The Pulpit Commentary on Romans 15:16

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

That I should be the minister ( λειτουργὸν) of Jesus Christ unto the Gentiles, ministering ( λειτουργοῦντα) the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified in the Holy Ghost.

As to the words λειτουργὸς and λευτουργεῖν, see on Romans 13:6; and on λατρεύω, λατρεία on Romans 1:9 and Romans 12:1. Here they are evidently used in their sacrificial meaning, but applied metaphorically; the "acceptable offering" which Paul offers to God is that of the Gentiles whom he brings to the faith.

"The preaching of the gospel he calls a sacrificial service ( ἱερουργιάν), and genuine faith an acceptable offering" (Theodoret). "This is my priesthood, to preach and to proclaim" (Chrysostom); cf Philippians 2:17.

More for Romans 15:16

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary on Romans 15:1-33Romans 15:1-33 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION Romans 16:1-24 IV. SUPPLEMENTARY. Questions have been raised and much discussed as to the connection of the last two chapters, 15. and 16., with the rest of the Epistle. The facts and the opinions founded on…The Pulpit Commentary on Romans 15:7-27Romans 15:7-27 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe mutual relationship of Jews and Gentiles. The apostle tries further to heal any existing differences between the various sections of the Christian community at Rome, and still further to enforce the duties of charit…Matthew Henry on Romans 15:14-21Romans 15:14-21 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryThe apostle was persuaded that the Roman Christians were filled with a kind and affectionate spirit, as well as with knowledge. He had written to remind them of their duties and their dangers, because God had appointed…Paul Commends the Brethren. (a. d. 58.)Romans 15:14-16 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BiblePAUL COMMENDS THE BRETHREN. (A. D. 58.) Here, I. He commends these Christians with the highest characters that could be. He began his epistle with their praises (Romans 1:8), Your faith is spoken of throughout the world…The Pulpit Commentary on Romans 15:14-33Romans 15:14-33 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe apostle's programme. The didactic and hortatory portions of the Epistle are now over, and a few personal explanations and salutations are all that remain. They need not detain us long. And here we have— I. PAUL'S RE…The Pulpit Commentary on Romans 15:14-33Romans 15:14-33 · The Pulpit CommentaryI. Expression of confidence in the general disposition of the Roman Christians, and of the writer's desire to visit them, and his intentions in accordance with that desire.

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Romans 15:1-33EXPOSITION Romans 16:1-24 IV. SUPPLEMENTARY. Questions have been raised and much discussed as to the connection of the last two chapters, 15. and 16., with the rest of the Epistle. The facts and the opinions founded on…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Romans 15:7-27The mutual relationship of Jews and Gentiles. The apostle tries further to heal any existing differences between the various sections of the Christian community at Rome, and still further to enforce the duties of charit…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Romans 15:14-21The apostle was persuaded that the Roman Christians were filled with a kind and affectionate spirit, as well as with knowledge. He had written to remind them of their duties and their dangers, because God had appointed…Matthew Henry commentaryPaul Commends the Brethren. (a. d. 58.)PAUL COMMENDS THE BRETHREN. (A. D. 58.) Here, I. He commends these Christians with the highest characters that could be. He began his epistle with their praises (Romans 1:8), Your faith is spoken of throughout the world…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Romans 15:14-33The apostle's programme. The didactic and hortatory portions of the Epistle are now over, and a few personal explanations and salutations are all that remain. They need not detain us long. And here we have— I. PAUL'S RE…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Romans 15:14-33I. Expression of confidence in the general disposition of the Roman Christians, and of the writer's desire to visit them, and his intentions in accordance with that desire.Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Romans 15:14-33Farewell words. The apostle in these verses touches, as at the first (see Romans 1:1-15), on his personal relations to the Church at Rome. And he reintroduces the subject with much delicate courtesy. He may have seemed…Joseph S. Exell and contributors