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17. I may glory. Paul’s glorying was not in himself but “through Christ Jesus,” literally, “in Christ Jesus.” He recognized that he has nothing whereof to boast (ch. 3:27) but that as a minister of the gospel he did all things in and through Christ (2 Cor. 10:17; Phil. 4:13). Nevertheless, he goes on to describe the success of his work, especially among the Gentiles. His purpose in mentioning them, as also his reason for referring to his high calling as an apostle Rom. 15:15, 16, seems to be to provide an adequate justification for the authority that he has presumed to exercise over the members of the church at Rome by writing this epistle to them.

Which pertain. Compare Heb. 2:17; 5:1, where the context shows that the expression, “things pertaining to God,” describes the duties of a priest before God. Paul limits his glorying to his ministry as a priest of the gospel, which service he regards as presenting an offering to the Lord.

17. I may glory. Paul’s glorying was not in himself but “through Christ Jesus,” literally, “in Christ Jesus.” He recognized that he has nothing whereof to boast (ch. 3:27) but that as a minister of the gospel he did all things in and through Christ (2 Cor. 10:17; Phil. 4:13). Nevertheless, he goes on to describe the success of his work, especially among the Gentiles. His purpose in mentioning them, as also his reason for referring to his high calling as an apostle Rom. 15:15, 16, seems to be to provide an adequate justification for the authority that he has presumed to exercise over the members of the church at Rome by writing this epistle to them.

Your bodies. Paul first appeals to Christians to consecrate their bodies to God. He then calls on them to dedicate their intellectual and spiritual faculties (v. 2). True sanctification is the dedication of the entire being—body, mind, and soul (1 Thess. 5:23); the harmonious development of the physical, mental, and spiritual powers, until the image of God, in which man was originally created, is perfectly restored (Col. 3:10).

To a large degree the condition of the mind and soul depends upon the condition of the body. Therefore, it is essential that the physical powers be kept in the best possible health and vigor. Any harmful practice or selfish indulgence that lessens physical strength makes it more difficult for us to develop mentally and spiritually. Of this principle the adversary of souls is well aware, and he accordingly directs his temptations to the enfeebling and degrading of the physical nature. The results of his evil work were all too apparent to Paul as he sought to win the heathen from their debasing practices (see Rom. 1:24, 26, 27; 6:19; Col. 3:5, 7) and to establish the new converts in lives of purity (see 1 Cor. 5:1, 9; 6:18; 11:21; 2 Cor. 12:21). Therefore, he appeals to them to yield their “members” to God as “instruments of righteousness” (Rom. 6:13; cf. 1 Cor. 6:15, 19; 7:34). The Christian must bring the tendencies of his physical nature under the dominion of the higher powers of his being, and these in turn must be submitted to the control of God. “The kingly power of reason, sanctified by divine grace, is to bear sway in the life” (PK 489). Only then can the believer become fitted to offer unto God “reasonable service” (see below under “reasonable” and “service”).

Which pertain. Compare Heb. 2:17; 5:1, where the context shows that the expression, “things pertaining to God,” describes the duties of a priest before God. Paul limits his glorying to his ministry as a priest of the gospel, which service he regards as presenting an offering to the Lord.

A living sacrifice. The sacrifices of the OT ceremonial system were of slain animals. The Christian sacrifice is of the living man. The Christian worshiper presents himself alive with all his energies and powers dedicated to the service of God.