God for mercy; according as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the nations, and will sing to thy name.
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That the Gentiles might glorify God – In this chapter Paul alludes to and explains something of God's plan relative to the casting away, and subsequent restoration of the Jews; and hints at the casting away of the Gentile Church likewise. R777:3*
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| 10 And again he says, Rejoice, nations, with his people. |
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| 11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye nations, and let all the peoples laud him. |
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| 12 And again, Esaias says, There shall be the root of Jesse, and one that arises, to rule over the nations: in him shall the nations hope. |
A root – Origin, source of life, progenitor. E136
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| 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that ye should abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. |
Peace in believing – Our peace in Christ begins from the moment we begin to believe in him. R2625:2
Whosoever believes in Jesus as the propitiation for his sins has a rest not transitory but permanent, not partial but complete. R543:6
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| 14 But I am persuaded, my brethren, I myself also, concerning you, that yourselves also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. |
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| 15 But I have written to you the more boldly, brethren, in part, as putting you in mind, because of the grace given to me by God, |
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| 16 for me to be minister of Christ Jesus to the nations, carrying on as a sacrificial service the message of glad tidings of God, in order that the offering up of the nations might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. |
The offering up – Our sacrifice forms a part of the sin-offering, the completing of Jesus' sacrifice. PT392:T*
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| 17 I have therefore whereof to boast in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. |
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| 18 For I will not dare to speak anything of the things which Christ has not wrought by me, for the obedience of the nations, by word and deed, |
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| 19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit of God; so that I, from Jerusalem, and in a circuit round to Illyricum, have fully preached the glad tidings of the Christ; |
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| 20 and so aiming to announce the glad tidings, not where Christ has been named, that I might not build upon another's foundation; |
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| 21 but according as it is written, To whom there was nothing told concerning him, they shall see; and they that have not heard shall understand. |
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| 22 Wherefore also I have been often hindered from coming to you. |
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| 23 But now, having no longer place in these regions, and having great desire to come to you these many years, |
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| 24 whenever I should go to Spain; (for I hope to see you as I go through, and by you to be set forward thither, if first I shall have been in part filled with your company;) |
On my way – A precedent for helping our preaching brethren on their way. R449:5*
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| 25 but now I go to Jerusalem, ministering to the saints; |
Saints – The truly consecrated among professing Christians. R1139:1
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| 26 for Macedonia and Achaia have been well pleased to make a certain contribution for the poor of the saints who are in Jerusalem. |
Saints – The truly consecrated among professing Christians. R1139:1
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| 27 They have been well pleased indeed, and they are their debtors; for if the nations have participated in their spiritual things, they ought also in fleshly to minister to them. |
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| 28 Having finished this therefore, and having sealed to them this fruit, I will set off by you into Spain. |
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| 29 But I know that, coming to you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of Christ. |
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| 30 But I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in prayers for me to God; |
That ye strive – Greek: agonize. R1865:5
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| 31 that I may be saved from those that do not believe in Judaea; and that my ministry which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints; |
In Judea – The nominal church. R238:6*
For Jerusalem – The Bride. R238:6*
Saints – The truly consecrated among professing Christians. R1139:1
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| 32 in order that I may come to you in joy by God's will, and that I may be refreshed with you. |
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| 33 And the God of peace be with you all. Amen. |
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