Be . . . mind . i.e. Be in brotherly sympathy with. mind . Greek. phroneo. See Romans 8:5 . toward . App-104 . high things. Compare Romans 12:3 . condescend = literally be carried away with. Greek. sunapagomai. Only here, Galatians 1:2 , Gal 1:13 . 2 Peter 3:17 . men . . . estate = the lowly (ones). Be . . . conceits . Proverbs 3:7 . Be = Become. wise = prudent. Greek. phronimos . Occurance: Romans 11:25 . read more
Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.Godet observed that this verse is commonly understood as a reference to good feeling among members of the church, a meaning which he rejected as being contrary to all sound exegesis, saying:The only possible meaning is: "aiming at the same object for one another as for yourselves"; that is to say, having each the same solicitude for the temporal and... read more
Romans 12:16. Be of the same mind, &c.— Be entirely united in your regards for each other. Doddridge. Whitby paraphrases it, "Desire the same things for others, that you do for yourselves, and would have them desire for you." Dr. Heylin unites this with the preceding verse, and renders them as follows: Live in a mutual sympathy, so as to rejoice with those who are in joy, and compassionate those who are in grief. Do not aspire to high things, but be contented with mean things. read more
16. Be—"Being" of the same mind one toward another—The feeling of the common bond which binds all Christians to each other, whatever diversity of station, cultivation, temperament, or gifts may obtain among them, is the thing here enjoined. This is next taken up in detail. Mind not—"not minding" high things—that is, Cherish not ambitious or aspiring purposes and desires. As this springs from selfish severance of our own interests and objects from those of our brethren, so it is quite... read more
B. Conduct within the church 12:3-21Every Christian has the same duty toward God, namely, dedication (Romans 12:1-2). Nevertheless the will of God for one Christian will differ from His will for another concerning life and ministry within the body of Christ (Romans 12:3-21). read more
2. The necessity of love 12:9-21Romans 12:9-13 deal with the importance of demonstrating love to fellow believers, and Romans 12:14-21 broaden this responsibility to include wider application to non-believers. Note the similarity with Jesus’ instructions in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)."From the thought of humility the idea of love naturally follows, for humility will necessarily express itself in affection for those around." [Note: Griffith Thomas, St. Paul’s Epistle . . ., p. 337.]... read more
The first part of this verse means "Have equal regard for one another" (NEB). Feelings of superiority are neither realistic nor appropriate for those who owe all to God’s grace. read more
12:16 lowly. (d-17) Or 'with what is lowly.' read more
The Conseceated Life. The Law of LoveThe doctrinal part of the Epistle being finished, St. Paul now turns to practical exhortation. God’s mercy, shown in the gospel set forth in the previous chapters, calls for the sacrifice of ourselves to do His will (Romans 12:1-2), by the humble and devoted use of God’s spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8), and in love (Romans 12:9-21).1-21. Paraphrase. ’(1) God’s redeeming love should be answered by the true sacrifice and spiritual ritual service of a life of... read more
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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