Chapter 15: 15:1 We the strong [hemeis hoi dunatoi]. Paul identifies himself with

15:1 We the strong [hemeis hoi dunatoi]. Paul identifies himself with this wing in the controversy. He means the morally strong as in 2Co 12:10; 13:9, not the mighty as in 1Co 1:26. The infirmities [ta asthenemata]. "The weaknesses" (cf. [asthenOn] in 14:1,2), the scruples "of the not strong" [tOn adunatOn]. See Ac 14:8 where it is used of the man weak in his feet (impotent). To bear [bastazein]. As in Ga 6:2, common in the figurative sense. Not to please ourselves [me heautois areskein]. Precisely Paul's picture of his own conduct in 1Co 10:33.

15:2 For that which is good [eis to agathon]. "For the good." As in 14:16, 19. Not to please men just for popular favours, but for their benefit.

15:3 Pleased not himself [ouch heautOi eresen]. Aorist active indicative of [areskO] with the usual dative. The supreme example for Christians. See 14:15. He quotes Ps 69:9 (Messianic Psalm) and represents the Messiah as bearing the reproaches of others.

15:4 Were written aforetime [proegraphe]. Second aorist passive indicative of [prographO], old verb, in N.T. only here, Ga 3:1 (which see); Eph 3:3; Jude 1:4. For our learning [eis ten hemeteran didaskalian]. "For the instruction of us." Objective sense of possessive pronoun [hemeteros]. See Mt 15:9; 2Ti 3:16 for [didaskalian] (from [didaskO], to teach). We might have hope [ten elpida echOmen]. Present active subjunctive of [echO] with [hina] in final clause, "that we might keep on having hope." One of the blessed uses of the Scriptures.

15:5 The God of patience and comfort [ho theos tes hupomones kai tes parakleseOs]. Genitive case of the two words in verse 4 used to describe God who uses the Scriptures to reveal himself to us. See 2Co 1:3 for this idea; Ro 15:13 for "the God of hope"; 15:33 for "the God of peace." Grant you [dOie humin]. Second aorist active optative (Koine form for older [doie] as in 2Th 3:16; Eph 1:17; 2Ti 1:16, 18; 2:25, though MSS. vary in Eph 1:17; 2Ti 2:25 for [dOei] (subjunctive). The optative here is for a wish for the future (regular idiom). According to Christ Jesus [kata Christon Iesoun]. "According to the character or example of Christ Jesus" (2Co 11:17; Col 2:8; Eph 5:24).

15:6 With one accord [homothumadon]. Here alone in Paul, but eleven times in Acts (Ac 1:14, etc.). With one mouth [en heni stomati]. Vivid outward expression of the unity of feeling. May glorify [doxazete]. Present active subjunctive of [doxazO], final clause with [hina] "that ye may keep on glorifying." For "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" see 2Co 1:3; 9:31 for discussion. It occurs also in Eph 1:3; 1Pe 1:3.

15:7 Receive ye [proslambanesthe] as in 14:1), received [proselabeto], here of Christ as in 14:3 of God). The repetition here is addressed to both the strong and the weak and the "us" [hemas] includes all.

15:8 A minister of the circumcision [diakonon peritomes]. Objective genitive, "a minister to the circumcision." [Diakonon] is predicate accusative with [gegenesthai] (perfect passive infinitive of [ginomai] in indirect assertion after [legO], I say) and in apposition with [Christon], accusative of general reference with the infinitive. See Ga 4:4f. That he might confirm [eis to bebaiOsai]. Purpose clause with [eis to] and the infinitive [bebaiOsai] (first aorist active of [bebaioO], to make stand). The promises given unto the fathers [tas epaggelias tOn paterOn]. No "given" in the Greek, just the objective genitive, "the promises to the fathers." See 9:4, 5.

15:9 And that the Gentiles might praise [ta de ethne doxasai]. Coordinate with [bebaiOsai] and [eis to], to be repeated with [ta ethne], the accusative of general reference and [ton theon] the object of [doxasai]. Thus the Gentiles were called through the promise to the Jews in the covenant with Abraham (4:11f., 16f.). Salvation is of the Jews. Paul proves his position by a chain of quotations from the O.T., the one in verse 9 from Ps 18:50. For [exomologeO], see 14:10. I will sing [psalO]. Future active of [psallO], for which verb see on 1Co 14:15.

15:10 Rejoice, ye Gentiles [euphranthete]. First aorist passive imperative of [euphrainO], old word from [eu], well and [phren], mind. See Lu 15:32. Quotation from De 32:43 (LXX).

