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Romans 15:13
Verse
Context
Christ the Servant of Jews and Gentiles
12And once more, Isaiah says: “The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope. ”13Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now the God of hope, etc. - Ὁ δε Θεος της ελπιδος, May the God of this hope - that God who caused both Jews and Gentiles to hope that the gracious promises which he made to them should be fulfilled; and who, accordingly, has fulfilled them in the most punctual and circumstantial manner; Fill you with all joy - Give you true spiritual happiness; peace in your own hearts, and unity among yourselves; in believing not only the promises which he has given you, but believing in Christ Jesus, in whom all the promises are yea and amen. That ye may abound in hope - That ye may be excited to take more enlarged views of the salvation which God has provided for you, and have all your expectations fulfilled by the power of the Holy Ghost, enabling you to hope and believe; and then sealing the fulfillment of the promises upon your hearts.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Now, &c.--This seems a concluding prayer, suggested by the whole preceding subject matter of the epistle. the God of hope--(See on Rom 15:5). fill you with all joy and peace in believing--the native truth of that faith which is the great theme of this epistle (compare Gal 5:22). that ye may abound in hope--"of the glory of God." (See on Rom 5:1). through the power of the Holy Ghost--to whom, in the economy of redemption, it belongs to inspire believers with all gracious affections. On the foregoing portion, Note, (1) No Christian is at liberty to regard himself as an isolated disciple of the Lord Jesus, having to decide questions of duty and liberty solely with reference to himself. As Christians are one body in Christ, so the great law of love binds them to act in all things with tenderness and consideration for their brethren in "the common salvation" (Rom 15:1-2). (2) Of this unselfishness CHRIST is the perfect model of all Christians (Rom 15:3). (3) Holy Scripture is the divine storehouse of all furniture for the Christian life, even in its most trying and delicate features (Rom 15:4). (4) The harmonious glorification of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ by the whole body of the redeemed, as it is the most exalted fruit of the scheme of redemption, so it is the last end of God in it (Rom 15:5-7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I myself also am persuaded of you,.... This is said by way of prevention to an objection that might he made to the apostle's prayers and exhortations by the Romans. What does the apostle mean by all this? what does he think of us, or take us to be? men that live in malice to one another, devoid of all humanity, and mutual respect? a parcel of fools and ignorant men, that know nothing of divine things? and though there may be some that are much to be blamed for their conduct and carriage to their fellow Christians, what, are there none among us fit to give advice and admonition? To which the apostle replies, that he was far from entertaining such thoughts of them; that though he had not seen them in person, yet he had had such an account of their faith and practice, which were famous throughout the world, that he was thoroughly persuaded of better things of them, though he thus spake; and therefore, to mollify them, and abate their resentment, he adds, my brethren; testifying his affection to them, owning the spiritual relation they stood in to him, and declaring the great esteem he had for them, and the high opinion he had of them: saying, that ye also are full of goodness; not naturally, for there is no good thing in men by nature, but what they had was from the Spirit of God, whose fruit is "goodness": and by which may be meant, either the good gifts of the Spirit of God, or rather his graces, even the good work of grace in general, and which is goodness itself: it comes from a good cause, the good Spirit of God; is good in its own nature, not having the least mixture or tincture of evil in it; and good in its effects, since it makes and denominates a man a good man; now these saints might be said to be full of this, to denote the abundance, the superabundance of grace in this work: or particularly beneficence, humanity, and sympathy to fellow Christians, may be intended. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "full of love": but the copies and eastern versions read as we do. Filled with all knowledge; not with every sort of knowledge, with the knowledge of all languages, or of all the arts and sciences, of all things, natural and political; but with all spiritual knowledge relating to God, his nature and perfections, his mind and will; to Christ and the work of redemption by him; to the Spirit, and the operations of his grace; to the Gospel, and the doctrines of it; to their duty to God, fellow creatures, and fellow Christians; in short, with all knowledge necessary to salvation, though as yet not perfect, and which will not be in this world, but in another: able also to admonish one another; as they must be, since they were both good and knowing; goodness and knowledge are necessary to admonition, and qualify persons for it: if a man is not a good man himself, he is not fit to admonish another; and if he has not knowledge, he will not be able to do it as it should be; and without humanity and tenderness, he will not perform it aright, and with success; but all this being in these persons, they were able and fit for it. Some copies read it, "able also to admonish others"; so the Syriac version renders; which makes the expression still stronger, and enlarges their praise and commendation.