Romans 12:11

not slothful in business Better, in point of earnest diligence, not slothful. The precept includesan exhortation to thoroughness in earthly duty, but much more besides.

fervent in spirit Better, as regards the spirit, fervent. "The spirit" here probably means the human spirit, though the grammar admits as easily a reference to the Holy Spirit. The context, which hitherto has referred to the acts of human thought and energy, favours the reference to man'sspirit, renewed and animated by grace. Same words as Acts 18:25. Cp. Acts 17:16.

serving the Lord Another reading, but inferior on many grounds, is serving the occasion; the Gr. originals of "Lord" and "occasion" being very similar in form. It is well remarked (by De Wette, in Alford,) that "the Christian should certainly employthe opportunity, but not serveit." He will often have to go apparently counter to it, in the path of duty. The special mention of bondservice to the Lordhere is perhaps due to the last two clauses: the diligenceand the fervourof the Christian are to be elevated and regulated by his consciousness of sacred bondservice.