John Calvin Commentary Romans 15:5

"Now the God of patience and of comfort grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus:" — Romans 15:5 (ASV)

And the God of patience, etc. God is called this from what he produces. The same attribute has previously been very fittingly ascribed to the Scriptures, but in a different sense. God alone is doubtless the author of patience and of consolation, for he conveys both to our hearts by his Spirit. Yet he employs his word as the instrument, for he first teaches us what true consolation and true patience are, and then he instills and plants this doctrine in our hearts.

But after having admonished and exhorted the Romans about what they were to do, he turns to pray for them. For he fully understood that speaking of duty served no purpose, unless God inwardly effected by his Spirit what was spoken by the mouth of man. The sum of his prayer is — that God would bring their minds to real unanimity and make them united among themselves. He also shows at the same time what is the bond of unity, for he wished them to agree together according to Christ Jesus. Indeed, miserable is the union that is unconnected with God, and that union is unconnected with him which alienates us from his truth.

And so that he might recommend to us an agreement in Christ, he teaches us how necessary it is. For God is not truly glorified by us unless the hearts of all agree in giving him praise, and their tongues also join in harmony. Therefore, there is no reason for anyone to boast that he will give glory to God in his own way, for the unity of his servants is so highly esteemed by God that he will not have his glory proclaimed amidst discords and contentions. This one thought ought to be sufficient to check the wanton rage for contention and quarreling, which today excessively possesses the minds of many.