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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadMatthew Poole Commentary - Romans 12:8 - 12:8
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Exhortation: see the notes on the foregoing verse.
He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; i.e. he that hath the office of collecting and distributing the church alms, (which was the deacons’ work or charge, Act_6:1, &c.), let him discharge it with simplicity, or with singleness of heart; ( so the word is rendered, Eph_6:5); let him do it faithfully and impartially, and without favour or affection.
He that ruleth; or he that is a president, and set over others. There is great difference amongst expositors, who is meant by this ruler. It is not meant of state rulers, (of them he treats in the next chapter), but of church rulers. Some understand, all church officers in general. Others think, such are meant as were not properly pastors and teachers, put together with them had the oversight of the church, to rule the same; to regulate misdemeanors, to pacify differences, to administer discipline in admonition and censures: these they call seniors or elders, or the censors of manners; and are the same the apostle calls governments, or governors, 1Co_12:28; see 1Ti_5:17.
He that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness: some understand this generally of all Christians, that they should be charitable, and that with cheerfulness. But the apostle is yet speaking of the special offices of the church. It cannot be meant of deacons, forasmuch as he had spoken of them before in this very verse. Such therefore may be intended, as had the care assigned them of the sick and impotent, of prisoners and strangers, &c.; see 1Ti_5:10; the same, it may be, that he calleth helps in 1Co_12:28. This charge he directeth them to discharge with cheerfulness; without being weary of that troublesome work, or being sour and froward to those they had to do with.