John Calvin Commentary Romans 15:3

"For Christ also pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell upon me." — Romans 15:3 (ASV)

For even Christ did not please himself, etc. Since it is not right for a servant to refuse what his lord has himself undertaken, it would be very strange for us to wish for an exemption from the duty of bearing the infirmities of others, to which Christ, in whom we glory as our Lord and King, submitted himself. For having no regard for himself, he gave himself up wholly to this service. For in him was truly verified what the Prophet declares in Psalm 69:9-10: and among other things he mentions this, that zeal for God’s house had eaten him up, and that the reproaches of those who reproached God fell on him.

By these words it is intimated that he burned with so much fervor for God’s glory, and was possessed by such a desire to promote His kingdom, that he forgot himself and was, as it were, absorbed with this one thought. Furthermore, he so devoted himself to the Lord that he was grieved in his soul whenever he perceived His holy name exposed to the slandering of the ungodly.

The second part, “the reproaches of God,” may indeed be understood in two ways: either that he was no less affected by the insults which were heaped on God than if he himself had endured them, or that he grieved to see the wrong done to God no differently than if he himself had been the cause.

But if Christ reigns in us, as He must necessarily reign in His people, this feeling is also vigorous in our hearts, so that whatever detracts from the glory of God grieves us just as if it were done to ourselves.

Away then with those whose highest wish is to gain honor from those who treat God’s name with all kinds of reproaches, tread Christ under foot, scornfully attack, and with sword and flame persecute His gospel. Indeed, it is not safe to be so honored by those by whom Christ is not only despised but also treated with reproach.