Definitions of Ministry and Divine Wrath

Prophecy is also called when someone interprets the things of the prophet. Ministry is the service toward the preaching of the gospel. Teaching is the guidance of practices which those already believing in Christ are taught. Exhortation is the urge through which we call those still in ignorance to the faith of Christ, not yet setting before them the goal of the lifestyle, but casting into them the desire that they will enjoy eternal goods having believed in Christ.

Regarding the participation in the remembrance of the saints (Rom 12:13), he says, that which is ready for the mind is to understand the honor of the saints and to fulfill their remembrance according to the day of their perfection. And it is also possible to say that those adhering to virtue most appropriately participate in the memories of the saints, which is to remember them and to have their life as a model of lifestyle.

Regarding 'if possible, having said the impossible, he had endured' (Rom 12:18), for if we were to flee even other avoidances, but the law of piety is hated by us from the ungodly, or is directed toward the ungodly. Regarding 'he names as wrath the punishment from God' (Rom 12:19), he speaks not as a passion happening to God, but because men would not easily perceive vengeance happening from God, not having heard the common name of wrath; for since men turn toward those sinning against them in anger and wrath, the Scripture sets these things aside for God, so that it is possible for the many to hear and to understand. He therefore says, 'do not permit vengeance to yourselves,' but give place and yield the vengeance to the wrath of God, which is appointed to avenge the wronged.

Regarding 'the apostle says, having aimed at the wrath of the one wronged: for in doing this you will heap coals of fire on his head' (Rom 12:20-21), he says this. For he does not introduce these things as a teacher of evils—may it never be!—but by skill and wisdom he restrains and moderates the intensity of the one being enraged.

For it is a great thing indeed not to do wrong, but it is greater to not defend oneself against having been wronged, but rather to quench a boiling anger in the manner of forbearance; and the law, by giving defense to those who have done wrong, appears more excellent than mere authority; but to do good to those who have done wrong, this even surpasses the law and philosophy. Therefore, so that he might overcome the anger from having been wronged and, instead of defending himself, prepare to do good, he gives hope by showing what terrible things are happening to those who have done wrong as a result of his goodness.

Regarding Romans 13:1, since many various authorities and established rulers exist among men, adding to the surpassing royal authorities, he showed: for kings come to rule not without the economy and will of God, as the Proverbs teach. Through me, he says, kings rule, and the potentates write out justice. And the rule of the Romans has happened by exception from God's economy; for since the Savior was about to appear to men, God, beforehand a little, offered the Roman rule for his own service, through which he established our life more peacefully than other men. Having freed them from wars against one another, he gave such leisure for the knowledge of himself: come, for he says, and see the works of God which he set as wonders upon the earth, opposing wars even to the ends of the earth. And he leads on: relax and know that I am God.

Therefore, having lifted up the continuous wars of God and having given fellowship to both cities and nations because of the proclamation of the godly commonwealth, the apostle saw the economy of God regarding the kingdoms and advised that they be subjected to the authorities; for since God has ordered them, not obeying is impious and, in the present life, it has a dangerous consequence for one's intellect. Romans 13:2: But those who resist, he says, shall receive judgment upon themselves, that is, those not obeying the king receive judgment and a tribunal.

Romans 13:5: It is necessary, he says, to obey the authorities not only because of the anger of the rulers, but also because of conscience, which is the reasonable thing regarding the matter. Or he even says this: you do not wish to be judged because of God, but those from without suspect that you are doing something evil to yourself and that your conscience has been struck. Romans 13:6: Taxes, he says, test the submission; it is therefore worthy to be subject to the kings, being ministers of God and persevering in the service of his will. Romans 13:11: Fulfill, he says, the work of love.