Romans 12#Verse 1
{{New Testament chapter short description}}
{{Bible chapter|letname=Romans 12|previouslink= Romans 11 |previousletter= chapter 11 |nextlink= Romans 13 |nextletter= chapter 13 |book= Epistle to the Romans |biblepart=New Testament | booknum= 6 |category= Pauline epistles | filename= Codex Carolinus (Knittel edition).PNG |size=250px |caption=Romans 11:33–12:1 on Knittel's edition of Codex Carolinus}}
Romans 12 is the twelfth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle, while he was in Corinth in the mid-50s AD,{{sfn|Hill|2007|p=1084}} with the help of an amanuensis (secretary), Tertius, who adds his own greeting in Romans 16:22.{{cite book|last=Donaldson | first= Terence L. |chapter = 63. Introduction to the Pauline Corpus | title=The Oxford Bible Commentary | editor-first1=John| editor-last1=Barton | editor-first2=John| editor-last2= Muddiman | publisher = Oxford University Press |edition= first (paperback) | date = 2007 | pages = 1077 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZJdVkgEACAAJ | isbn = 978-0199277186}}
According to Martin Luther,{{quote|In chapter 12, St. Paul teaches the true liturgy and makes all Christians priests, so that they may offer, not money or cattle, as priests do in the Law, but their own bodies, by putting their desires to death. Next he describes the outward conduct of Christians whose lives are governed by the Spirit; he tells how they teach, preach, rule, serve, give, suffer, love, live and act toward friend, foe and everyone. These are the works that a Christian does, for, as I have said, faith is not idle.Luther, M., [http://www.ccel.org/l/luther/romans/pref_romans.html Preface to the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans], translated by Andrew Thornton, OSB, 1983, accessed on 23 October 2024}}
Text
File:Codex Carolinus Tischendorf (Monumenta p. 155).PNG (Monumenta, page 155).]]
File:Codex Guelferbytanus 64 Weissenburgensis, page 00507.JPG with Romans 12:17–13:1 of Codex Carolinus at the lower layer; and Isidore of Seville's writings at the upper layer in reverse.]]
The original text was written in Koine Greek. This chapter is divided into 21 verses.
=Textual witnesses=
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter are:
- In Greek:
- Codex Vaticanus (AD 325–350)
- Codex Sinaiticus (330–360)
- Codex Alexandrinus (400–440)
- In Gothic language
- Codex Carolinus (6th/7th century; extant verses 1–5, 17–21)
- In Latin
- Codex Carolinus (6th/7th century; extant verses 1–5, 17–21)
=Old Testament references=
- Romans 12:19 references Deuteronomy 32:35{{cite web|url=https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/The-Epistle-to-the-Romanes_12_1611/|title=Biblical concordances of Romans 12 in the 1611 King James Version}}
- Romans 12:20 references Proverbs 25:21,22
A living sacrifice and the renewal of minds (verses 1–2)
=Verse 1=
{{quote|I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.|Romans 12:1, New King James Version{{bibleverse|Romans|12:1|NKJV}}: NKJV}}
The first letter of Peter uses a similar expressions:
{{quote|You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ|1 Peter 2:5, New King James Version{{bibleverse|1 Peter|2:5|NKJV}}}}
The word "therefore" links Paul's general exhortation to holiness with the foregoing verses in Romans 11 (Romans 11:33-36), "where the riches of God were described as, and shown to be, imparted apart from merit", although there have been a number of theologians who have treated "therefore" as following on from "the whole dogmatic part of the epistle, beginning with Romans 1:16".
Paul speaks of "reasonable service (worship)", ({{langx|grc|τὴν λογικὴν λατρείαν|tēn logikēn latreian|label=none}}) in contrast to the {{langx|grc|λατρεια|latreia|worship|label=none}} which formed part of the Jewish covenant with God (Romans 9:4).{{bibleverse|Romans|9:4}} Lutheran theologian Johann Albrecht Bengel summarises the contrasts to which Paul refers:
{{quote|The service [worship], {{lang|grc|λατρέια}}, of the Gentiles is unreasonable, {{lang|grc|ἄλογος}}, (cf. Romans 1:18–25), the confidence of the Jews is unreasonable, {{lang|grc|ἄλογος}}, Romans 2:3), but the Christian considers all things rightly, and collects [infers] his duty from the kindness of a merciful God. The epithet {{lang|grc|λογικὴν}} now corresponds to that verb, {{lang|grc|λογίζεσθαι}}, which is often used (Romans 3:28, Romans 6:11 and Romans 8:18).[http://biblehub.com/commentaries/bengel/romans/12.htm Bengel's Gnomon] on Romans 12, accessed 28 September 2016}}
=Verse 2=
{{quote|And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.|Romans 12:2, New King James Version{{bibleverse|Romans|12:2|NKJV}}: NKJV}}
- "Be conformed": translated from {{langx|grc|συσχηματίζεσθε|{{Strong-number|syschēmatizesthe|G|4964}}|label=none}} 'to become like-shaped';Meyer, Heinrich August Wilhelm (1880). [http://biblehub.com/commentaries/meyer/romans/12.htm Commentary on the New Testament, Romans 12]. Translation by Peter Christie from the German sixth edition, accessed February 14, 2019. same word as 1 Peter 1:14{{bibleverse|1 Peter|1:14}} The verb is based on the Greek noun {{transliteration|grc|schema}}, indicating a 'form' that is external rather than internal, which occurs in 1 Corinthians 7:31{{bibleverse|1 Corinthians|7:31|KJV}} ("the fashion of this world") and Philippians 2:8{{bibleverse|Philippians|2:8|KJV}} ("in fashion as a man").
