Romans 12

1 the mercies of God. The “mercies” unfolded in iii.-viii. As a thank-offering for these (see Lev. ii. 1; iii. 1, etc., and notes), God claims not the unblemished yet lifeless bodies of irrational animals, speedily consumed, but the living bodies (once unhappily polluted by sin: i. 24; vi. 12) of the worshippers themselves, who are to be in spirit devoted to that holy worship, well-pleasing to God, which springs from the “renewing of the mind.” It is important to notice the connexion between doctrine and practice. The preceding chapters have been largely theological. On this basis the apostle builds the ethical teaching of the

12th and 13th chapters. The two phases are inseparably connected.

your reasonable service. “Reasonable” here means, “pertaining to the reason”—the intellectual and moral nature: see 1 Pet. ii. 2, where the same word is used. “Service” is specially religious service, as in ix. 4.

2 this word. The “world” or “age,” here means the whole system of society, which is not pervaded by the influence of true religion.

transformed. “Transfigured.” The same Greek word which is used of our Lord’s transfiguration (Matt. xvii. 2).

that ye may prove, etc. That you may ascertain and appreciate what is God’s will: cp. John vii. 7.

3 faith. “Faith” here means that entire dependence upon God, and confidence in Him. This shows itself in sober judgement of our own gifts and appreciation of those of others (“according as God hath dealt to every man a measure of faith”).

5 so we, [being] many. Many as we are, Christ’s all-pervading life unites the whole in “one body,” and makes the individual “members related to each other,” having different “offices,” according to their “differing gifts”; which therefore each is to use for the good of all (6-9). Cp. 1 Cor. xii.

6 prophecy. The declaring of God’s will, whether for the present or the future.

the proportion of faith. The phrase corresponds with “the measure of faith” (3 and note).

7 ministry. “Ministry” (diaconic) means any service in the Church; but as other services are specified, it may refer here to the service described in Acts vi. 1-4. “Service in things temporal and external, such as the wants of the poor, the sick, and the stranger” (Speaker’s Commentary).

[let us wait] on our ministering. Or, as R.V., “let us give ourselves to our ministry.” Whole-hearted devotion is implied.

8 with simplicity. i.e., without ulterior motives or calculation; therefore, as in R.V. “with liberality.” The whole verse suggests active beneficence; which should be generous, energetic, and cheerful, although our errand may be sad, and the objects of our pity unpleasing. In one word, “let love be unfeigned” (9).

9 abhor. Dr. Arnold at Rugby once said, “What I want to see in the school, and what I do not find, is abhorrence of evil.”

10 in honour preferring one another. Anticipating one another in the manifestation of mutual esteem.

11 not slothful in business. The Greek word means “the business of life.”

fervent in spirit. The original means “boiling in spirit.” Indignation against wrong, enthusiasm for the right.

13 given to hospitality. Lit., “pursuing hospitality.”

14. Bless them which persecute you. This seems to be a quotation from the Sermon on the Mount, which was doubtless well known among the first Christians (cp. Matt. v. 44; Luke vi. 28).

15 condescend to men of low estate. That is, Associate and sympathise with the lowly. Many scholars, however, regard as neuter the Greek word translated “the lowly” or “men of low estate.” Calvin translates it “humilibus rebus obsecundantes,” which may be rendered “being true in small things.”

17. Provide things honest, etc. See Prov. iii. 4.

“Honest” in the English Bible always means “honourable,” or “becoming.”

18 if it be possible, etc. There are some with whom it is difficult, perhaps not “possible,” to be at peace. But you, as God’s “beloved” children, should do all that “lieth in you” to be at peace even with them.

19 avenge not yourselves, etc. Leave it with God to show His displeasure; for He it is to whom vengeance belongs: Deut. xxxii. 35. To “give place to the wrath” (i.e., to God’s wrath).

20 thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. See note on Prov. xxv. 22.