The apostle adds affectionate remembrances from persons with him, known to the Roman
Christians. It is a great comfort to see the holiness and usefulness of our kindred. Not many mighty,
not many noble are called, but some are. It is lawful for believers to bear civil offices; and it were
to be wished that all offices in Christian states, and in the church, were bestowed upon prudent and
steady Christians.
Verses 25–27
That which establishes souls, is, the plain preaching of Jesus Christ. Our redemption and salvation
by our Lord Jesus Christ, are, without controversy, a great mystery of godliness. And yet, blessed
be God, there is as much of this mystery made plain as will bring us to heaven, if we do not wilfully
neglect so great salvation. Life and immortality are brought to light by the gospel, and the Sun of
Righteousness is risen on the world. The Scriptures of the prophets, what they left in writing, is
not only made plain in itself, but by it this mystery is made known to all nations. Christ is salvation
to all nations. And the gospel is revealed, not to be talked of and disputed about, but to be submitted
to. The obedience of faith is that obedience which is paid to the word of faith, and which comes
by the grace of faith. All the glory that passes from fallen man to God, so as to be accepted of him,
must go through the Lord Jesus, in whom alone our persons and doings are, or can be, pleasing to
God. Of his righteousness we must make mention, even of his only; who, as he is the Mediator of
all our prayers, so he is, and will be, to eternity, the Mediator of all our praises. Remembering that
we are called to the obedience of faith, and that every degree of wisdom is from the only wise God,
we should, by word and deed, render glory to him through Jesus Christ; that so the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ may be with us for ever.