Romans (Concluded)
The last five chapters of Romans it will not need to dwell much on in a sketch like the present. The first three, to 15:7, are exhortations, simple in character, while yet exceedingly important. What strikes us in them is, how much the practical character of Christianity is shown in “self-surrender.” To be called on for this, and to find actual power for it, is what belongs to us as set in the wondrous place, which the apostle has dwelt upon in the more doctrinal portion of the epistle. We are reminded of Philippians 2, “Let that mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” shown out in: His descent from the, highest heavenly glory to the place of the cross. That was self-surrender in the most marvelous way, surely. And we are told, aye, expected, to have that mind! What sort of creatures must we be then, and how qualified for the greatest things in the eye of God! The fullness of the blessing. He has bestowed upon us is such, that as to all here He counts upon our ability to give it up, because we have such an over-payment of joy with Him above, which we never shall be called upon to give up in anywise. And then His love, who has given it at such a cost, makes service sweet.
Thus then, at the outset, the apostle beseeches us by the mercies of God, that we present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable (or intelligent) service (12:1). The world is, however, round us with its contrary ways; and the flesh ready to make us value ourselves, alas, even upon the possession of those spiritual gifts which are given to us as members of the body of Christ for the common interest and blessing of the whole. To use these gifts then, (gifts, which in some shape or other, every member of the body has), simply, earnestly, humbly, in love to one another, and in service to the Lord, — is our responsibility among ourselves, (2-13). And with regard to those outside, living in peace with all, meeting and overcoming evil with good; remembering that vengeance is the Lord’s (14-21).
Submission to existing governments is then enforced; an authority appointed of God for good, and so used by Him, spite of the character of those clothed with it. Everyone is to have his due, whether tribute, custom, fear, or honor; nothing to be left owing, save that great debt of love which no payment can discharge; and which is the whole of that Divine law, the exemplar in that respect of all right human laws (8:1-10).
As an additional motive to the Christian, the apostle urges the fast approach of that eternal day, to which already we belong, and to which all works of darkness are so unsuited. Christ put on, will be the exclusion of all forethought for the flesh’s lusts (11-14).
Another form of self-surrender follows: a brother’s weakness might make conscience of observing distinctions (as of meats and days), which God indeed once enjoined, but which Christianity has done away. In such a case the rule was very simple. Conscience was to be respected, as a thing in which each one of the Master’s servants stood responsible to that Master, and would have to give account for himself. Neither was to override the other’s conscience, nor was the strong to put a stumbling-block before the weak one. It would be an evil use of knowledge to lead another upon what to him was doubtful ground, or to offend him. On the other hand to abridge oneself of what might be quite lawful, for another’s sake, was always right; while the lawful path, if doubtful, was to him that doubted the path of sin (chapter 14). The great principle was love, which vaunts not itself, nor seeks its own, but others’ good; Christ-like, not pleasing itself, but bearing the burden of others’ infirmities. Those whom Christ had received were to be received unto the glory of God, (15:1-7).
Finally, the apostle adds one confirming word to what he had before so much insisted on. Christ was both a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm all His promises made to them-, and also that mercy might be showed to the Gentiles, and God glorified in that. This the prophets too had witnessed should be, and he, the apostle of the Gentiles, had the unspeakable joy of seeing, and being a main instrument in its fulfillment. Meanwhile Israel had not lost place in his heart, and the Jewish saints were the object of a special labor now, which if lowly, showed the more his affection for them, and the love which now united Jew and Gentile in the brotherhood of Christ.
The last chapter is occupied with salutations, warning against divisions, and closes with an ascription of praise to Him who had brought to light things hidden from the beginning of the world, making them known in prophetic writings, and preaching them as glad tidings to be received of all nations in the obedience of faith.