- "To this world": 'This world' here is used in the sense of 'this age'.Note [a] on Romans 12:2 in ESV; the Greek text has τω αιωνι τουτω (tō aiōni toutō) The same phrase appears in Matthew 12:32; Luke 16:8;{{bibleverse|Luke|16:8}} 1 Corinthians 1:20;{{bibleverse|1 Corinthians|1:20}} 1 Corinthians 2:6;{{bibleverse|1 Corinthians|2:6}} 1 Corinthians 2:8;{{bibleverse|1 Corinthians|2:8}} 1 Corinthians 3:18;{{bibleverse|1 Corinthians|3:18}} 2 Corinthians 4:3;{{bibleverse|2 Corinthians|4:4}} Galatians 1:4;{{bibleverse|Galatians|1:4}} Ephesians 1:21;{{bibleverse|Ephesians|1:21}} 1 Timothy 6:17;{{bibleverse|1 Timothy|6:17}} 2 Timothy 4:10;{{bibleverse|2 Timothy|4:10}} and Titus 2:12.{{bibleverse|Titus|2:12}}
- "Be transformed": translated from Greek {{langx|grc|μεταμορφοῦσθε|{{Strong-number|metamorphousthe|G|3339}}|label=none}}[https://biblehub.com/text/romans/12-2.htm Greek Text Analysis: Romans 12:2]. Biblehub having a root verb {{transliteration|grc|metamorphóō}} (the root of the English terms metamorphosis and metamorphize; from {{transliteration|grc|{{Strong-number|metá|G|3326}}}}, 'change after being with' and {{transliteration|grc|{{Strong-number|morphóō|G|3445}}}}, 'changing form in keeping with inner reality') meaning 'transformed after being with'; 'transfigured',HELP Word-studies in
[https://biblehub.com/greek/3339.htm Strong's Concordance 3339 metamorphóō]. Biblehub occurring 4 times in the New Testament,[https://biblehub.com/greek/3339.htm Strong's Concordance 3339 metamorphóō]. Biblehub including in Matthew 17:2,{{bibleverse|Matthew|17:2}} Mark 9:2{{bibleverse|Mark|9:2}} ('was transfigured', applied to Jesus), this verse, and 2 Corinthians 3:18{{bibleverse|2 Corinthians|3:18}} ('are changed').Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges. [http://biblehub.com/commentaries/cambridge/romans/12.htm Romans 12]. Accessed 28 April 2019.
Exhortations for the Christian community (verses 3–8)
Verses 3–8 take the form of sermon, closely paralleled by 1 Corinthians 12:12–28.{{bibleverse|1 Corinthians|12:12–28}}{{sfn|Hill|2007|p=1104}} Paul starts the exhortation first to the humility and Christian unity, reflecting that he writes from Corinth, "the native habitat of spiritual pride and factional division" (cf. 1 Corinthians 1–4).{{sfn|Hill|2007|p=1104}} A major difference with the epistle to the Corinthians is that the list of gifts in verses 6–8 includes gifts of exhortation, generosity, and compassion but not deeds of power, healings, and tongues as found in 1 Corinthians 12:28.{{bibleverse|1 Corinthians|12:28}}{{sfn|Hill|2007|p=1104}} In Romans the gifts are not related specifically to the activity of the Holy Spirit.{{sfn|Hill|2007|p=1104}}
=Verse 3=
{{quote|For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.|Romans 12:3, New King James Version{{bibleverse|Romans|12:3|NKJV}} NKJV}}
- "Through the grace given to me": translated from Greek {{langx|grc|διὰ τῆς χάριτος τῆς δοθείσης μοι|{{Strong-number|dia|G|1223}} {{Strong-number|tēs|G|3588}} {{Strong-number|charitos|G|5485}} {{Strong-number|tēs|G|3588}} {{Strong-number|dotheisēs|G|1325}} {{Strong-number|moi|G|1473}}|label=none}};[https://biblehub.com/text/romans/12-3.htm Greek Text Analysis: Romans 12:3]. Biblehub 'by means of (in virtue of) the divine grace bestowed on me'; which characterizes Paul's apostleship (1 Corinthians 15:10;{{bibleverse|1 Corinthians|15:10}} cf. Romans 15:15;{{bibleverse|Romans|15:15}} 1 Corinthians 3:10;{{bibleverse|1 Corinthians|3:10}} Ephesians 3:7–8).{{bibleverse|Ephesians|3:7-8}}
=Verse 4=
:Each one of us has a body with many parts, and these parts all have different uses. {{bibleverse|Romans|12:4|NCV}} NCV
Heinrich Meyer criticised the Dutch theologian {{ill|Wessel Albertus van Hengel|de}} for interpreting μέλη πάντα, melē panta, as if it read οὐ πάντα, ou panta, meaning "not all the parts".