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is another prayer directed to God, as the God of hope; and it is, as the former (Rom 15:5, Rom 15:6), for spiritual blessings: these are the blest blessings, and to be first and chiefly prayed for. I. Observe how he addresses himself to God, as the God of hope. It is good in prayer to fasten upon those names, titles, and attributes of God, which are most suitable to the errand we come upon, and will best serve to encourage our faith concerning it. Every word in the prayer should be a plea. Thus should the cause be skilfully ordered, and the mouth filled with arguments. God is the God of hope. He is the foundation on which our hope is built, and he is the builder that doth himself raise it: he is both the object of our hope, and the author of it. That hope is but fancy, and will deceive us, which is not fastened upon God (as the goodness hoped for, and the truth hoped in), and which is not of his working in us. We have both together, Psa 119:49. Thy word - there is God the object; on which thou hast caused me to hope - there is God the author of our hope, Pe1 1:3. II. What he asks of God, not for himself, but for them. 1. That they might be filled with all joy and peace in believing. Joy and peace are two of those things in which the kingdom of God consists, Rom 14:17. Joy in God, peace of conscience, both arising from a sense of our justification; see Rom 5:1, Rom 5:2. Joy and peace in our own bosoms would promote a cheerful unity and unanimity with our brethren. Observe, (1.) How desirable this joy and peace are: they are filling. Carnal joy puffs up the soul, but cannot fill it; therefore in laughter the heart is sad. True, heavenly, spiritual joy is filling to the soul; it has a satisfaction in it, answerable to the soul's vast and just desires. Thus does God satiate and replenish the weary soul. Nothing more than this joy, only more of it, even the perfection of it in glory, is the desire of the soul that hath it, Psa 4:6, Psa 4:7; Psa 36:8; Psa 63:5; Psa 65:4. (2.) How it is attainable. [1.] By prayer. We must go to God for it; he will for this be enquired of. Prayer fetches in spiritual joy and peace. [2.] By believing; that is the means to be used. It is vain, and flashy, and transient joy, that is the product of fancy; true substantial joy is the fruit of faith. Believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable, Pe1 1:8. It is owing to the weakness of our faith that we are so much wanting in joy and peace. Only believe; believe the goodness of Christ, the love of Christ, the promises of the covenant, and the joys and glories of heaven; let faith be the substance and evidence of these things, and the result must needs be joy and peace. Observe, It is all joy and peace - all sorts of true joy and peace. When we come to God by prayer we must enlarge our desires; we are not straitened in him, why should we be straitened in ourselves? Ask for all joy; open thy mouth wide, and he will fill it. 2. That they might abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. The joy and peace of believers arise chiefly from their hopes. What is laid out upon them is but little, compared with what is laid up for them; therefore the more hope they have the more joy and peace they have. We do then abound in hope when we hope for great things from God, and are greatly established and confirmed in these hopes. Christians should desire and labour after an abundance of hope, such hope as will not make ashamed. This is through the power of the Holy Ghost. The same almighty power that works grace begets and strengthens this hope. Our own power will never reach it; and therefore where this hope is, and is abounding, the blessed Spirit must have all the glory.
Romans 15:13
Christ the Servant of Jews and Gentiles
12And once more, Isaiah says: “The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope.”13Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Time to Do Nothng but Trust
By David Wilkerson16K1:01:39Trust1SA 13:13PSA 37:5PRO 3:5PRO 28:26ISA 26:3JER 17:7ROM 15:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonathan and the Israelites facing a massive army of Philistines. The Israelites were greatly outnumbered and lacked weapons, leading to a seemingly hopeless situation. However, God was testing Jonathan's faith and reliance on Him in the midst of this crisis. Despite the odds, Jonathan chose to trust in God rather than rely on his own wisdom and strength. The sermon emphasizes the importance of approaching challenges with faith and dependence on God, rather than relying on our own abilities.
How to Get on Fire for God
By Ray Comfort8.3K48:40ZealMAT 10:16MRK 16:15ACT 20:21ACT 20:24ROM 15:13EPH 6:15HEB 4:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses three keys to getting on fire for God. The first key is faith, which is described as believing in the promises of God and finding joy and peace through the power of the Holy Ghost. The second key is love for God, which motivates believers to put aside their fears and be faithful witnesses. The third key is compassion, as the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the day of judgment and the need to show compassion towards others. The sermon also mentions the use of anecdotes and humor as effective tools in keeping the audience engaged.
