A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

2. They are supposed to be in such an outward condition as to stand in need of being administered unto; they were in some kind of wants or distresses. And such was in an especial manner the condition of the Saints at that time among the Hebrews. Their Poverty was such as that our Apostle in many places, perhaps in all where the Gospel had success, made collations for them. And as he pressed the Gentile Believers unto a contribution unto this purpose, with weighty Arguments, Rom. 15. 25, 26, 27. so he looked on his Duty herein of so great importance that he earnestly requests that his discharge of it might be accepted with God and by the poor Saints themselves, ver. 30, 31. And where any Churches had largely ministered in this kind, he rejoiceth in it, as that which would tend unto the unspeakable advancement of the Glory of Gods Grace, 2 Cor. 9. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. And this Duty was the Apostle most careful in, as that wherein he gave a Testimony unto the change of the Church Estate of the Old Testament. All the Jews before all the world over did send their Oblations in things dedicated, Silver and Gold, unto the Temple. And if they made any Proselytes among the Gentiles, the first thing they did was to cause them to acknowledge their Obedience by sending Gifts to the Treasury of the Temple; and that this was done from all parts of the Roman Empire was known and complained of. Wherefore our Apostle declares that the Old Church state was now changed, and that the believing Saints were become the only Temple of God. And therefore from all those whom he made Proselytes of, or won to the Faith of Christ, he calleth a Benevolence for that Temple or the poor Saints in Judea. This therefore was an eminent Duty in that place and at that season. For this Poverty and these Exigencies they were cast under on many accounts. For at that time they were under great Oppressions, and Devastations by the Covetousness and Rapine of their Rulers, or the Roman Governors of them. And the whole Nation was every day vexed by seditious persons and prevailing multitudes of Robbers. And these things were common unto them with others. But moreover, they were exposed in particular for the profession of the Gospel unto great persecution, wherein in an especial manner their Goods were spoiled, and their persons brought under various distressing Calamities, as our Apostle declares, chap.