I exhort you — St. Paul uses to suit his exhortations to the doctrines he has been delivering. So here the general use from the whole is contained in Romans 12:1. The particular uses follow, from the third verse to the end of the Epistle. By the tender mercies of God — The whole sentiment is derived... [ Continue Reading ]
And be not conformed — Neither in judgment, spirit, nor behaviour. To this world — Which, neglecting the will of God, entirely follows its own. That ye may prove — Know by sure trial; which is easily done by him who has thus presented himself to God. What is that good, and acceptable, and perfect wi... [ Continue Reading ]
And I say — He now proceeds to show what that will of God is. Through the grace which is given to me — He modestly adds this, lest he should seem to forget his own direction. To every one that is among you — Believers at Rome. Happy, had they always remembered this! The measure of faith — Treated of... [ Continue Reading ]
So we — All believers. Are one body — Closely connected together in Christ, and consequently ought to be helpful to each other.... [ Continue Reading ]
Having then gifts differing according to the grace which is given us — Gifts are various: grace is one. Whether it be prophecy — This, considered as an extraordinary gift, is that whereby heavenly mysteries are declared to men, or things to come foretold. But it seems here to mean the ordinary gift... [ Continue Reading ]
Ministering — As deacons. He that teacheth — Catechumens; for whom particular instructers were appointed. He that exhorteth — Whose peculiar business it was to urge Christians to duty, and to comfort them in trials.... [ Continue Reading ]
He that presideth — That hath the care of a flock. He that showeth mercy — In any instance. With cheerfulness — Rejoicing that he hath such an opportunity.... [ Continue Reading ]
Having spoken of faith and its fruit, Romans 12:3, &c., he comes now to love. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good — Both inwardly and outwardly, whatever ill — will or danger may follow.... [ Continue Reading ]
In honour preferring one another — Which you will do, if you habitually consider what is good in others, and what is evil in yourselves.... [ Continue Reading ]
Whatsoever ye do, do it with your might. In every business diligently and fervently serving the Lord — Doing all to God, not to man.... [ Continue Reading ]
Rejoicing in hope — Of perfect holiness and everlasting happiness. Hitherto of faith and love; now of hope also, see the fifth and eighth chapters; afterwards of duties toward others; saints, Romans 12:13 persecutors, Romans 12:14 friends, strangers, enemies, Romans 12:15, &c.... [ Continue Reading ]
Communicate to the necessities of the saints — Relieve all Christians that are in want. It is remarkable, that the apostle, treating expressly of the duties flowing from the communion of saints, yet never says one word about the dead. Pursue hospitality — Not only embracing those that offer, but see... [ Continue Reading ]
Curse not — No, not in your heart.... [ Continue Reading ]
Rejoice — The direct opposite to weeping is laughter; but this does not so well suit a Christian.... [ Continue Reading ]
Mind not high things — Desire not riches, honour, or the company of the great.... [ Continue Reading ]
Provide — Think beforehand; contrive to give as little offence as may be to any.... [ Continue Reading ]
Dearly beloved — So he softens the rugged spirit. Revenge not yourselves, but leave that to God. Perhaps it might more properly be rendered, leave room for wrath; that is, the wrath of God, to whom vengeance properly belongs. Deuteronomy 32:35... [ Continue Reading ]
Feed him — With your own hand: if it be needful, even put bread into his mouth. Heap coals of fire upon his head — That part which is most sensible. "So artists melt the sullen ore of lead, By heaping coals of fire upon its head; In the kind warmth the metal learns to glow, And pure from dross the... [ Continue Reading ]
And if you see no present fruit, yet persevere. Be not overcome with evil — As all are who avenge themselves. But overcome evil with good. Conquer your enemies by kindness and patience.... [ Continue Reading ]