Romans 12:9

9. The classification of the following clauses is not systematic: some refer to duties to Christians, some to non-Christians, some to both; and the different references are intermixed (cf. τῇ θλίψει, Romans 12:12; εὐλογεῖτε κ.τ.λ. 14). Throughout recognised characteristics or conditions of the Christian life are named, and the temper of mind enjoined in which they should be exercised or treated. These commands, then, elements of Christian law, are not rules of action but principles of conduct. The Christian law is not embodied in external precepts, but in the example of Christ, adopted by faith. The contrast with the Jewish law is exactly the same as in the Sermon on the Mount. The particulars can all be signally paralleled from the Gospel account of Jesus.

9. ἡ�. As in 1 Corinthians 13. S. Paul passes from the question of χαρίσματα to a καθ' ὑπερβολὴν ὁδός, the way of love, so here in passing to an enumeration of instances of Christian character in general, as distinct from special gifts, he begins with ἀγάπη. It is to be observed that all these characteristics are the result of the ‘power for salvation’ which the Gospel brings; and they illustrate the metamorphosis which character undergoes to become Christian.

ἀνυπόκριτος, ‘without dissimulation’ A.V., ‘without hypocrisy’ R.V.; better perhaps ‘unfeigned.’ ὑπόκριτος = playing a part, unreality being implied; cf. 2 Corinthians 6:6; 1 Timothy 1:5 (πίστις); 1 Peter 1:22. Christian love must be real.

ἀποστυγοῦντες κ.τ.λ. This clause insists on the necessity of an uncompromising moral standard, easily ignored by any merely class morality or forgotten by a sentimental benevolence. The moral sternness of the Gospel is here strongly represented; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (but there the reference is more limited). S. H. connect this clause with the preceding, and take τὸ πονηρὸν and τὸ� to mean the evil and good in others; but this is farfetched, and blunts the point of both injunctions. The participles express avoidance and adherence in the strongest possible way.

τὸ πονηρόν. The only certain instance of the substantival neuter of this adj. in N. T.; exc. Luke 6:45 |[244] Mt., wh. compare.

[244] | parallel to

κολλώμενοι, gen. in N. T. with dat. of person, but cf. Acts 8:29; freq. in Patr. Apost., qu. Did. 5, 2.