Romans 12

I The Apostle having thus far in the foregoing Chapters handled the principal articles of the Christian Religion, begins now according to his usual method in almost all his Epistles, that part of this Epistle which consist in exhortation to a godly Christian life, whereof the first is that we offer up our selves to God, and be not like into the world. 3 Afterwards he earnestly and in particular exhorteth those who had public Offices and especially gifts in the Church, that they should not be proud of their Offices or gifts, but faithfully administer and imply the same for the greatest edification of the Church, 6 as well the Teachers of the word, 8 as the Elders and Deacons. 9 Adjoins several exhortations to all manner of Christian virtues, as sincere brotherly love 11 fervent zeal of Gods glory, 12 hope, patience, prayer 13 communicativeness, 17 forbearance, 18 peacableness 20 lover to our enemies, 21 and steadfastness in that which is good.

1. Beseech [Or, I Exhort] you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God [that is, seeing then God hath showed us mercy in Christ, as was taught in that which goes before which the word therefore shows] that ye set [that is, offer up: as the sacrifices were presented before the Lord, and there set before him, and so appropriated to him] your bodies [that is, your whole selves. A Hebrew phrase, whereby a part is taken for the whole : as the time is interpreted, 1 Thes. 5.23.] for a living [that is, not corporally put to death by slaying, but spiritually slain by mortifying our lust to live to God, Romans 6:11. 2.Cor. 5.15. Colossians 3:3.5.] holy [that is, as the beast which were offered up in the old Testament, must without spot or defect; Exodus 12:5. Levit. 1,ver.10. Deuteronomy 15:21. that we should separate selves from all unholiness] ] (and) well-pleasing sacrifices to God, [that is, proceeding from upright and contrite heart, purified by faith, without which no sacrifices are pleasing to God, Isaiah 1:11. and 66.3. Jeremiah 6:20. and 7.20. Hosea 6:6. Hebr. 11.4.6.] (which is) your reasonable worship. [that is, a worship which consists not in outward offering up of unreasonable beasts, as in the old Testament, but in a spiritual offering up of a reasonable men, i.e. of your selves Hebrews 13:15. 1 Pet. 2.5.]

2. And be not comfortable [That is, take not upon you the form or fashion of this wicked world. Now what manner of form was, the Apostles describes, Romans 13:13. Ephesians 4:18.19. and Peter 1 Pet 4.3. and John 1. John 2:16.] to this world [Gr. To this age. Namely, which lieth the wickedness, 1 John 5:19.] but be ye changed [Gr. Altered in form or fashion: not according to the body, as the Poets in their fables, feign sometimes to have been done, but according to the soul and the faculties of the same, namely, according to the understanding and according to the will and affections] by the renewing of your mind [or understanding, See Ephesians 1:18. and 2.3. and 4.23. Col.1.21.] that they may prove [that is, discern: or give proof by your godly life that ye understand what is the good will of God] what is the good, and the well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. [namely, according to which as the only and perfect rule we ought to frame our lives: which in his word hath perfectly revealed unto us.]

3. For by the grace which is given unto me [That is, according to the Apostolical office which of grace committed unto me, according to the authority which as an Apostle and Ambassador of God is by him given me] I say [that is, I command] to every one [namely, who hath any public administration of free gift] which is among you, that he be not wise above that which men ought to be wise: [Gr. Be not overwise. Namely, beyond his capacity or calling . Or that he have not a conceit, that he hath more abundant wisdom than others] but that he shall be wise [namely, in divine things: for they may, yea must be searched into by us, with reverence and attentive diligence] unto modesty [namely, of the understanding, or of knowledge: as the Greek word imports: contenting himself with knowledge of the things which are necessary or serviceable to salvation] even as God [that is, considering that it is God that hath given you the knowledge which you have, 1 Corinthians 7:17. and that therefore you must not be proud of the same] hath dealt [namely, as an householder, who distributes to every one of his family a portion, to the one somewhat more, to the other somewhat less, to one this, to the other somewhat else] to everyone [that is, considering also thou hast not knowledge alone, but that the same, and oft-times also yet greater, is imparted to another] the measure of faith. [that is, according to the portion, which is by God distributed to each one of the faithful. For there is no man which hath a perfect knowledge of all things, but one hath lesser, another greater 1 Cor.7.7. and chapter 13.9. Ephesians 4:7.]

