Text -- Romans 12:5-21 (NET)

12:5 so we who are many are one body in Christ, and individually we are members who belong to one another. 12:6 And we have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in proportion to his faith. 12:7 If it is service, he must serve; if it is teaching, he must teach; 12:8 if it is exhortation, he must exhort; if it is contributing, he must do so with sincerity; if it is leadership, he must do so with diligence; if it is showing mercy, he must do so with cheerfulness.

Conduct in Love

12:9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. 12:10 Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. 12:11 Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord. 12:12 Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer. 12:13 Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality. 12:14 Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 12:16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited. 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people. 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 12:20 Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Rom 12:6

¹ tn This word comes from the same root as “grace” in the following clause; it means “things graciously given,” “grace-gifts.”

NET Notes: Rom 12:9

¹ tn The verb “must be” is understood in the Greek text.

NET Notes: Rom 12:16

¹ tn Or “but give yourselves to menial tasks.” The translation depends on whether one takes the adjective “lowly” as masculine or neuter.

² tn Grk “Do not be wise in your thinking.”

NET Notes: Rom 12:17

¹ tn Here ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo") is used as a generic and refers to both men and women.

NET Notes: Rom 12:18

¹ tn Here ἄνθρωπος (anqrwpo") is used as a generic and refers to both men and women.

NET Notes: Rom 12:19

¹ tn Grk “the wrath,” referring to God’s wrath as the remainder of the verse shows.

² sn A quotation from Deut 32:35.

NET Notes: Rom 12:20

¹ sn A quotation from Prov 25:21-22.