The Path to Hope
By David Wilkerson3.1K36:12PSA 31:24ROM 4:6ROM 5:1ROM 15:4ROM 15:13HEB 6:11HEB 10:23JAS 5:11This sermon focuses on the path to hope as outlined in Romans 5, emphasizing the importance of being justified by faith and having peace with God. It highlights the role of tribulations in building patience, experience, and ultimately hope that does not disappoint. The message encourages believers to trust in God's promises, endure suffering with patience, and seek the Holy Spirit's work of hope in their lives.
The God of Hope
By David Wilkerson2.8K59:10JER 17:5JER 17:7MAT 6:33ROM 8:24ROM 15:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having hope and joy in the midst of a hopeless world. He encourages the congregation to live in hope and to rely on the Holy Spirit for joy. The preacher references Jeremiah 17 and highlights the God of hope mentioned in the scripture. He emphasizes that in the last days, there will be a stream of glory and life that will bring an end to despair. The preacher urges the congregation to trust in God and to draw from the stream of living water for abundant life.
Desiring God - Lesson 2
By John Piper1.6K44:17NEH 8:10PSA 16:11PSA 34:8PSA 37:4PSA 100:2PSA 119:14ISA 61:10JHN 15:11ROM 15:13PHP 4:41TH 5:161PE 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of pursuing joy in God. He believes that God desires for us to have a worldview that centers around His glory and our joy. The preacher mentions that there are twelve points that support the biblical basis for pursuing joy in God, but only briefly touches on them. He also mentions that the first point is the existence of biblical commands to pursue joy in God. The sermon encourages listeners to embrace the offer of infinite joy in God rather than settling for temporary pleasures.
Hope
By Edgar F. Parkyns1.5K55:01PSA 42:5ROM 15:13HEB 2:10HEB 6:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of hope and faith in relation to achieving one's heart's desires. He uses metaphors such as a stone in a sling and a DC-10 airplane to illustrate the process of developing hope and releasing it in faith. The speaker also mentions the presence of Catherine Coolman, a preacher who brings the presence of the Lord Jesus and prays for healing. The sermon emphasizes the power of God and encourages listeners to trust in Him for their desires and needs.
The Lewis Revival 1949 - Part 5
By Colin Peckham1.4K09:08PSA 30:11PSA 100:2ACT 2:46ROM 15:131JN 4:7This sermon reflects on a time of intense spiritual revival where singing, joy, love, unity, and hunger for God's presence were prominent. The atmosphere was filled with the presence of God, leading to unforgettable experiences of worship and prayer, even in the early hours of the morning. The joy and love experienced were described as unspeakable and overwhelming, transforming lives and bringing people together in unity and care for one another.
The Cup of Trembling
By David Wilkerson1.2K52:50DEU 28:1PSA 139:23ISA 40:28ISA 51:17MRK 9:24LUK 1:74ACT 2:25ROM 15:13This sermon delves into the concept of the 'cup of trembling' as addressed in Isaiah, focusing on the fears and challenges faced by God's people. It emphasizes the need to trust in God's deliverance from fear and the importance of seeking the Lord's strength and guidance in turbulent times. The message highlights the four mixtures of fear outlined in Isaiah's prophecy, drawing parallels to the fears and uncertainties prevalent in the world today, while encouraging a deep-rooted faith in God's promises and provision.
The God of Peace
By Thomas Wilson1.2K46:23PeaceISA 57:20ROM 15:13ROM 16:17The video is a sermon transcript that covers various topics. It starts with a description of a powerful waterfall and the awe it inspires, relating it to the anticipation of seeing and hearing Jesus. The speaker then briefly discusses the geography of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and the surrounding countries. The sermon transitions to the turmoil and division among believers worldwide, contrasting it with the peace that should be exemplified by Christians. Finally, the speaker mentions the background of the verses in Romans 15, which were written by Paul during his missionary journey to Corinth. The sermon also briefly mentions the opportunity to spread the gospel in a school in Africa.
