Chapter 12:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Luther
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Acts 1 Corinthians
Romans 12
Concise Complete
Believers are to dedicate themselves to God. (1,2) To be
humble, and faithfully to use their spiritual gifts, in their respective
stations. (3-8) Exhortations to various duties. (9-16) And to peaceable conduct
towards all men, with forbearance and benevolence. (17-21)
Verses 1-2 The
apostle having closed the part of his epistle wherein he argues and proves
various doctrines which are practically applied, here urges important duties
from gospel principles. He entreated the Romans, as his brethren in Christ, by
the mercies of God, to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to Him. This
is a powerful appeal. We receive from the Lord every day the fruits of his
mercy. Let us render ourselves; all we are, all we have, all we can do: and
after all, what return is it for such very rich receivings? It is acceptable to
God: a reasonable service, which we are able and ready to give a reason for, and
which we understand. Conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the mind;
a change, not of the substance, but of the qualities of the soul. The progress
of sanctification, dying to sin more and more, and living to righteousness more
and more, is the carrying on this renewing work, till it is perfected in glory.
The great enemy to this renewal is, conformity to this world. Take heed of
forming plans for happiness, as though it lay in the things of this world, which
soon pass away. Do not fall in with the customs of those who walk in the lusts
of the flesh, and mind earthly things. The work of the Holy Ghost first begins
in the understanding, and is carried on to the will, affections, and
conversation, till there is a change of the whole man into the likeness of God,
in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. Thus, to be godly, is to give up
ourselves to God.
Verses 3-8 Pride
is a sin in us by nature; we need to be cautioned and armed against it. All the
saints make up one body in Christ, who is the Head of the body, and the common
Centre of their unity. In the spiritual body, some are fitted for and called to
one sort of work; others for another sort of work. We are to do all the good we
can, one to another, and for the common benefit. If we duly thought about the
powers we have, and how far we fail properly to improve them, it would humble
us. But as we must not be proud of our talents, so we must take heed lest, under
a pretence of humility and self-denial, we are slothful in laying out ourselves
for the good of others. We must not say, I am nothing, therefore I will sit
still, and do nothing; but, I am nothing in myself, and therefore I will lay out
myself to the utmost, in the strength of the grace of Christ. Whatever our gifts
or situations may be, let us try to employ ourselves humbly, diligently,
cheerfully, and in simplicity; not seeking our own credit or profit, but the
good of many, for this world and that which is to come.
Verses 9-16 The
professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit,
and unmeaning and deceitful compliments. Depending on Divine grace, they must
detest and dread all evil, and love and delight in whatever is kind and useful.
We must not only do that which is good, but we must cleave to it. All our duty
towards one another is summed up in one word, love. This denotes the love of
parents to their children; which is more tender and natural than any other;
unforced, unconstrained. And love to God and man, with zeal for the gospel, will
make the wise Christian diligent in all his wordly business, and in gaining
superior skill. God must be served with the spirit, under the influences of the
Holy Spirit. He is honoured by our hope and trust in him, especially when we
rejoice in that hope. He is served, not only by working for him, but by sitting
still quietly, when he calls us to suffer. Patience for God's sake, is true
piety. Those that rejoice in hope, are likely to be patient in tribulation. We
should not be cold in the duty of prayer, nor soon weary of it. Not only must
there be kindness to friends and brethren, but Christians must not harbour anger
against enemies. It is but mock love, which rests in words of kindness, while
our brethren need real supplies, and it is in our power to furnish them. Be
ready to entertain those who do good: as there is occasion, we must welcome
strangers. Bless, and curse not. It means thorough good will; not, bless them
when at prayer, and curse them at other times; but bless them always, and curse
not at all. True Christian love will make us take part in the sorrows and joys
of each other. Labour as much as you can to agree in the same spiritual truths;
and when you come short of that, yet agree in affection. Look upon worldly pomp
and dignity with holy contempt. Do not mind it; be not in love with it. Be
reconciled to the place God in his providence puts you in, whatever it be.
Nothing is below us, but sin. We shall never find in our hearts to condescend to
others, while we indulge conceit of ourselves; therefore that must be mortified.
Verses 17-21
Since men became enemies to God, they have been very ready to be enemies one to
another. And those that embrace religion, must expect to meet with enemies in a
world whose smiles seldom agree with Christ's. Recompense to no man evil for
evil. That is a brutish recompence, befitting only animals, which are not
conscious of any being above them, or of any existence hereafter. And not only
do, but study and take care to do, that which is amiable and creditable, and
recommends religion to all with whom you converse. Study the things that make
for peace; if it be possible, without offending God and wounding conscience.
Avenge not yourselves. This is a hard lesson to corrupt nature, therefore a
remedy against it is added. Give place unto wrath. When a man's passion is up,
and the stream is strong, let it pass off; lest it be made to rage the more
against us. The line of our duty is clearly marked out, and if our enemies are
not melted by persevering kindness, we are not to seek vengeance; they will be
consumed by the fiery wrath of that God to whom vengeance belongeth. The last
verse suggests what is not easily understood by the world; that in all strife
and contention, those that revenge are conquered, and those that forgive are
conquerors. Be not overcome of evil. Learn to defeat ill designs against you,
either to change them, or to preserve your own peace. He that has this rule over
his spirit, is better than the mighty. God's children may be asked whether it is
not more sweet unto them than all earthly good, that God so enables them by his
Spirit, thus to feel and act.
Chapter 12:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Luther
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Acts 1 Corinthians
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