4. For as we have many members in one body [This he explains by the similitude of a body, and the members of the same: whereby he proves that all the Offices and gifts which the one or the other members of the Church hath, according to the communion of the Saints, must be employed for the common edification of the whole body of the Church. See of this similitude also 1 Cor. 10.17. and chap 12.12 Colossians 2:19. and chap 3.15.] and all the members have not the same operation.

5. Even so we being many are one body in Christ, but we are each one members one of anothers.

6. Having now different [Namely, some extraordinary, of which the Apostle treats 1 Cor. chapter 12.14. some ordinary, which are principally treated of here: which are also divers, as is hereafter declared] gifts [Gr. Charismata; So the Ministry, and the gifts needful thereunto are called, because there are of grace freely given to men by God] according to the grace which is given unto us.

7. Let us bestow those gifts [Others supply this thus: whether it be prophecy, let us be wise according to the measure of faith etc.] whether it be prophecy, [that is, the gift or calling to the prophecy, whereby is understood not so much the gift to foretell things to come, as the Prophets of the old Testament had, and in the new, Agabus, Paul, Peter, John and others, as this word is taken, 1 Cor.12.28. Ephesians 4:11. as of interpreting the true meaning of the holy Scripture, and applying it to the comfort and exhortation of the Church: See 1 Cor. 14. ver. 1.3.] according to the measure of faith [Gr. Analogian: whereby is understood either the measure of knowledge which given any man of God as ver. 3. and Ephesians 4:7. Or the conformity and agreement of the chief points of Christian doctrine, plainly expressed in Gods word, and in the articles of faith, all interpretations of Scripture must be made] whether it be ministry, [Gr. Diakonian which word is here taken in common for the ministries, which are hereafter divided into particular sorts. See 1 Cor..12.5. Acts 1:17.] in ministering : whether it be he that teacheth, [that is, he that is called to be a teacher: which teachers seeing they are distinguished from the exhorters, therefore some think, that hereby are especially understood, those that are called principally to expounded Christian doctrine, and to defend the same against false teachers and gainsayers] in teaching:

8. Whether it be he that hath exhorteth [Or, comforted: whereby may be understood the teachers who are called principally to apply Christian doctrine to the Church for exhortation and comfort: who are otherwise called Pastors Jeremiah 3:15. and 23.4. Zach. 10.2. Ephesians 4:11. 1 Pet.5.2.] in exhorting: he that distributed, [that is, he that is called to gather the alms and collections of the Church, and to distribute them to the poor according to their necessities, who are especially called Deacons. See concerning them, Acts 6.] in simplicity: [namely, of heart, not being harsh and high minded against the poor, not giving either of the favor or envy: but with a compassionate and single heart looking upon their necessity, and faithfully assisting them according to the same] he that is president [or, he that is set over others. Whereby may be understood the Elders which labor not in the word, 1 Tim. 5.17. but together with the Pastors have oversight of the Church, to rule the same, and keep it in Christian peace and discipline, which are otherwise called Governments, 1 Cor. 12.28.] in diligence: he that showed mercy [thereby may be understood a certain sort of Deacons and Deaconess, which had a special oversight and administration about the sick exiles, and strangers, 1 Tim5.9. which is one of the most special works of mercy] in cheerfulness. [that is, with a willing & propense heart, without growing weary of that troublesome service, or showing themselves forwards towards the poor.]

9. Let love [Amongst the Christian virtues this is set foremost, because all other virtues are contained therein, and must be accompanied with the same, Rom. 13. ver.8.9.10. 1 Cor. 13.2. 1 Tim. 1.5.] but unfeigned. [that is, consisting not only in words and outward gestures, but chiefly in sincere inclination of the heart, 1 Pet. 1.22. 1 John 3:18.] Abhor that which is evil [he exhorts not only to avoid evil, but also to hate it as an abominable thing, Psal. 139.22.] and adhere to that which is good. [Gr. Cleave to, or be cleaved unto. Namely, as is were with glue, holding fast to that which is good, without being plucked off from it, 1 Cor. 6.16,17. In these two points consist the conversion of man, Psalms 34:15. Isaiah 1:16.]

