12:1 Therefore Indicates a key transition in the letter. What follows appears in light of the preceding content of 1:18–11:36. Paul urges his audience to respond to the message of the gospel as he explained in the letter.

exhort The Greek word used here, parakaleō, describes urging or encouraging someone to do something. See note on 2 Cor 1:3.

mercies of God Refers to the undeserved kindness God shows toward sinners—one of Paul’s main themes so far in the letter.

bodies The Greek word used here, sōma, refers to the entire person.

living sacrifice This expression might indicate that believers are to continually offer themselves in service to God. It also could describe believers as dead to sin yet alive to God (Rom 6:11).

holy Indicates that the sacrifice is set apart for God. In the ot, such terminology is associated with worship in the tabernacle and temple (Exod 30:10; 40:10; Lev 6:25).

reasonable The Greek word used here, logikos, can mean “spiritual,” suggesting worship that involves the heart and mind in contrast to physical offerings and sacrifices. Alternatively, logikos could be translated as “reasonable” or “proper,” indicating worship that reflects a correct understanding of the gospel message and a rational response to it. It also might mean “true,” implying that worship is appropriate for those with a renewed mind (Rom 12:2).

service The Greek word used here, latreia, commonly refers to priestly duties in the temple (Heb 9:1, 6). Believers do not operate in a physical temple but are themselves God’s temple (1 Cor 6:19). They offer themselves because God has made them a holy priesthood (1 Pet 2:5, 9).

12:2 this age Refers to the present evil age (see note on Gal 1:4), the time prior to Christ’s return.

renewal of your mind Refers to mental conformity to the truth of God. This renewal results in a transformation in the life of the believer.

perfect will of God Describes the purpose of renewal and transformation. Israel had failed to recognize God’s will and purposes—that He was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ (2 Cor 5:19). Paul provides this instruction so that the Roman believers will not do the same.

Metaphors for the Church

The Church Devotional

12:3 grace Refers to Paul’s appointment as an apostle of Christ (1 Cor 3:10; Gal 2:9; Eph 3:2).

measure of faith Likely refers to the amount of faith that a person exercises (compare Rom 12:6). It also could indicate that faith is the standard by which believers should measure themselves.

Faith

12:4 one body Paul uses this metaphor to emphasize the unity among believers (1 Cor 12:12–13; Eph 4:4; Col 3:15). Believers are obligated to serve for the benefit of the other members and the body as a whole—they are interdependent.

Metaphors for the Church

12:6 gifts The Greek word used here, charismata, refers to the abilities listed in Rom 12:6–8. God bestows these gifts as products of His grace intended for use in ministry. See Eph 4:12 and note.

prophecy See note on 1 Cor 12:10.

proportion of his faith Paul says that prophets should prophesy in accordance with their faith in Christ. This also could refer to early Christian teaching as the standard for acceptable prophecy (compare Rom 12:3).

12:7 service The Greek word used here, diakonia, can refer to service (helping others or carrying out ministry duties) as a general activity or to the ability to function in the office of deacon. See note on 1 Tim 3:8.

teaching Refers to imparting the truth of the gospel message to people.

12:8 exhortation In this instance, the Greek word used here, paraklēsis, refers to encouraging people to live as Jesus taught and in accordance with the gospel (Rom 1:5; 10:16). It also can refer to bringing general comfort.

one who gives Probably refers to people who share their wealth, including possessions and food. For Paul, the use of this gift is to be characterized by generosity (2 Cor 8:21; 9:11, 13).

one who leads Indicates the ability to manage something well and out of love (e.g., a person’s household; 1 Tim 3:3–4). Since Paul doesn’t specifically list the leadership offices of pastor and overseer here, it also might refer to those offices (Eph 4:11 and note; 1 Tim 3:2 and note; see note on 1 Cor 12:27–31; compare Titus 1:7). Paul stresses that those gifted with leadership are called to preside over other people with eagerness and diligence.

who shows mercy Refers to demonstrating kindness to those in need, such as the sick, poor, and elderly. Although this is expected of all followers of Christ, some people are particularly gifted by the Spirit to show mercy.

12:9 Love must be without hypocrisy The nt presents love as the defining ethical standard for Christians (Luke 10:25–28; John 13:34–35; Rom 5:5–8; 13:9–10; 1 John 4:8–11). Paul assumes that his audience already shows love to one another; he calls for their love to be genuine and sincere.

12:10 brotherly love Paul uses this term to emphasize the familial nature of the body of believers (see 1 Thess 4:9; Heb 13:1; 1 Pet 1:22; 2 Pet 1:7).

12:12 enduring in affliction This can refer to any kind of hardship; however, Paul might have persecution in mind (Rom 12:14).

12:13 hospitality Refers to an extension of generosity to strangers.

12:14 Bless those who persecute Reflecting Jesus’ teaching, Paul calls for prayer on behalf of the persecutor (compare Matt 5:44; Luke 6:28).

12:15 weep with those who weep Christians are called to share in both the joy and suffering of fellow believers, since they are members of one body of Christ (Rom 12:4–5; 1 Cor 12:25–26).

12:16 Think the same thing Describes having the same mindset (Rom 15:5–6).

12:17 Pay back no one evil for evil This instruction seems to draw on the teaching of Jesus (see Matt 5:39).

12:18 be at peace with all people Although believers will encounter opposition, Paul urges them to live peacefully, not taking revenge upon those who wrong them.

12:20 coals of fire upon his head Paul cites Prov 25:21–22 to encourage believers to show their enemies undeserved kindness, which might elicit a response of shame and perhaps repentance. This approach leaves room God to render punishment if He chooses (Rom 12:19).

12:21 overcome evil with good Describes the consequence of the Christian ethics in vv. 14–20. Good will prevail over evil when Christians respond to their enemies with love and blessings instead of revenge and curses.