Lives Filled With Hope
By Bob Hoekstra1.2K48:55JHN 16:33ROM 15:13EPH 1:18EPH 2:12COL 1:272TH 2:161TI 1:1TIT 2:13HEB 6:191PE 1:3This sermon focuses on the theme of lives filled with hope, emphasizing how God's remedy for discouragement, worry, and despair is unique and distinct. The key verse, Romans 15:13, highlights the God of hope filling believers with joy, peace, and abounding hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. The speaker shares personal experiences of relying on this verse during challenging times, encouraging listeners to trust in God's promises and be flooded with hope.
The Humble Prayers of Augustine
By Compilations1.2K07:38PSA 119:105ISA 26:3JHN 8:36ROM 15:13REV 21:4This sermon reflects on the journey through life's challenges and the hope of a brighter future in God's presence. It acknowledges the struggles faced in this world but emphasizes the promise of freedom, wholeness, peace, and eternal joy that believers can look forward to. The message encourages trust in God's guidance, assurance of His victory in our battles, and the ultimate destination of a place where sorrow and disappointment will be no more.
How to Welcome a Weak Brother
By John Piper1.2K41:59ROM 14:1ROM 14:22ROM 15:1ROM 15:5ROM 15:13In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Romans 14 and the issue of how a church can maintain harmony despite differences in beliefs and practices. The main theme is love for one another, and the speaker emphasizes the importance of not passing judgment on fellow believers. The speaker addresses both the weak and the strong in the church, reminding them that they have one master and judge, who is not any individual within the church. The sermon encourages Christians to focus on their own accountability to God rather than trying to judge others.
Ephesians 1 - Pauls Prayer - Part 7
By Gareth Evans1.1K04:59EXO 33:18JHN 14:17ROM 15:132CO 3:18COL 1:27This sermon focuses on the concept of hope and the richness of God's glory among believers. It delves into the difficulty of describing God's glory and the ongoing revelation of God's presence and essence among His people. The speaker emphasizes the intimate experience of knowing God and the progression from knowing Him as a friend to experiencing Him as a healer and supplier, leading to a deeper understanding of the glory of God's presence.
Ephesians 1 - Pauls Prayer - Part 6
By Gareth Evans1.1K04:59PSA 71:5ROM 15:131CO 13:13COL 1:27TIT 1:2HEB 6:19HEB 10:231PE 1:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding Christian hope, which is not based on uncertainty but on eager expectation and assurance in God's promises. The speaker contrasts worldly hope, which carries negative possibilities, with the hope of the Christian, rooted in the unchanging and absolute nature of God's faithfulness. Christian hope is described as a confident belief in the promises of God, such as the forgiveness of sins, the return of Jesus, and eternal life.
Hopeful or Hopless
By Tim Conway1.1K51:08MAT 5:12LUK 6:23ROM 5:2ROM 8:25ROM 12:12ROM 15:131CO 13:13COL 1:51TI 1:1HEB 6:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in hope, focusing on the future glory that awaits believers in heaven. It highlights the distinction between worldly hopes and the biblical hope in Christ, which is characterized by assurance and expectation. The speaker challenges listeners to set their hearts and minds on the eternal hope in Christ, freeing them from being enslaved to worldly pursuits and encouraging radical love and sacrifice.
Hopeless Without Chirst
By Tim Conway1.1K09:39PSA 42:1ROM 5:5ROM 8:24ROM 15:13EPH 2:12COL 1:271TH 4:13TIT 2:13HEB 6:191PE 1:3This sermon emphasizes the devastating impact of hopelessness without Christ, painting a vivid picture of being stranded on a rock in a sea of despair, thirsting for satisfaction but finding none. It contrasts the bleakness of a life without Christ, filled with emptiness and futile efforts, with the hope and assurance that believers have in Jesus Christ. The message urges listeners to heed Christ's call, find true satisfaction in Him, and rejoice in the hope of a glorious future in heaven.
Jesus Our Hope - Part 1
By Roy Hession89349:51HopePSA 42:11MAT 6:33ROM 15:132TH 2:161TI 1:1HEB 3:6HEB 6:18In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of Jesus Christ as our hope. He shares a personal experience of attending a conference in Uganda where the banner read "Jesus our hope." The speaker emphasizes that even sinners can find hope in Jesus, especially those who have experienced loss and discouragement. The sermon focuses on the idea that Jesus is our only hope, and that having him is all we need in our lives. The speaker references 1 Timothy 1:1 and 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 to support the message.
