John Calvin Commentary Romans 15:30

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;" — Romans 15:30 (ASV)

Now I implore you, etc. It is well known from many passages how much ill will Paul faced from his own nation because of false reports, as though he taught a departure from Moses. He knew how much slanders could serve to oppress the innocent, especially among those who are carried away by thoughtless zeal.

To this was also added the testimony of the Spirit, recorded in Acts 20:23, by which he was forewarned that bonds and afflictions awaited him in Jerusalem. The more danger he then perceived, the more deeply he was affected; therefore, he was so anxious to entrust his safety to the churches. Nor should we wonder that he was anxious about his life, in which he knew so much danger to the church was involved.

He then shows how grieved his godly mind was by the earnest declaration he makes, in which he adds to the name of the Lord, the love of the Spirit, by which the saints should embrace one another. But though in such great fear, he still continued to proceed; nor did he dread danger so much that he was unprepared to meet it willingly. At the same time, he resorted to the remedies God had given him, for he sought the aid of the church, so that, being helped by its prayers, he might find comfort, according to the Lord’s promise: “Where two or three shall assemble in my name, there in the midst of them am I” (Matthew 18:20); and, “Whatsoever they agree in on earth, they shall obtain in heaven” (Matthew 18:19).

And so that no one would think it a meaningless commendation, he implored them by both Christ and the love of the Spirit. The love of the Spirit is that by which Christ unites us, for it is not of the flesh, nor of the world, but is from his Spirit, who is the bond of our unity.

Since, then, it is so great a favor from God to be helped by the prayers of the faithful that even Paul, a most choice instrument of God, did not think it right to neglect this privilege, how great must our stupidity be if we, who are abject and worthless creatures, disregard it?

But to use such passages as a pretext for maintaining the intercession of dead saints is an instance of extreme audacity.

That you strive together with me, etc. Erasmus has not given an unsuitable rendering, “That you help me laboring;” but, as the Greek word Paul used has more force, I have preferred to give a literal rendering. For by the word strive, or contend, he alludes to the difficulties by which he was oppressed. By asking them to assist in this contest, he shows how the godly should pray for their brethren: that they are to identify with them, as though they were placed in the same difficulties.

He also indicates the effect their prayers have, for whoever entrusts his brother to the Lord, by taking on a part of his distress, does relieve him to that extent. And indeed, if our strength is derived from prayer to God, we can confirm our brethren in no better way than by praying to God for them.