Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 15:1

1. WE then that are strong , ought to bear the infirmities of the weak , and not to please our selves .

This Particle sheweth, that what followeth, is inferred from what went before.

By the strong, he means those who have attained to a good measure of knowledge and understanding, that are instructed in the Christian Faith, and particularly in the Doctrine of Christian Liberty. He putteth himself in the number, not out of ambition, but that he may propose himself an example of the following duty.

i. e. We are obliged and bound both by the Law of God and Nature.

By the weak, he means those who are weak in Faith and Knowledge, chap. 14.1. By their Infirmities, he means their Ignorance, Frowardness, Censoriousness, &c. He doth not speak of Heresies and manifest enormities; but of such errors in Doctrine and Life, which proceed from ignorance or common infirmity; when he sayes, we must bear their infirmities, his meaning is, that we must bear with them, as we do with Children or sick Persons in their waywardness: Though it be a great burthen to us, yet we must bear it; we must not impatiently contradict them, but prudently instruct them. vid. Exod. 23.5. 1 Cor. 9.22. Gal. 6.2.

q. d. We ought not to do what we please in indifferent things, and to act according to our own Sentiments without any regard to others; we should not please our selves in a proud reflecting upon our own Knowledge, and in contemning of others because of their Ignorance: We should not stand upon the termes of our liberty and contentment, but rather for the sake of others, depart a little from our own right.