1.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Verse 1
Your bodies; yourselves.--A living sacrifice; wholly devoted to the service of God.
2.
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.
Verse 2
Conformed to this world, in sinful character.--Transformed; changed.--Prove; exemplify.
3.
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.
4.
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5.
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Verse 5
One of another; one with another.
6.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Verse 6
The word prophecy, in the New Testament, generally refers to the public preaching of the gospel, in the exercise of the higher spiritual gifts. The specifications which follow, Romans 12:6-8, are to be understood as referring not to distinct and separate offices, as has been sometimes supposed, but to the different classes of duties which devolved upon the various individuals of the church, arising either from offices which they held, or from their peculiar characteristics or positions. The general meaning is, that, whatever may be the peculiar duties which the individual is called upon to perform, according to his talents or position or circumstances he should give himself cheerfully to the work, feeling that he is thus coöperating with all his brethren, and that his brethren are coöperating with him.
7.
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Verse 7
Ministry; the service Of the church in respect to its temporal concerns.
8.
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
9.
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Verse 9
Without dissimulation; honest, sincere.
10.
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11.
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12.
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13.
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14.
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15.
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Verse 16
Mind not high things; that is, they were not to set their hearts on what is high and honorable in the estimation of the world.
17.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Verse 17
Things honest; things reputable, praiseworthy. That is, the Christian is to have a constant regard for the aspect in which his conduct and character exhibit themselves to mankind.
18.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Verse 19
Give place unto wrath,--to the wrath of God; that is, leave the work of retribution to him.
20.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Verse 20
Heap coals of fire upon his head; overwhelm him with shame and remorse for the injuries he has done you.
21.
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.