15:11 All the Gentiles [panta ta ethne]. From Ps 117:1 with slight variations from the LXX text.

15:12 The root [he riza]. Rather here, as in Re 5:5; 23:16, the sprout from the root. From Isa 11:10. On him shall the Gentiles hope [ep' autOi ethne elpiousin]. Attic future of [elpizO] for the usual [elpisousin].

15:13 The God of hope [ho theos tes elpidos]. Taking up the idea in verse 12 as in verse 5 from 4. Fill you [plerOsai humas]. Optative (first aorist active of [pleroO] of wish for the future. Cf. [dOie] in verse 5. In believing [en tOi pisteuein]. "In the believing" [en] with locative of the articular infinitive, the idiom so common in Luke's Gospel). That ye may abound [eis to perisseuein humas]. Purpose clause with [eis to], as in verse 8, with [perisseuein] (present active infinitive of [perisseuO], with accusative of general reference, [humas]. This verse gathers up the points in the preceding quotations.

15:14 I myself also [kai autos egO]. See 7:25 for a like emphasis on himself, here in contrast with "ye yourselves" [kai autoi]. The argument of the Epistle has been completed both in the main line (chapters 1-8) and the further applications (9:1-15:13). Here begins the Epilogue, the personal matters of importance. Full of goodness [mestoi agathosunes]. See 2Th 1:11; Ga 5:22 for this LXX and Pauline word (in ecclesiastical writers also) made from the adjective [agathos], good, by adding [-sune] (common ending for words like [dikaiosune]. See 1:29 for [mestos] with genitive and [peplerOmenoi] (perfect passive participle of [pleroO] as here), but there with instrumental case after it instead of the genitive. Paul gives the Roman Christians (chiefly Gentiles) high praise. The "all knowledge" is not to be pressed too literally, "our Christian knowledge in its entirety" (Sanday and Headlam). To admonish [nouthetein]. To put in mind (from [nouthetes] and this from [nous] and [tithemi]. See on 1Th 5:12,14. "Is it laying too much stress on the language of compliment to suggest that these words give a hint of St. Paul's aim in this Epistle?" (Sanday and Headlam). The strategic position of the church in Rome made it a great centre for radiating and echoing the gospel over the world as Thessalonica did for Macedonia (1Th 1:8).

15:15 I write [egrapsa]. Epistolary aorist. The more boldly [tolmeroterOs]. Old comparative adverb from [tolmerOs]. Most MSS. read [tolmeroteron]. Only here in N.T. In some measure [apo merous]. Perhaps referring to some portions of the Epistle where he has spoken plainly (6:12, 19; 8:9; 11:17; 14:3, 4, 10, etc.). As putting you again in remembrance [hos epanamimneskOn humas]. Delicately put with [hOs] and [epi] in the verb, "as if calling back to mind again" [epi]. This rare verb is here alone in the N.T.

15:16 That I should be [eis to einai me]. The [eis to] idiom with the infinitive again (verses 8, 13). Minister [leitourgon]. Predicate accusative in apposition with [me] and see 13:6 for the word. "The word here derives from the context the priestly associations which often attach to it in the LXX" (Denney). But this purely metaphorical use does not show that Paul attached a "sacerdotal" character to the ministry. Ministering [hierourgounta]. Present active participle of [hierourgeO], late verb from [hierourgos] [hieros, ergO], in LXX, Philo, and Josephus, only here in N.T. It means to work in sacred things, to minister as a priest. Paul had as high a conception of his work as a preacher of the gospel as any priest did. The offering up of the Gentiles [he prosphora tOn ethnOn]. Genitive of apposition, the Gentiles being the offering. They are Paul's offering. See Ac 21:26. Acceptable [euprosdektos]. See 2Co 6:2; 8:12. Because "sanctified in the Holy Spirit" [hegiasmene en pneumati hagiOi], perfect passive participle of [hagiazO].

15:17 In things pertaining to God [ta pros ton theon]. Accusative of general reference of the article used with the prepositional phrase, "as to the things relating to [pros], facing) God."

15:18 Any things save those which Christ wrought through me [ti hOn ou kateirgasato Christos di' emou]. Rather, "any one of those things which Christ did not work through me." The antecedent of [hOn] is the unexpressed [toutOn] and the accusative relative [ha] (object of [kateirgasato] is attracted into the genitive case of [toutOn] after a common idiom. By word and deed [logOi kai ergOi]. Instrumental case with both words. By preaching and life (Lu 24:19; Ac 1:1; 7:22; 2Co 10:11).

