I BESEECH YOU - The apostle, having finished the argument of this Epistle, proceeds now to close it with a practical or hortatory application, showing its bearing on the duties of life, and the practical influence of religion. None of the doctrines of the gospel are designed to be cold and barren sp... [ Continue Reading ]
AND BE NOT CONFORMED ... - The word rendered “conformed” properly means to put on the form, fashion, or appearance of another. It may refer to anything pertaining to the habit, manner, dress, style of living, etc., of others. OF THIS WORLD - τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ tō aiōni toutō. The word which is... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR I SAY - The word “for” shows that the apostle is about to introduce some additional considerations to enforce what he had just said, or to show how we may evince a mind that is not conformed to the world. THROUGH THE GRACE - Through the favor, or in virtue of the favor of the apostolic office. B... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR - This word here denotes a further illustration or proof of what he had just before said. The duty to which he was exhorting the Romans was, not to be unduly exalted or elevated in their own estimation. In order to produce proper humility, he shows them that God has appointed certain orders or g... [ Continue Reading ]
SO WE, BEING MANY - We who are Christians, and who are numerous as individuals. ARE ONE BODY - Are united together, constituting one society, or one people, mutually dependent, and having the same great interests at heart, though to be promoted by us according to our special talents and opportuniti... [ Continue Reading ]
HAVING THEN GIFTS - All the endowments which Christians have are regarded by the apostle as gifts. God has conferred them; and this fact, when properly felt, tends much to prevent our thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, Romans 12:3. For the use of the word rendered “gifts,” see... [ Continue Reading ]
OR MINISTRY - διακονίαν diakonian. This word properly means service of any kind; Luke 10:40. It is used in religion to denote the service which is rendered to Christ as the Master. It is applied to all classes of ministers in the New Testament, as denoting their being the servants of Christ; and it... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT EXHORTETH - This word properly denotes one who urges to the practical duties of religion, in distinction from one who teaches its doctrines. One who presents the warnings and the promises of God to excite men to the discharge of their duty. It is clear that there were persons who were recogn... [ Continue Reading ]
LET LOVE - The apostle proceeds to specify the duties of Christians in general, that they might secure the beauty and order of the church. The first which he specifies is love. This word here evidently refers to benevolence, or to good-will toward all mankind. In Romans 12:10 he specifies the duty o... [ Continue Reading ]
BE KINDLY AFFECTIONED - The word used here occurs no where else in the New Testament. It properly denotes tender affection, such as what subsists between parents and children; and it means that Christians should have similar feelings toward each other, as belonging to the same family, and as united... [ Continue Reading ]
NOT SLOTHFUL - The word rendered “slothful” refers to those who are slow, idle, destitute of promptness of mind and activity; compare Matthew 25:16. IN BUSINESS - τῇ σπουδῇ tē spoudē. This is the same word which in Romans 12:8 is rendered “diligence.” It properly denotes haste, intensity, ardo... [ Continue Reading ]
REJOICING IN HOPE - That is, in the hope of eternal life and glory which the gospel produces; see the notes at Romans 5:2. PATIENT IN TRIBULATION - In affliction patiently enduring all that maybe appointed. Christians may be enabled to do this by the sustaining influence of their hope of future glor... [ Continue Reading ]
DISTRIBUTING - The word used here denotes having things in “common” κοινωνοῦντες koinōnountes. It means that they should be communicative, or should regard their property as so far common as to supply the needs of others. In the earliest times of the church, Christians had all things in common (No... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESS THEM ... - see the note at Matthew 5:44; compare Luke 6:28. BLESS, AND CURSE NOT - Bless only; or continue to bless, however long or aggravated may be the injury. Do not be provoked to anger, or to cursing, by any injury, persecution, or reviling. This is one of the most severe and difficult d... [ Continue Reading ]
REJOICE WITH THEM ... - This command grows out of the doctrine stated in Romans 12:4, that the church is one; that it has one interest; and therefore that there should be common sympathy in its joys and sorrows. Or, enter into the welfare of your fellow-Christians, and show your attachment to them b... [ Continue Reading ]
BE OF THE SAME MIND ... - This passage has been variously interpreted. “Enter into each other’s circumstances, in order to see how you would yourself feel.” Chrysostom. “Be agreed in your opinions and views.” Stuart. “Be united or agreed with each other.” Flatt; compare Philippians 2:2; 2 Corinthian... [ Continue Reading ]
RECOMPENSE - Render, give, or return; see the note at Matthew 5:39. This is probably one of the most difficult precepts of Christianity; but the law of Christ on the subject is unyielding. It is a solemn demand made on all his followers, and it “must” be obeyed. PROVIDE - The word rendered “provide... [ Continue Reading ]
IF IT BE POSSIBLE - If it can be done. This expression implies that it could not always be done. Still it should be an object of desire; and we should endeavor to obtain it. AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU - This implies two things: (1) We are to do our utmost endeavors to preserve peace, and to appease t... [ Continue Reading ]
DEARLY BELOVED - This expression of tenderness was especially appropriate in an exhortation to peace. It reminded them of the affection and friendship which ought to subsist among them as brethren. AVENGE NOT YOURSELVES - To “avenge” is to take satisfaction for an injury by inflicting punishment on... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE, IF THINE ENEMY HUNGER ... - This verse is taken almost literally from Proverbs 25:21. Hunger and thirst here are put for want in general. If thine enemy is needy in any way, do him good, and supply his needs. This is, in spirit, the same as the command of the Lord Jesus Matthew 5:44, “Do... [ Continue Reading ]
BE NOT OVERCOME OF EVIL - Be not “vanquished” or “subdued” by injury received from others. Do not suffer your temper to be excited; your Christian principles to be abandoned; your mild, amiable, kind, and benevolent temper to be ruffled by any opposition or injury which you may experience. Maintain... [ Continue Reading ]