Temptation and Sin
By Paris Reidhead84156:28SinMAT 22:39JHN 13:34ROM 1:1ROM 15:13GAL 4:41JN 3:241JN 4:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not giving any place to the devil, as stated in Ephesians 4:27. He explains that if we give the devil an opportunity, he will take it. The preacher uses the analogy of living inside a yard with a high-board fence to illustrate how we should protect ourselves from the devil's influence. He then shares a personal story of sassing his mother and how she reminded him of his Christian identity, highlighting the need for self-control and obedience. The sermon also briefly mentions the teaching and preaching of Charles Wesley and the theme of "So Great Salvation," touching on topics such as awakening, conviction, repentance, faith, the new birth, and the witness of the Spirit.
21 - More Reflects on Trip to North Korea
By Ben Torrey76108:36North KoreaPSA 119:105PRO 13:12MAT 5:14ROM 15:13In this sermon, Ben Torrey reflects on his recent trip to North Korea and shares his new insights about the people and the socialist system in the country. He acknowledges that his previous understanding of North Korea was simplistic and that things are not black and white. He highlights the dedication and motivation of individuals he met, including government officials and healthcare professionals, who were working to improve their situation. Torrey also mentions the hospitality and appreciation shown by the staff at a remote and poor facility, but also observes the struggle with hopelessness in some places.
Jesus Our Hope - Part 2
By Roy Hession7381:22:40HopeJOB 14:7PSA 14:7ISA 40:31JER 17:7MAT 6:33LUK 13:6ROM 15:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the hope that Jesus brings to the hopeless. He uses the analogy of a tree that can sprout again even if it is cut down, highlighting the resilience and renewal that can be found in Jesus. The preacher also mentions the purpose of the Gospel, which is to give hope to feeble and failing individuals. He refers to a parable in Luke 13 about a fig tree that did not bear fruit and was cut down, illustrating that sometimes God may cut down certain trees in our lives. The sermon concludes with a mention of the book of Job, specifically chapter 14, where the preacher is searching for a specific verse.
God - a Father of Comfort
By Basilea Schlink57304:30Radio ShowPSA 34:18LUK 15:11JHN 14:27ROM 8:28ROM 15:131CO 10:131PE 5:7In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of a German couple who experienced the tragic loss of their son, Timmy. Timmy disappeared one day and was never found, causing immense grief and despair for his parents. The mother, in her deep depression, questioned how a loving God could allow such horrible things to happen. However, through prayer and seeking spiritual support, the couple found comfort and peace in God's love. They realized that their suffering had brought them closer to God and allowed them to experience His abundant joy, comfort, and peace. The preacher encourages all who are suffering to believe in the greater power of God to provide comfort and to lead them home to Him.
The Christian Pilgrimage
By Mack Tomlinson51646:35PSA 84:1ROM 15:132CO 9:8PHP 1:6This sermon delves into the unique significance of the Psalms in Scripture, highlighting their dual nature as a songbook and a prayer book. It emphasizes the multifaceted experiences expressed by the psalmists, ranging from anger and doubt to hope and joy, providing spiritual antibiotics for believers. Psalms 84 is explored, focusing on themes of kingdom perspective, pilgrimage, and promises, encouraging believers to view the church with love and longing, persevere through hardships, and trust in the Lord's faithfulness.
Steps to Joy (Audio Poor)
By Paris Reidhead10741:15JoyPSA 16:11MAT 6:33LUK 2:10JHN 1:4ROM 15:13HEB 4:151JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of joy and its connection to the message of the angel's song in Bethlehem. The preacher challenges the misconception that religion is meant to make people miserable and unhappy. Instead, the preacher emphasizes that God's desire is for people to experience fullness of joy. The sermon highlights the importance of living out one's faith in all aspects of life and reminds listeners that true joy can only be found in being free from sin and being right with God.
Hope: Finding Grace by Engaging With Jesus Related to Our Future
By Mike Bickle2055:51HopeSpiritual VisionPRO 29:18JER 29:11LAM 3:21ROM 15:13Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of engaging with Jesus concerning our past, present, and future to cultivate hope and grace in our lives. He explains that our understanding of past experiences shapes our present, while our beliefs about the future influence our current actions and heart posture. Bickle encourages believers to develop a clear vision for their spiritual growth and future commitments, asserting that hope is essential for a purposeful life. He warns against living aimlessly without a defined direction, urging the congregation to seek intimacy with God and clarity about their future in order to live fully alive. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to spiritual development that transcends mere ministry impact, focusing instead on the condition of the heart.