15:19 In power of signs and wonders [en dunamei semeiOn kai teratOn]. Note all three words as in Heb 2:4, only here [dunamis] is connected with [semeia] and [terata]. See all three words used of Paul's own work in 2Co 12:12 and in 2Th 2:9 of the Man of Sin. See 1Th 1:5; 1Co 2:4 for the "power" of the Holy Spirit in Paul's preaching. Note repetition of [en dunamei] here with [pneumatos hagiou]. So that [hOste]. Result expressed by the perfect active infinitive [peplerOkenai] (from [pleroO] with the accusative [me] (general reference). Round about even unto Illyricum [kuklOi mechri tou Illurikou]. "In a ring" [kuklOi], locative case of [kuklos]. Probably a journey during the time when Paul left Macedonia and waited for II Corinthians to have its effect before coming to Corinth. If so, see 2Co 13; Ac 20:1-3. When he did come, the trouble with the Judaizers was over. Illyricum seems to be the name for the region west of Macedonia (Dalmatia). Strabo says that the Egnatian Way passed through it. Arabia and Illyricum would thus be the extreme limits of Paul's mission journeys so far.

15:20 Yea [houtOs de]. "And so," introducing a limitation to the preceding statement. Making it my aim [philotimoumenon]. Present middle participle (accusative case agreeing with [me] of [philotimeomai], old verb, to be fond of honour [philos, time]. In N.T. only here and 1Th 4:11; 2Co 5:9. A noble word in itself, quite different in aim from the Latin word for ambition [ambio], to go on both sides to carry one's point). Not where [ouch hopou]. Paul was a pioneer preacher pushing on to new fields after the manner of Daniel Boone in Kentucky. That I might now build upon another man's foundation [hina me ep' allotrion themelion oikodomO]. For [allotrios] (not [allos] see 14:4. For [themelion], see Lu 6:48f.; 1Co 3:11. This noble ambition of Paul's is not within the range of some ministers who can only build on another's foundation as Apollos did in Corinth. But the pioneer preacher and missionary has a dignity and glory all his own.

15:21 As it is written [kathOs gegraptai]. From Isa 52:15. Paul finds an illustration of his word about his own ambition in the words of Isaiah. Fritzsche actually argues that Paul understood Isaiah to be predicting his (Paul's) ministry! Some scholars have argued against the genuineness of verses 9-21 on wholly subjective and insufficient grounds.

15:22 I was hindered [enekoptomen]. Imperfect passive (repetition) of [enkoptO], late verb, to cut in, to cut off, to interrupt. Seen already in Ac 24:4; 1Th 2:18; Ga 5:7. Cf. modern telephone and radio and automobile. These many times [ta polla]. "As to the many things." In 1:13 Paul used [pollakis] (many times) and B D read it here. But Paul's work [ta polla] had kept him away. From coming to you [tou elthein pros humas]. Ablative case (after the verb of hindering) of the articular infinitive, "from the coming."

15:23 Having no more any place in these regions [meketi topon echOn en tois klimasin]. Surprising frankness that the average preacher would hardly use on such a matter. Paul is now free to come to Rome because there is no demand for him where he is. For [klima] (from [klinO], to incline), slope, then tract of land, region, see already 2Co 11:10; Ga 1:21 (the only N.T. examples). A longing [epipotheian]. A hapax legomenon, elsewhere [epipothesis] (2Co 7:7, 11), from [epipotheO] as in Ro 1:11. These many years [apo hikanOn etOn]. "From considerable years." So B C, but Aleph A D have [pollOn], "from many years."

15:24 Whensoever I go [hOs an poreuOmai]. Indefinite temporal clause with [hOs an] and the present middle subjunctive (cf. 1Co 11:34; Php 2:23 with aorist subjunctive). Into Spain [eis ten Spanian]. It was a Roman province with many Jews in it. The Greek name was [Iberia], the Latin Hispania. The Textus Receptus adds here [eleusomai pros humas] (I shall come to you), but it is not in Aleph A B C D and is not genuine. Without it we have a parenthesis (or anacoluthon) through the rest of verse 24. In my journey [diaporeuomenos]. Present middle participle, "passing through." Paul planned only a brief stay in Rome since a strong church already existed there. To be brought on my way thitherward [propemphthenai ekei]. "To be sent forward there." First aorist passive infinitive of [propempO], common word for escorting one on a journey (1Co 16:6, 11; 2Co 1:16; Tit 3:13; 2Jo 1:6). If first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company [ean humOn protOn apo merous emplesthO]. Condition of third class with [ean] and first aorist passive subjunctive of [empimplemi], old verb, to fill up, to satisfy, to take one's fill. See Lu 6:25. Literally, "if I first in part be filled with you" (get my fill of you). delicate compliment for the Roman church.

