And we know, &c.— In the summary which we have given on Romans 8:12 we observed that this is the seventh argument advanced by the Apostle to reconcile Christians to sufferings: "Whatever befals us, supposing we love God, certainly concurs and tends to complete our salvation." The Apostle never once uses the word
κλητοις, called or invited, in his arguments, ch. Romans 2:3 : Romans 4:5 : It is a metaphor taken from inviting guests, or makingthem welcome to a feast; and the word and sentiment would be well understood, if we rendered it invite, rather than call: for to call is never, in English, applied peculiarly to the affair of acquainting a person that his company is desired at an entertainment; but either to bid or invite. The verb καλεω is translated by bid, Matthew 22:3-4. Luke 14:7-8; Luke 14:10. Bid, however, seems to be almost antiquated, and invite is the common mode of expression; though as the word call has been so long in use, one cannot well lay it aside. They are here said to be called or invited of God, according to his purpose, which the Apostle gives as a proof that all things in our present situation are either appointed, or shall be overruled for the happiness of them that love God: thus the clause is to be understood, and thus it is an argument to prove, that all things, how afflictive soever, shall work together for our welfare; but then it must be taken in connection with our loving of God and obedience to him. The Apostle does not pretend to prove that all things shall concur to the everlasting happiness of all that are called or invited; (for many are called, who at last shall not be among the chosen, Matthew 20:16.) but only those of the called who perseveringly love God. Our calling or invitation, thus qualified, is the ground of his argument, which he prosecutes and completes in the two next verses; and this calling he takes for granted, as a thing evident and unquestionable among all professed Christians. But it may be asked, "How is it thus evident that we are called?"—The answer is,—"From our being in the visible church, and professing the faith of the Gospel:" for always, in the apostolic writings, all that are in this visible church and profession, are numbered among the called or invited. As for effectual calling, it is a distinction which divines have invented, without any warrant from Scripture. Our calling therefore is considered by the Apostle in the nature of a self-evident proposition, which nobody doubts or denies, and which indeed no Christian ought to doubt, or call in question. See Ephesians 3:1-11.