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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:3-5

Membership in Christ. The great principles laid down at the outset of this chapter have to be followed out into practice. Paul shows how consecration and renewal are to manifest themselves in actual life, and how the will of God is to be practically proved. In so doing—perhaps because he is writing to a Church, and not to an individual—he first treats of the obligations of social Christianity, and shows how members of a brotherhood ought to act in their association with one another, in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:3-8

Diversity and unity in the Church of Christ. The subject of union among the various branches of the Church of Christ is one to which much attention has of late years been turned. The efforts of the Evangelical Alliance have been largely directed to secure a more brotherly relationship and more hearty co-operation between the different denominations of Christians. Some Christians desire an organic union of all sections of the Church, but the passage before us indicates that there may be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:3-8

Christian humility. The life of Christian consecration is now set forth in its practical bearings. We have life in the Church, including its attitude towards those that are without ( Romans 12:1-21 .), and life in the state ( Romans 13:1-14 .). The life of members of the Church, as such, is set forth as controlled by two great vital principles: humility, as regards one's self; love, as regards others. Here the grace of humility is insisted on, as regulating each one's thoughts and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:4-5

For as in one body we have many members, but all the members have not the same office; so we, the many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another . The illustration of the body with its members to set forth the mutual dependence on each other of the several members of the Church with their several gifts and functions, and the importance of all for the well-being of the whole, is further carried out in 1 Corinthians 12:12 , seq. In Ephesians 1:22 and Ephesians 4:15 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:4-8

Churchmanship. Having seen what Christian individualism is meant to be in the preceding verses, we now enter upon the wider relation of Churchmanship. For the apostle is not here speaking of human nature in its social aspects, as we find it so powerfully expounded for us in Bishop Butler's 'Sermons upon Human Nature,' but in its Church aspect, the relation of the individual to the one body which has its organic existence "in Christ." The apostle would have us to believe that we are... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 12:3

For I say - The word “for” shows that the apostle is about to introduce some additional considerations to enforce what he had just said, or to show how we may evince a mind that is not conformed to the world.Through the grace - Through the favor, or in virtue of the favor of the apostolic office. By the authority that is conferred on me to declare the will of God as an apostle; see the note at Romans 1:5; see also Galatians 1:6, Galatians 1:15; Galatians 2:9; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:14.Not... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 12:4

For - This word here denotes a further illustration or proof of what he had just before said. The duty to which he was exhorting the Romans was, not to be unduly exalted or elevated in their own estimation. In order to produce proper humility, he shows them that God has appointed certain orders or grades in the church; that all are useful in their proper place; that we should seek to discharge our duty in our appropriate sphere; and thus that due subordination and order would be observed. To... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Romans 12:3

Romans 12:3. For I say As if he had said, You must be renewed, in order that you may walk as it is your indispensable duty and great privilege to do. He proceeds to show what that will of God is, which he had just spoken of: through the grace which is given to me He chiefly means, given him as an inspired apostle, whereby he was qualified and authorized to direct the believers at Rome, in their duty in general, and in the exercise of their gifts, and the execution of their offices in... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Romans 12:4-8

Romans 12:4-8. For as we have many members The apostle proceeds to illustrate his advice by a comparison taken from the members of the human body. All members have not the same office But different members are appointed to different purposes. So we Several believers, having different gifts and offices; are one body All make up one body under Christ the head; and members one of another Closely connected together, and nearly related to one another, and so bound to be helpful to one... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Romans 12:1-21

12:1-15:13 CHRISTIAN FAITH IN PRACTICEResponsibilities and relationships (12:1-21)For eleven chapters Paul has been explaining what God in his mercy has done, and will yet do, for repentant sinners. Now he reminds those who have experienced this mercy that the most fitting act of worship by which they can show their thanks is to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. No longer are they to think and act like non-Christians. Their minds must be changed so that they see issues from a... read more

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