Jesus' Leadership in the Millennium (Isa. 2)
By Mike Bickle201:11:17The Millennial KingdomJesus' LeadershipISA 2:2ISA 4:2ISA 9:6ISA 11:1ISA 40:4JER 3:17EZK 40:2ZEC 14:10ROM 15:13REV 3:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Jesus' leadership during the Millennium as depicted in Isaiah 2, highlighting the glory of Jerusalem as the capital city of the great King. He explains that this city will be a mountain house, exalted above all nations, where Jesus will teach and judge, leading to a time of peace where nations will no longer engage in war. Bickle connects various passages in Isaiah to paint a comprehensive picture of the beauty and authority of the Messiah, who will govern with wisdom and compassion, ultimately transforming the world. He encourages believers to anchor their hope in the prophetic vision of the future, reminding them that this is their story and destiny.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now the God of hope, etc. - Ὁ δε Θεος της ελπιδος, May the God of this hope - that God who caused both Jews and Gentiles to hope that the gracious promises which he made to them should be fulfilled; and who, accordingly, has fulfilled them in the most punctual and circumstantial manner; Fill you with all joy - Give you true spiritual happiness; peace in your own hearts, and unity among yourselves; in believing not only the promises which he has given you, but believing in Christ Jesus, in whom all the promises are yea and amen. That ye may abound in hope - That ye may be excited to take more enlarged views of the salvation which God has provided for you, and have all your expectations fulfilled by the power of the Holy Ghost, enabling you to hope and believe; and then sealing the fulfillment of the promises upon your hearts.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Now, &c.--This seems a concluding prayer, suggested by the whole preceding subject matter of the epistle. the God of hope--(See on Rom 15:5). fill you with all joy and peace in believing--the native truth of that faith which is the great theme of this epistle (compare Gal 5:22). that ye may abound in hope--"of the glory of God." (See on Rom 5:1). through the power of the Holy Ghost--to whom, in the economy of redemption, it belongs to inspire believers with all gracious affections. On the foregoing portion, Note, (1) No Christian is at liberty to regard himself as an isolated disciple of the Lord Jesus, having to decide questions of duty and liberty solely with reference to himself. As Christians are one body in Christ, so the great law of love binds them to act in all things with tenderness and consideration for their brethren in "the common salvation" (Rom 15:1-2). (2) Of this unselfishness CHRIST is the perfect model of all Christians (Rom 15:3). (3) Holy Scripture is the divine storehouse of all furniture for the Christian life, even in its most trying and delicate features (Rom 15:4). (4) The harmonious glorification of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ by the whole body of the redeemed, as it is the most exalted fruit of the scheme of redemption, so it is the last end of God in it (Rom 15:5-7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I myself also am persuaded of you,.... This is said by way of prevention to an objection that might he made to the apostle's prayers and exhortations by the Romans. What does the apostle mean by all this? what does he think of us, or take us to be? men that live in malice to one another, devoid of all humanity, and mutual respect? a parcel of fools and ignorant men, that know nothing of divine things? and though there may be some that are much to be blamed for their conduct and carriage to their fellow Christians, what, are there none among us fit to give advice and admonition? To which the apostle replies, that he was far from entertaining such thoughts of them; that though he had not seen them in person, yet he had had such an account of their faith and practice, which were famous throughout the world, that he was thoroughly persuaded of better things of them, though he thus spake; and therefore, to mollify them, and abate their resentment, he adds, my brethren; testifying his affection to them, owning the spiritual relation they stood in to him, and declaring the great esteem he had for them, and the high opinion he had of them: saying, that ye also are full of goodness; not naturally, for there is no good thing in men by nature, but what they had was from the Spirit of God, whose fruit is "goodness": and by which may be meant, either the good gifts of the Spirit of God, or rather his graces, even the good work of grace in general, and which is goodness itself: it comes from a good cause, the good Spirit of God; is good in its own nature, not having the least mixture or tincture of evil in it; and good in its effects, since it makes and denominates a man a good man; now these saints might be said to be full of this, to denote the abundance, the superabundance of grace in this work: or particularly beneficence, humanity, and sympathy to fellow Christians, may be intended. