John Calvin on Romans 15:31-33

31. That my ministration, etc. Slanderers had so prevailed by their accusations, that he even feared that the present would hardly be acceptable, as coming from his hands, which otherwise, under such a distress, would have been very seasonable. And hence appears his wonderful meekness, for he ceased not to labor for those to whom he doubted whether he would be acceptable. This disposition of mind we ought to imitate, so that we may not cease to do good to those of whose gratitude we are by no means certain. We must also notice that he honors with the name of saints even those by whom he feared he would be suspected, and deemed unwelcome. He also knew that, saints may sometimes be led away by false slanders into unfavorable opinions, and though he knew that they wronged him, he yet ceased not to speak honorably of them.

By adding that I may come to you, he intimates that this prayer would be profitable also to them, and that it concerned them that he should not be killed in Judea. To the same purpose is the expression with joy; for it would be advantageous to the Romans for him to come to them in a cheerful state of mind and free from all grief, that he might in a more lively and strenuous manner labor among them. And by the word refreshed, It was a mutual refreshment, according to Romans 1:12. The verb here used, says Grotius, means to give and to receive comfort. The verb without its compound σὺν, is found in 1 Corinthians 16:18; 2 Corinthians 7:13; Philemon 1:7, etc. — Ed. or satisfied, he again shows how fully persuaded he was of their brotherly love. The words by the will of God remind us how necessary it is to be diligent in prayer, for God alone directs all our ways by his providence.

And the God of peace, Lover, author, or bestower of peace. This intimates that there were strifes and contentions among them. Paul often speaks of God as the God of peace, especially when referring to the discords which prevailed among Christians. See 1 Corinthians 14:33; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Hebrews 13:20. — Ed. etc. From the universal word all, I conclude that he did not simply pray that God would be present with and favor the Romans in a general sense, but that he would rule and guide every one of them. But the word peace refers, I think, to their circumstances at the time, that God, the author of peace, would keep them all united together.

CHAPTER 16

Romans 16:1-16

1. I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

1. Commendo antera vobis Phoeben sororem nostram, quae est ministra ecclesiae Cenchreensis;

2. That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

2. Ut eam suscipiatis in Domino, ut dignum est sanctis, et adsitis ei in quocunque vobis eguerit negotio; etenim ipsa cum multis affuit, tum etiam mihi ipsi.

3. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

3. Salutate Priscam et Acylam, cooperarios meos in Christo Iesu;

4. Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

4. Qui pro anima mea suam ipsorum cervicem posuerunt, quibus non ego solus gratias ago, sed etiam omnes ecclesiae Gentium;

5. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

5. Et domesticam eorum ecclesiam. Salutate Epaenetum mihi dilectum qui est primitiae Achaiae in Domino.

6. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

6. Salutate Mariam, quae multum laboravit erga vos.

7. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

7. Salutate Andronicum et Juniam, cognatos meos et cocaptivos meos, qui sunt insignes inter Apostolos, qui etiam ante me fuerunt in Christo.

8. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.

8. Salutate Ampliam, dilectum meum in Domino.

9. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

9. Salutate Urbanurn, adjutorem nostrum in Christo et Stachyn dilectum meum.

10. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household

10. Salutate Apellen, probatum in Christo. Salutate eos qui sunt ex Aristobuli familiaribns.

11. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.

11. Salutate Herodionem, cognatum meum. Salutate eos qui sunt ex Narcissi familiaribus, hos qui sunt in Domino.

12. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.

12. Salutate Tryphsenam et Tryphosam, quae laborant in Domino. Salutate Persidem dilectam, quae multum laboravit in Domino.

13. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

13. Salutate Rufum electum in Domino et matrem illius ac meam.

14. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.

14. Salutate Asynchritum, Phlegontem, Hermam, Patrobam, Mercurium, et qui cum his sunt fratres.

15. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.

15. Salutate Philologum et Iuluiam, Nereum et sororem ejus, et Olympam, et qui cum his sunt omnes sanctos.

16. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

16. Salutate vos invicem in osculo sancto. Salutant vos ecelesiae Christi.