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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Romans 12:4 - 12:4
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4. καθάπερ γὰρ.… Cf. 1Co 12:12-27. The reason for this exercise of sober thought in contrast to exaggerated thought of self, is the position of the Christian as a member of a body in Christ. In 1 Cor. l.c[241] the comparison is developed in far greater detail and is applied to elucidating the various functions which the several personal members perform in the body. Here stress is rather laid on the temper of mind in which the several gifts should be utilised, as illustrating the detailed exhibition of σωφροσύνη. In Ephesians 4 both lines of thought are combined. The difference of aim in the several passages accounts for certain differences of phraseology.
[241] l.c. locus citatus
ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι κ.τ.λ. A favourite analogy with S. Paul. It brings out (1) the dependence of all on the one life received from the union with Christ (cf. Rom 6:1 f.), (2) the mutual dependence of each on each and all for giving effect to that life in each, (3) the common share of each and all in the work to which that life is directed. While the idea of this diversely organic unity of life and aim in Christ underlies all S. Paul’s ethical teaching, it may be said to be the single subject of Eph. where it is fully and positively developed. S. H. rightly point out that the comparison of a social organism to the body was very common in ancient writers.
τὰ δὲ μέλη πάντα κ.τ.λ. But the members have not all the same business or mode of action.