C. The example of Christ (15:1–6)
C. The example of Christ (15:1–6)
Paul concludes his words on Christian liberty and Christian charity by adducing the example of Christ. Who was more free from taboos and inhibitions than he? Yet who was more careful to bear with the weaknesses of others? It is so easy for those who are quite clear in conscience about a course of action to snap their fingers at critics and say, ‘I’ll please myself.’ Their right to do so is unquestioned, but that is not the way of Christ. His way is to consider others first, to consult their interests and help them in every possible way. Even ‘Christ did not please himself; if he had done so, we might wonder in what respect his life and ministry would have taken a different course from that which they did take. Christ did not assert his rights; he put the interests of others before his own (cf. Phil. 2:5–8). But perhaps Paul means here that he put the will of God first of all: this is suggested by his quotation of Psalm 69:9.
The words that follow this quotation embody a principle which can be traced throughout the New Testament, wherever the Old Testament is cited or referred to. The lessons of endurance which the Old Testament writings inculcate, and the encouragement which they supply to faithfulness, provide a strong incentive to the maintenance of Christian hope. Paul presents them also as a strong incentive to the fostering of brotherly unity, and he prays that the God who teaches his people endurance and provides encouragement for them through the Scriptures may grant them oneness of mind, so that he may be glorified by their united witness.
1. We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak. Cf. Galatians 6:1–2, ‘if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness … Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.’
2. For his good, to edify him. ‘Think what is for his good and will build up the common life’ (NEB). Cf. 14:19; also Philippians 2:3–4.
3. ‘The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me.’ Quoted from Psalm 69:9b. Verse 9a is quoted in John 2:17 with reference to Jesus’ cleansing of the temple.5 Psalm 69, as we have seen (cf. comment on 11:9–10, p. 211), was interpreted early in the church’s life of Christ’s passion and of the retribution to overtake his persecutors. Since the words here quoted (like the greater part of the psalm) are addressed to God, they imply that Jesus’ faithfulness to God involved him in reproach and insult which he might have avoided by choosing an easier path.
4. Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction. Compare the statement of the same principle in 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11. The Scriptures (here, of course, the Old Testament Scriptures) provide ample evidence of God’s fidelity, especially when they are read in the light of Christ’s fulfilment of them; therefore their readers are encouraged to place their hope in the Lord and wait patiently for him.
5. To live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. See comment on 12:16 (p. 228).
6. That together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. If their community life was harmonious, God would be glorified by their united worship and united witness. Such a united witness at the heart of the Roman Empire would be an incomparable factor in the furtherance of the gospel.