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "full of love": but the copies and eastern versions read as we do. Filled with all knowledge; not with every sort of knowledge, with the knowledge of all languages, or of all the arts and sciences, of all things, natural and political; but with all spiritual knowledge relating to God, his nature and perfections, his mind and will; to Christ and the work of redemption by him; to the Spirit, and the operations of his grace; to the Gospel, and the doctrines of it; to their duty to God, fellow creatures, and fellow Christians; in short, with all knowledge necessary to salvation, though as yet not perfect, and which will not be in this world, but in another: able also to admonish one another; as they must be, since they were both good and knowing; goodness and knowledge are necessary to admonition, and qualify persons for it: if a man is not a good man himself, he is not fit to admonish another; and if he has not knowledge, he will not be able to do it as it should be; and without humanity and tenderness, he will not perform it aright, and with success; but all this being in these persons, they were able and fit for it. Some copies read it, "able also to admonish others"; so the Syriac version renders; which makes the expression still stronger, and enlarges their praise and commendation.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is another prayer directed to God, as the God of hope; and it is, as the former (Rom 15:5, Rom 15:6), for spiritual blessings: these are the blest blessings, and to be first and chiefly prayed for. I. Observe how he addresses himself to God, as the God of hope. It is good in prayer to fasten upon those names, titles, and attributes of God, which are most suitable to the errand we come upon, and will best serve to encourage our faith concerning it. Every word in the prayer should be a plea. Thus should the cause be skilfully ordered, and the mouth filled with arguments. God is the God of hope. He is the foundation on which our hope is built, and he is the builder that doth himself raise it: he is both the object of our hope, and the author of it. That hope is but fancy, and will deceive us, which is not fastened upon God (as the goodness hoped for, and the truth hoped in), and which is not of his working in us. We have both together, Psa 119:49. Thy word - there is God the object; on which thou hast caused me to hope - there is God the author of our hope, Pe1 1:3. II. What he asks of God, not for himself, but for them. 1. That they might be filled with all joy and peace in believing. Joy and peace are two of those things in which the kingdom of God consists, Rom 14:17. Joy in God, peace of conscience, both arising from a sense of our justification; see Rom 5:1, Rom 5:2. Joy and peace in our own bosoms would promote a cheerful unity and unanimity with our brethren. Observe, (1.) How desirable this joy and peace are: they are filling. Carnal joy puffs up the soul, but cannot fill it; therefore in laughter the heart is sad. True, heavenly, spiritual joy is filling to the soul; it has a satisfaction in it, answerable to the soul's vast and just desires. Thus does God satiate and replenish the weary soul. Nothing more than this joy, only more of it, even the perfection of it in glory, is the desire of the soul that hath it, Psa 4:6, Psa 4:7; Psa 36:8; Psa 63:5; Psa 65:4. (2.) How it is attainable. [1.] By prayer. We must go to God for it; he will for this be enquired of. Prayer fetches in spiritual joy and peace. [2.] By believing; that is the means to be used. It is vain, and flashy, and transient joy, that is the product of fancy; true substantial joy is the fruit of faith. Believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable, Pe1 1:8. It is owing to the weakness of our faith that we are so much wanting in joy and peace. Only believe; believe the goodness of Christ, the love of Christ, the promises of the covenant, and the joys and glories of heaven; let faith be the substance and evidence of these things, and the result must needs be joy and peace. Observe, It is all joy and peace - all sorts of true joy and peace. When we come to God by prayer we must enlarge our desires; we are not straitened in him, why should we be straitened in ourselves? Ask for all joy; open thy mouth wide, and he will fill it. 2. That they might abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. The joy and peace of believers arise chiefly from their hopes. What is laid out upon them is but little, compared with what is laid up for them; therefore the more hope they have the more joy and peace they have. We do then abound in hope when we hope for great things from God, and are greatly established and confirmed in these hopes. Christians should desire and labour after an abundance of hope, such hope as will not make ashamed. This is through the power of the Holy Ghost. The same almighty power that works grace begets and strengthens this hope. Our own power will never reach it; and therefore where this hope is, and is abounding, the blessed Spirit must have all the glory.