Bible Commentary

[Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; 10. Be kindly, &c.] Lit. In point of your brotherly love [be] affectionate to one another. The word rendered “ kindly-affectioned ” has special reference to family affection; and probably our Translators had this in view, and used “kindly” in its … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 12:10”

[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 9 21. Christian practice: in further detail, with regard to personal and social duty 9. love ] Lit. the love; your love, Christian love. Abhor, &c.] Lit. Abhorring the evil, cleaving to the good. Here participles, as very frequently … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 12:9”

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. 8. he that exhorteth ] Here again a special division of Christian work is alluded to. The “exhortation” was, perhaps, a department of the speaking-duty of the Church less … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 12:8”

Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 7. ministry ministering ] Lit. whether service, in the service. The word rendered “ ministry ” is diaconia; (same word as Rom 11:13, where it means the apostolic service). It is a largely inclusive word; the main fixed idea being that … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 12:7”

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; 6. whether prophecy, &c.] The Gr. construction from hence to the end of Rom 12:8 is peculiar, because elliptical; but the E. V. well interprets the ellipses. prophecy ] Here probably … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 12:6”

So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 5. in Christ ] i.e. by virtue of our union with Him. See on Rom 8:1. Cp. also for the profound meaning of the phrase, 2Co 5:17. and every one ] Perhaps better, in view of MSS. &c., but … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 12:5”

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 4. For as we have ] Here first (and last) in this Epistle St Paul uses the simile of the Body and its Limbs, to illustrate the close mutual connexion of the saints. For parallels, see 1Co 10:17; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 12:4”

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 3. the grace given unto me ] His qualifications as an … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 12:3”

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 2. be not conformed ] Same word as 1Pe 1:14; (E. V. “not fashioning yourselves ”) The Gr. noun ( schema) on which … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 12:2”

For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory forever. Amen. 36. of him ] Lit. out of Him; not in the Pantheistic sense, as if all things were evolved from God phases of God; but in the Christian sense, that His will is the ultimate source of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 11:36”