=Verse 5=
:so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.{{bibleverse|Romans|12:5|NKJV}}: NKJV
Love in action (verses 9–21)
Described by Moo as "love and its manifestations", verses 9–21 are proverbial in tone, a style known as {{transliteration|grc|parenesis}}. Some verses echo the Old Testament, notably 16c, 19c, and 20, while others are reflections of Jesus' teachings (especially 14, 17, 18 and 21).{{Cite book|title=The Epistle to the Romans|series=The New International Commentary on the New Testament|others=Frederick Fyvie Bruce (series editor)|author=Douglas J. Moo|author-link=Douglas J. Moo|publisher=Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing|date=1996|id={{ISBN|9780802823175}}|pages=769–773}}
William Barclay suggests that in verses 9 to 13, "Paul presents his people with [twelve] telegraphic rules for everyday life".Barclay, W., (1975), The Daily Study Bible Series, Revised Edition: The Letter to the Romans, accessed 27 September 2016
=Verses 17–21=
Verses 17–21 form a chiasm, bracketed by lines containing the word "evil" – verse 17a and verse 21. The next layer comprising verses 17b–18 and verse 20, deals with the way to treat non-Christians. The central portion is the prohibition of vengeance.
=Verse 19=
{{quote|Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.|Romans 12:19, New King James Version{{bibleverse|Romans|12:19|NKJV}} NKJV}}
Part of this verse – "I will repay" or in older translations "vengeance is mine" ("Vengeance is mine, and recompense", in the English Standard Version) – is a quotation from Deuteronomy 32:35.{{bibleverse|Deuteronomy|32:35}} Paul's instruction here is not to be vengeful: John Wycliffe and his colleagues translated it as "not defending yourselves" (Romans 12:19).{{bibleverse|Romans|12:19|WYC}}
=Verse 21=
{{quote|Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.|Romans 12:21, New King James Version{{bibleverse|Romans|12:21|NKJV}} NKJV}}
This verse is a comprehensive summary of Romans 12:19–20, that is, "be not carried away to revenge and retaliation (verse 19) by evil which is committed against you, but overcome the evil by the good which you show to your enemy (verse 20), put to shame by your noble spirit, ceases to act malignantly against you and becomes your friend".[https://whenyouneedgod.com/what-is-the-real-meaning-of-romans-1218-deep-dive-bible-study-commentary/ REAL Meaning of Romans 12:18]
See also
- Spiritual gift
- Related Bible parts: Deuteronomy 32, 1 Corinthians 12
References
{{Reflist}}
Bibliography
- {{cite book
|last= Coogan
|first = Michael David
|title = The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books: New Revised Standard Version, Issue 48
|editor-last1=Coogan
|editor-first1=Michael David
|editor-first2=Marc Zvi
|editor-last2= Brettler
|editor-first3=Carol Ann
|editor-last3= Newsom
|editor-first4= Pheme
|editor-last4= Perkins
|edition=Augmented 3rd
|publisher = Oxford University Press
|year =2007
|isbn = 9780195288810
|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=HmpMPgAACAAJ
}}
- {{cite book|last=Hill | first= Craig C. |chapter = 64. Romans | title=The Oxford Bible Commentary | editor-first1=John| editor-last1=Barton | editor-first2=John| editor-last2= Muddiman | publisher = Oxford University Press |edition= first (paperback) | date = 2007 | pages = 1083–1108 | isbn = 978-0199277186 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZJdVkgEACAAJ| access-date=February 6, 2019}}
External links
- {{bibleverse|Romans|12|KJV}} King James Bible - Wikisource
- [http://www.latinvulgate.com/lv/verse.aspx?t=1&b=6&c=12 English Translation with Parallel Latin Vulgate]
- [http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php?passage=Romans+12 Online Bible at GospelHall.org] (ESV, KJV, Darby, American Standard Version, Bible in Basic English)
- [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=12 Multiple bible versions at Bible Gateway] (NKJV, NIV, NRSV etc.)
{{Epistle to the Romans}}