Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans John Calvin (continued)
John Calvin
24. For I hope, etc. He refers to the reason why he had for a long time wished to come to them, and now intended to do so, — even that he might see them, enjoy an interview and an intercourse with them, and make himself known to them in his official character; for by the coming of the Apostles the gospel also came.
By saying, to be brought on my way thither by you, he intimates how much he expected from their kindness; and this, as we have already observed, is the best way for conciliating favor; for the more confidence any one hears is reposed in him, the stronger are the obligations under which he feels himself; inasmuch as we deem it base and discourteous to disappoint the good opinion formed of us. And by adding, When I shall first be in part filled, etc., he bears witness to the benevolence of his mind towards them; and to convince them of this was very necessary for the interest of the gospel.
Romans 15:25-29
Romans 15:25-29
25. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 25. Nunc vero proficiscor Ierosolymam ad ministrandum sanctis. 26. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
26. Placuit enim Macedoniae et Achaiae communicationem facere in pauperes sanctos qui sunt Ierosolymis:
27. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
27. Placuit, inquam, et debitores sunt ipsorum; si enim spiritualibus ipsorum communicarunt Gentes, debent et in carnalibus 460 ministrare ipsis.
28. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
28. Hoc igitur quum perfecero, et obsignavero illis fructum hunc, proficiscar per vos in Hispaniam.
29. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
29. Scio autem quod quum venero ad vos, in plenitudine benedictionis evangelii Christi venturus sum.
25. But I am going now, etc. Lest they should expect his immediate coming, 460"In carnalibus;" {ἐν} {τοῖς} {σαρκικοῖς}. The word "carnal" in our language does not convey the meaning. The Apostle uses it here in opposition to what is "spiritual," and therefore "temporal" expresses its meaning. See 1 Corinthians 9:11. It sometimes means "human," as in 2 Corinthians 1:12, where man's wisdom is set in contrast with God's wisdom. In 2 Corinthians 10:4, it means "weak," or feeble, or powerless, being opposed to the "mighty" weapons of God. It has its own proper meaning in Romans 7:14, and in 1 Peter 2:11, "carnal," that is, wicked, sinful, corrupt, depraved. In 1 Corinthians 3:1, it signifies weak, ignorant, imperfect in knowledge, as opposed to spiritual and enlightened persons. And in Hebrews 7:16, it expresses what is fleeting and transitory. In no language is there one word which can convey all the meanings of a similar word in another: hence the necessity of changing a word sometimes in a translation. — Ed.