15:25 But now [nuni de]. Repeats the very words used in 23. I go [poreuomai]. Futuristic present as in Joh 14:2. Ministering unto the saints [diakonon tois hagiois]. Present active participle of purpose like [eulogounta] in Ac 3:26. This collection had been one of Paul's chief cares for over a year now (see 2Co 8; 9). See 2Co 8:4.

15:26 For it hath been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia [eudokesan gar Makedonia kai Achaia]. "For Macedonia and Achaia took pleasure." The use of [eudokesan] (first aorist active indicative of [eudokeO] shows that it was voluntary (2Co 8:4). Paul does not here mention Asia and Galatia. A certain contribution [koinOnian tina]. Put thus because it was unknown to the Romans. For this sense of [koinOnian], see 2Co 8:4; 9:13. For the poor among the saints [eis tous ptOchous tOn hagiOn]. Partitive genitive. Not all there were poor, but Ac 4:32-5:11; 6:1-6; 11:29f.; Ga 2:10 prove that many were.

15:27 Their debtors [opheiletai autOn]. Objective genitive: the Gentiles are debtors to the Jews. See the word [opheiletes] in 1:14; 8:12. For if [ei gar]. Condition of the first class, assumed as true, first aorist active indicative [ekoinOnesan], from [koinOneO], to share) with associative instrumental case [pneumatikois], spiritual things). To minister unto [leitourgesai], first aorist active infinitive of [leitourgeO] with dative case [autois], to them), but here certainly with no "sacerdotal" functions (cf. verse 16). In carnal things [en tois sarkikois]. Things which belong to the natural life of the flesh [sarx], not the sinful aspects of the flesh at all.

15:28 Have sealed [sphragisamenos]. First aorist middle participle (antecedent action, having sealed) of [sphragizO], old verb from [sphragis], a seal (Ro 4:11), to stamp with a seal for security (Mt 27:66) or for confirmation (2Co 1:22) and here in a metaphorical sense. Paul was keenly sensitive that this collection should be actually conveyed to Jerusalem free from all suspicion (2Co 8:18-23). I will go on by you [apeleusomai di' humOn]. Future middle of [aperchomai], to go off or on. Note three prepositions here [ap'] from Rome, [di'] by means of you or through you, [eis] unto Spain). He repeats the point of verse 24, his temporary stay in Rome with Spain as the objective. How little we know what is ahead of us and how grateful we should be for our ignorance on this point.

15:29 When I come [erchomenos]. Present middle participle of [erchomai] with the time of the future middle indicative [eleusomai] (coming I shall come). In the fulness of the blessing of Christ [en plerOmati eulogias Christou]. On [plerOmati], see 11:12. Paul had already (1:11f.) said that he had a [charisma pneumatikon] (spiritual blessing) for Rome. He did bring that to them.

15:30 By [dia]. The intermediate agents of the exhortation (the Lord Jesus and the love of the Spirit) as [dia] is used after [parakalO] in 12:1. That ye strive together with me [sunagOnisasthai moi]. First aorist middle infinitive of [sunagOni zomai], old compound verb, only here in N.T., direct object of [parakalO], and with associative instrumental case [moi], the simplex [agOnizomenos], occurring in Col 4:12 of the prayers of Epaphras. For Christ's agony in prayer see Mt 26:42; Lu 22:44.

15:31 That I may be delivered [hina rusthO]. First aorist passive subjunctive of [ruomai], old verb to rescue. This use of [hina] is the sub-final one after words of beseeching or praying. Paul foresaw trouble all the way to Jerusalem (Ac 20:23; 21:4, 13). May be acceptable to the saints [euprosdektos tois hagiois genetai]. "May become (second aorist middle subjunctive of [ginomai] acceptable to the saints." The Judaizers would give him trouble. There was peril of a schism in Christianity.

15:32 That [hina]. Second use of [hina] in this sentence, the first one sub-final [hina rusthO], this one final with [sunanapausOmai], first aorist middle subjunctive of the double compound verb [sunanapauomai], late verb to rest together with, to refresh [anapauO] as in Mt 11:28) one's spirit with [sun], with the associative instrumental case [humin] (with you), only here in the N.T.

15:33 The God of peace [ho theos tes eirenes]. One of the characteristics of God that Paul often mentions in benedictions (1Th 5:23; 2Th 3:16; 2Co 13:11; Php 4:9; Ro 16:20). Because of the "amen" here some scholars would make this the close of the Epistle and make