Romans 12:3-13
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Many Parts in One Body. 3 (A)For by the grace given to me I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than one ought to think, but to think soberly, each according to the measure of faith that God has apportioned. 4 (B)For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ[a] and individually parts of one another. 6 (C)Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them:[b] if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; 7 if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; 8 if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others,[c] with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Mutual Love. 9 Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good;(D) 10 love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.(E) 11 Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.(F) 12 Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.(G) 13 Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,(H) exercise hospitality.
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- 12:5 One body in Christ: on the church as the body of Christ, see 1 Cor 12:12–27.
- 12:6 Everyone has some gift that can be used for the benefit of the community. When the instruction on justification through faith is correctly grasped, the possessor of a gift will understand that it is not an instrument of self-aggrandizement. Possession of a gift is not an index to quality of faith. Rather, the gift is a challenge to faithful use.
- 12:8 Over others: usually taken to mean “rule over” but possibly “serve as a patron.” Wealthier members in Greco-Roman communities were frequently asked to assist in public service projects. In view of the references to contributing in generosity and to acts of mercy, Paul may have in mind people like Phoebe (Rom 16:1–2), who is called a benefactor (or “patron”) because of the services she rendered to many Christians, including Paul.
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