10. Love one another heartily [The Greek word signifies such of a love, wherewith Parents naturally love their children, which is the greatest and most vehement]with brotherly love, [that is, such as becometh them, who are not only of the flesh, Isaiah 58:7. but also by faith are brethren of one Father in heavens, 1 Thes. 4.9. Hebrews 13:1. 1 Pet. 1.22. and chap 2. ver 17.] with honor one goes before the other. [that is, treat one another with all civil respect and courtesy, according to every ones condition, without expecting that thou be first so treated by thy brother.]

11. Be not slow [Or, lazy] in giving diligence. [Gr. In diligence, i.e. in looking diligently after the works of your calling] Be fervent [that is, zealous, not lukewarm, Revel. 3.16.] in spirit. Serve the Lord: [that is, as servants of the Lord, diligently perform all things that are required to his service and honour, Psalms 2:11. Ephesians 6:7. Others in the Greek for Kyrio, i.e. the Lord; read Kayrio, i.e. the time: in such sense as Ephesians 5:16. and Colossians 4:5.]

12. Rejoice ye [In this verse are showed three remedies to be used in time of crosses and adversity] in hope. [namely, in deliverance and salvation] Be patient in tribulation. Persevere in prayer.

13. Communicate [That is, take you also your part in giving to the relief of the poor. Or have communion in the necessities of the Saints] to the necessities of the Saints. [that is, of the poor Christians that suffer want] Pursue hospitality [Gr. Follow or follow after hospitality, hunt after it; as Abraham and Lot did. Genesis 18:1.2. and 19. ver.1.2.]

14. Bless them which persecute you: bless [This word he rehearseth once more, to show how need full thee exhortation is] and curse nor. [namely, as commonly carnal men do 1 Cor. 4.12. 1 Pet. 2.23.]

15. Rejoice with joyful: [that is, if it go well with your neighbour, that he hath caused to be glad for it, rejoice thou also for his prosperity: and if on the contrary he be in misery and adversity, and is sorrowful for it, let his misery also go to thy heart, as if it concerns thy self, 1 Cor. 12.26. Hebrews 13:3.] and weep with them that weep.

16. Be of one mind [This is understood, not only of unity of opinion and understanding, in the chief points of Christian doctrine, but also principally of unity of minds and inclinations one toward another] one amongst another. Seek not after high things [that is, which are above your capacity, abilities or calling: or think not, namely, of yourselves high things] but apply yourselves [the Greek word signifies to suffer one self to be conducted by any other, i.e. to be condescend to any other] to the lowly. [namely, things or matters, as before he expressed high things, i.e. things which look towards lowliness] Be not wise with yourselves. [See ver.3.]

17. Recompense to no man evil for evil [The same Christ teacheth also, Matthew 5:39.] Take care for [that is, give diligence carefully to provide] that which is honourable to all men. [that is, not only in the presence of God, but also before all sorts of men, as well before unbeliever as before believers, 2 Cor. 8.21.]

18. If it be possible [Namely, that it may be done with a good conscience: or except the weakness of men be so great, that it be impossible to keep peace with them] as much as in you is [that is, do not give any cause of discontent, and on your part contribute all that is serviceable to keep or make peace] keep peace with all men. [namely, not only with believers whereunto he exhorts us, ver.16. but also with unbelievers which are without.]

19. Avenge not your selves’ beloved: but give place unto wrath. [Some understand this of the wrath of men, either of him that is wronged, that he gives his wrath for the injury done unto him, place, i.e. time of assuage; or of him who doth wrong, that it should not be withstood, that we do not embitter him more, but decline his wrath and so give place to it. But that which followed seemed to require, that this must be understood of the wrath, i.e. of vengeance of God, which he shall take of him that doth wrong, to which wrath men gave place, when they leave revenge to God] For it is written; Vengeance (belongeth) to me, I will recompense saith the Lord.

20. If therefore thine enemy [That is, who carries himself like an enemy towards thee, not whom thou hates or art an enemy to, for that becometh not Christians] hunger, [that is, be in necessity, and therein hath need of thy help: a part taken from the whole] feed him: do him all offices of love in his necessity] if he thirst, give him drink: For in doing that, thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. [that is, thou shalt thereby stir him up, to know his injury, to turn from it, and to cease to thee any evil, as any one that hath a coal of fire laid on his head, presently feels the same and shakes it off, as not being able to endure it.]

21. Be not overcome [Namely, thereby to be brought to desire of revenge] of evil, [that is, of wrong that it done thee] but overcome evil [that is, take away, break off, mitigate] by good. [that is, with long suffering and bountry.]