There are those who prefer to regard the word peace as signifying quietness of conscience; and
that this meaning belongs to it sometimes, I do not deny: but since it is certain that the Apostle
wished to give us here a summary of God’s blessings, the former meaning, which is adduced by
Bucer, is much the most suitable. Anxiously wishing then to the godly what makes up real happiness,
he betakes himself, as he did before, to the very fountain itself, even the favor of God, which not
only alone brings to us eternal felicity but is also the source of all blessings in this life.
Romans 1:8-12
Primum quidem gratias ago Deo meo per
Iesum Christum super vobis omnibus, quia fides
vestra Prædicatur in universo mundo.
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ
for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout
the whole world.
Testis enim mihi Deus, quem colo in
spiritu meo in Evangelio Filii ipsius, ut
continenter memoriam vestri faciam;
For God is my witness, whom I serve with
my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without
ceasing I make mention of you always in my
prayers;
Semper in orationibus meis,^27 rogans, si
quomodo prosperum iter aliquando mihi, obtingat
per voluntatem Dei, veniendi ad vos.
Making request, if by any means now at
length I might have a prosperous journey by the
will of God to come unto you.
Desidero enim videre, vos, ut aliquod
impertiar vobis donum spirituale ad vos
confirmandos;
For I long to see you, that I may impart
unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may
be established;
Hoc est. ad cohortationem mutuo
percipiendam in vobis per Mutuam fidem,
vestram atque meam.
That is, that I may be comforted together
with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
I first^28 indeed, etc. Here the beginning commences, altogether adapted to the occasion, as
he seasonably prepares them for receiving instruction by reasons connected with himself as well
as with them. What he states respecting them is, the celebrity of their faith; for he intimates that
they being honored with the public approbation of the churches, could not reject an Apostle of the
Lord, without disappointing the good opinion entertained of them by all; and such a thing would
have been extremely uncourteous and in a manner bordering on perfidy. As then this testimony
justly induced the Apostle, by affording him an assurance of their obedience, to undertake, according
to his office, to teach and instruct the Romans; so it held them bound not to despise his authority.
With regard to himself, he disposes them to a teachable spirit by testifying his love towards them:
and there is nothing more effectual in gaining credit to an adviser, than the impression that he is
cordially anxious to consult our wellbeing.
(^27) Margin, “in all my prayers.”
(^28) “It does not mean here the first in point of importance, but first in the order of time.” — Stuart. The same author thinks that
men here has its corresponding in Romans 1:13, μ , etc., — Ed