Commentary on Romans

Apollinaris of Laodicea

Paul was set apart and dedicated to evangelism, like the offerings which the law says were set apart for God and for the priests.

Paul says this in order to show that the Romans too, made up as they were of all the nations inhabiting the world, rightly accepted the preaching of his message.

Even Paul was not above the need of comfort. For right speech comforts the speaker as well. By this means Paul is teaching his followers not to be proud if they are called to teach. They are not giving what merely belongs to them when they teach. They come to realize that they not only minister to others' needs but that they have needs themselves. For this is the fruit of the gospel. It is a blessing to those who preach it.

For the fruit of those who have believed the Word is the benefit to those who hear it. And the Lord says that he has sent the apostles in order to bear much fruit. Indeed, a few gleaners have harvested the entire church.

See also

• More works by Apollinaris of Laodicea

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