The church is likened to the human body in which the various organs each has its own office; so ( verse 5 ) in the church, we being many, are one body in Christ, and all related to each other as the organs of the body are related. 6...
Wisdom is both valuable and refreshing. In this verse, the writer, compares the pleasing aroma and revitalizing effect of oil and perfume to the wise counsel of a trusted friend. You may be one that can provide good advice when it comes to who to vote for in an election. You may be a...
The two little words introduced by the translators, “called to be saints,” completely changes the meaning of this important scripture, and has been the cause of serious mistakes in the question of holiness. It is the same word as is used in the first verse, “called an apostle;” or,...
Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to...
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will... Read verse in New International Version
The same Greek word in Romans 13 -- hupotasso -- "be subject" -- is found in 1 Peter 2:18: "Slaves, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward." This verse does not mean that William Wilberforce was wrong to abolish the...
In verses 12–16 the meaning of obedience is clarified. Its substance is summed up in verse 15. Obedience to God's law is to call God 'Father' in all seriousness and sincerity, in gratitude and joy. This, as Barth has pointed out, is in principle th...
Of the Reformers, Calvin is eminently the great commentator, almost modern in his constant aim to ascertain the sacred writer's meaning by open-eyed inference direct from the words. On Romans he is at his best; and it is remarkable that on certain leading passages where grace is theme he ...
Psalm 87:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 6. Psalm 87:4 A poetic name for Egypt Psalm 87:4 That is, the upper Nile region Psalm 87:4 Or “I will record concerning those who acknowl...
“...in Romans 1, the entire passage is talking about the Gentiles as a group. Notice verse 21:“when THEY knew God.”Verse 24:God also gave THEM up to uncleanness.”Verse 26:“God gave THEM up unto vile affections.”Verse 28:“Even as THEY did not like to retain God in their ...