Romans 12:8

ὁ παρακαλῶν. S. Paul is not thinking only of gifts qualifying for office, but of all gifts which help the society and its members. So here of the gift of stimulus or encouragement, especially in the application of truth to conduct; cf. 1 Timothy 6:2; Titus 1:9; Titus 2:15.

ὁ μεταδιδοὺς κ.τ.λ. Here and in the two following clauses we have to supply an imperative from the participle.

ἁπλότητι, liberality; cf. 2 Corinthians 8:2; 2 Corinthians 9:11; 2 Corinthians 9:13; James 1:5; where see Hort: S. Paul’s use seems to be definitely = liberality.

ὁ προϊστάμενος, very general, for any one in a position of control or guidance; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 3:4 f., Romans 5:17 (alibi Titus 3:8; Titus 3:14).

ὁ ἐλεῶν, only here and Jude 1:22 (outside the Gospels) of human mercy, ἐν ἱλ. cf. Sirach 32. (35.):11, Proverbs 22:8 S. H.; perhaps there is a special reference to works of compassion, with almsgiving or healing. Cf. ἐλεημοσύνη, Matthew 6:2 f.