Commentary on Romans, Biblical exegesis 1 · Chapter 2 · Section 7
6. Morall observations.
Observ. 1. Thou art inexcusable that iudgest an o her: this teacheth vsus that we should not be too curious and strict examiners of other mens faults but looke into our selues: Augustine hath an excellent place concerning this matter, lib. 2. de serm. Domini. c. 30. to this effect; When necessitie driueth vsus to reprehend an other, we must bethinke our selues, whether it be such a vice, which we neuer had, or now hauehave not: if we neuer had it, cogitemus & nos homines esse, &c. let vsus consider that we are men, and might hauehave had it. But if we had it and hauehave it not now, tangat memoriam communis fragili…as, &c. let vsus remember the common frailty of man, and so let compassion goe before our reprehension, &c. if we find that we are in the same fault, non ob…urgemus, sed congemiscamus, let vsus not rebuke him, but mourne together with him, &c. This counsell of Augustine agreeth notably with that saying of S. Paul, Galath. 6.1. Brethren, if any man be fallen by occasion into a fault, &c. restoare such an one with the spirit of meekenesse, considering thy selfe least thou also be tempted.
Obser. 2. v. 2. Know that the iudgement of God is according to truth: this maketh against securitie, that men doe not flatter themselues, as though they should escape vnpunished committing things worthie of punishment, seeing the iudgement of God is true, Pareus.
Observ. 3. v. 4. The bountifulnesse of God leadeth thee to repentance: let licentious persons take heede, that they abuse not Gods long suffring and patience: which is shewed to them to bring them to repentance: for as Valerius Maxim. lib. 1. c. 1. Deus tarditatem suppliciij grauitate recompensat, God wil recompense the slownesse of his punishment with the greatnesse of it, Piscator.
Observ. 4. v. 6. Who will reward euerie man according to his workes: let vsus studie then to approoue our faith by our workes, that the Lord may iudge vsus worthie to be rewarded in Christ, when he commeth to iudgement.
Observ. 5. v. 15. Their thoughts accusing or excusing: it is euident then, that no not in the most wicked, ex…u… posse conscientiam, that the conscience can be shaken off, as appeared in Saul, Iudas, Caligula, …lian, though the conscience may lie asleepe for a time, yet in the end it will be awake…: let vsus therefore alwaies studie for the peace of conscience: as S. Paul did, who saith Act. 24.16. And herein I endeauour my selfe alwayes, to hauehave a cleare conscience, toward God, and toward men, Olevian.
Observ. 6. v. 16. In that Christ Iesus shall iudge the secret actions of men, it teacheth vsus, that no man should be encouraged to sinne, because of the secrecie of the place, or silence of the night: for all things are manifest in Gods eyes, Heb. 4.13. Piscator.
Observ. 7. And seeing Christ shall be our iudge, who was iudged for vsus, and redeemed vsus by his blood: and shall iudge according to his gospell, which saith, that whosoeuer beleeueth in him shall be saued: the faithfull may be of good comfort, wish for that day, and louelove the appearing of Christ, which shall be a day of refreshing vntounto them, Gualter.
Observ. 8. v. 24. As the Iewes through their euill life caused the name of God to be blasphemed among the Gentiles: so now carnall Christians giuegive occasion to Turkes, Iewes, Papists, and other aduersaries to speake euill of their profession: It is the part therefore of all that professe the gospel of Christ, specially of those which are by office teachers, that they giuegive no offence by their evill example of life: but both in doctrine and conuersation set forth the word of God.