Romans 12:2 NIV

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 12:1-2

12:1-2 Brothers, I call upon you, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies to him, a living, consecrated sacrifice, well-pleasing to God--for that is the only kind of worship which is truly spiritual. And do not shape your lives to meet the fleeting fashions of this world; but be transformed from it, by the renewal of your mind, until the very essence of your being is altered, so that, in your own life, you may prove that the will of God is good and well pleasing and perfect. Here we... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world ,.... By this world is meant, either the Mosaic dispensation, and Jewish church state, so called in opposition to עולם הבא , "the world to come", the Gospel dispensation; in which there were a worldly sanctuary, and the rites and ceremonies of which are styled the rudiments and elements of the world; to which believers in the present state are by no means to conform, there being sacrifices and ordinances of another nature, it is the will of God they... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world - By this world, αιωνι τουτῳ , may be understood that present state of things both among the Jews and Gentiles; the customs and fashions of the people who then lived, the Gentiles particularly, who had neither the power nor the form of godliness; though some think that the Jewish economy, frequently termed הזה עולם olam hazzeh , this world, this peculiar state of things, is alone intended. And the apostle warns them against reviving usages that... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:2

Verse 2 2.And conform ye not to this world, etc. The term world has several significations, but here it means the sentiments and the morals of men; to which, not without cause, he forbids us to conform. For since the whole world lies in wickedness, it behooves us to put off whatever we have of the old man, if we would really put on Christ: and to remove all doubt, he explains what he means, by stating what is of a contrary nature; for he bids us to be transformed into a newness of mind. These... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:1-2

The living sacrifice. The great argument of the Epistle to the Romans is to the effect that God's favour is not to be earned, but accepted, and this is justification by faith. The earlier chapters dealt with this; and the apostle now proceeds to a development of the doctrine which completely reverses the old ideas. Judaism sought mercy by sacrifice and service; St. Paul teaches that God seeks man's true sacrifice and service by showing mercy. We are to come to him, not that he may love us... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:1-3

Individualism. After the lengthened exposition of the Divine "mercies" given in the preceding eleven chapters, the apostle feels himself in a position to apply the truth and enforce Christian morals. He accordingly proceeds to base his exhortation upon the "mercies of God," and the flint matter he urges is becoming individuality. These brethren at Rome ought to dedicate themselves as living sacrifices unto God, realizing how reasonable such a service is, and exhibiting due unworldliness of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to (rather, fashioned after; the verb is συσχηματίζεσθαι this world; but be ye transformed (the verb here is μεταμορφοῦσθαι ) by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove (or, discern ) what is the will of God, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (So, rather than as in the Authorized Version; the epithets acceptable and perfect not being properly applicable to the will of God; and the translation given above being close to the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:2

Spiritual transformation. The Apostle Paul was great both in theoretical and in practical thought. Truth and duty were equally his themes. He could introduce new ideas into men's minds, and that with a force which made the ideas part of the minds into which they were introduced. And, at the same time, he could show the bearing of the grandest ideas upon the commonest actions and the homeliest life. This is a combination of qualities not always found even in the greatest of men. It was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:2

The two likenesses. The exhortation contained in this verse regards the human mind as impressionable, pliable, susceptible. It is especially addressed to Christians. There are two forms which seek to impress themselves upon the Christian, and the image of which every Christian bears in greater or less degree. The one is likeness to the world; the other is likeness to God. I. LIKENESS TO THE WORLD . Against this the apostle warns the Christian: "Be not conformed to this world." ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:2

Christian character a metamorphosis. Advice as to conduct, in order to be complete, should be both negative and positive in exhortation; it should say what ought to be done as well as what ought to be avoided. Christianity repels from evil and attracts to goodness. He runs best who not only flees from peril, but knows the refuge for which to shape his course. I. NOT THE FASHION OF THE AGE , BUT THE WILL OF GOD , IS THE TRUE STANDARD OF DUTY . The... read more

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 12:1-2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 12:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:2

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:1-2

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:2

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