Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 1:8

8. First I thank my God, through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

First, Here is▪ not a word of Order, for there follows no Secondly, &c. But it serves to shew, that here the Epistle begins; for all before, was but a Preface or Inscription. q. d. in the first place. See the like 1 Tim. 2.1.

That is through many parts of it; 'tis a figurative Speech: See the like Iohn 12.19. Or else, by the whole World, may be understood the Roman Empire, which Rul'd at that time over a great part of the Known World. See the like Luke 2.1. Besides, there was a Resort to Rome from all Parts of the World; and so this Report might be diffus'd far and near. The Faith of the Gospel at Rome made it more Famous, than all its Victories and Triumphs. Oh! How is Rome degenerated! We may take up the Complaint concerning her, which we find, Isa. 1.11.12. The Romanists urge this place to prove Rome the Mother-Church; but without Reason: The Church of Thessalonica had as high a Eulogy, vid. 1 Thess. 1.8.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] 4.; [illegible: 1 word] 4. Celebra [illegible: 2 letters] 1 Cor. 11.