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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Romans 12:1 - 12:1
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Therefore (oun). This inferential participle gathers up all the great argument of chapters 1-11. Now Paul turns to exhortation (parakalō), “I beseech you.”
By the mercies (dia tōn oiktirmōn). “By means of the mercies of God” as shown in his argument and in our lives. See note on 2Co 1:3 for “the Father of mercies.”
To present (parastēsai). First aorist active infinitive of paristēmi, for which verb see note on Rom 6:13, a technical term for offering a sacrifice (Josephus, Ant. IV. 6, 4), though not in the O.T. Used of presenting the child Jesus in the temple (Luk 2:22), of the Christian presenting himself (Rom 6:13), of God presenting the saved (Eph 5:27), of Christ presenting the church (Col 1:28).
Bodies (sōmata). So literally as in Rom 6:13, Rom 6:19; 2Co 5:10 and in contrast with nous (mind) in Rom 12:2.
A living sacrifice (thusian zōsan). In contrast with the Levitical sacrifices of slain animals. Cf. Rom 6:8, Rom 6:11, Rom 6:13. Not a propitiatory sacrifice, but one of praise.
Acceptable (euareston). “Well-pleasing.” See note on 2Co 5:9.
Which is your reasonable service (tēn logikēn humōn latreian). “Your rational (spiritual) service (worship).” For latreia, see note on Rom 9:4. Logikos is from logos, reason. The phrase means here “worship rendered by the reason (or soul).” Old word, in N.T. only here and 1Pe 2:2 to logikon gala (not logical milk, but the milk nourishing the soul).