13. Now, &c.--This seems a concluding prayer, suggested by the whole
preceding subject matter of the epistle.
the God of hope--(See on
Ro 15:5).
fill you with all joy and peace in believing--the native truth of that
faith which is the great theme of this epistle (compare
Ga 5:22).
that ye may abound in hope--"of the glory of God." (See on
Ro 5:1).
through the power of the Holy Ghost--to whom, in the economy of
redemption, it belongs to inspire believers with all gracious
affections.
On the foregoing portion, Note, (1) No Christian is at liberty to regard himself as an isolated disciple of the Lord Jesus, having to decide questions of duty and liberty solely with reference to himself. As Christians are one body in Christ, so the great law of love binds them to act in all things with tenderness and consideration for their brethren in "the common salvation" (Ro 15:1, 2). (2) Of this unselfishness CHRIST is the perfect model of all Christians (Ro 15:3). (3) Holy Scripture is the divine storehouse of all furniture for the Christian life, even in its most trying and delicate features (Ro 15:4). (4) The harmonious glorification of the God and Father of our Lord JesusChrist by the whole body of the redeemed, as it is the most exalted fruit of the scheme of redemption, so it is the last end of God in it (Ro 15:5-7).
JFB.
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