RSV ~ Romans 12 Notes
Rom 12:1-15 | ISB Notes
The final section of Romans is Paulâs moral catechesis. His teaching in this section is not an afterthought, but a practical application of the theology expounded in earlier chapters. Instructions are given on matters of worship (12:12), life in the Church (12:3-21), responsibility toward civil governments (13:1-7), and avoiding scandal (14:1-15:13) (CCC 1454, 1971).
Rom 12:1-2 | ISB Notes
The worship Paul describes in these verses is in glaring contrast to the idolatrous worship described in 1:18-32. Believers engage in rational worship; the idolater in irrational (1:22). Believers offer the body to God in sacrifice; idolaters dishonor the body through sexual immorality (1:24). Believers strive to renew their minds with truth; idolaters only darken their minds with error (1:21). Believers discern the divine will; idolaters spurn the divine will in preference to their own (1:32). For Paul, the difference between pagan and Christian worship is the difference between a degrading spiritual free fall (1:18-32) and an ascending spiritual sacrifice (12:1-2) (CCC 2031).
Rom 12:1 | ISB Notes
mercies of God: Divine mercy is a leading theme in the preceding chapters (9:15-16, 18, 23; 11:30-32).
living sacrifice: Sacrificing the body means putting to death the deeds of the flesh (8:13) so that our members can become instruments of righteousness (6:13). Virtues associated with the body are probably in view (chastity, temperance, etc.).
⢠The body is made a sacrifice when the eye looks at nothing evil, the tongue says nothing filthy, and the hand does nothing lawless. More than this, the hand must give alms; the mouth must bless the one who curses; and the ear must listen to the reading of Scripture (St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans 20).
spiritual worship: Or, ârational worshipâ, that is, service to God that is proper to man as a rational and spiritual being. There may be an implied contrast with the sacrifice of irrational animals under the Old Covenant.
Rom 12:2 | ISB Notes
Do not be conformed: Because worldly wisdom and values are often deformed (1:21, 28), Christians must allow God to transform them into the image of Christ (8:29; 2 Cor 3:18). The grace of the Spirit enables us to interpret our lives and evaluate the influences of our culture with respect to the gospel. In all things, Godâs will should be the central object of our discernment, for it alone is acceptable and perfect (CCC 2520, 2826).
Rom 12:3 | ISB Notes
sober judgment: A renewed mind (12:2) is first of all a humble mind (Phil 2:3).
God has assigned: God has deprived no one of gifts to be used in service to him and others. Ultimately these gifts are meant to build up the Church (12:6-8).
Rom 12:4-5 | ISB Notes
Paul summarizes here what he elaborates more fully in 1 Corinthians 12, namely, that the Church is a mystery of unity and diversity. While all believers are one in Christ, they are individual members with differing gifts and tasks for the good of the whole body. The spiritual gifts, though diverse, are thus complementary.
Rom 12:6 | ISB Notes
gifts: The Greek word (charismata) is related to the word âgraceâ (charis). The purpose of spiritual gifts thus falls in line with that of all graces, namely, to facilitate the salvation of ourselves and others. The short list of gifts in 12:68 is representative, not exhaustive, covering instruction and practical service (CCC 2003-4).
in proportion to our faith: Or, âaccording to the analogy of faithâ. Although some connect this with the personal faith of the one who prophesies, it more likely refers to the deposit of Christian faith expressed in early creeds, the teaching of Jesus and the apostles, and the books of the Bible. The Churchâs doctrinal tradition was the standard for measuring the truthfulness of early prophecies, not vice versa (1 Tim 6:20-21).
⢠Traditionally, the âanalogy of faithâ denotes the unity and coherence of Christian doctrine. Since no tenet of faith is isolated and independent from others, the whole mystery of God and our salvation can shed light on every part of what Christians believe. This principle was discussed briefly in 1870 at Vatican I (Dei Filius, chap. 4) (CCC 114).
Rom 12:10 | ISB Notes
love one another: In actions, not merely in words and emotions (1 Jn 3:18). Sincere and unselfish love marks Christians as true disciples of Christ (Jn 13:34-35).
brotherly affection: Familial love is rooted in familial relations. Because we are younger brothers and sisters of Christ (8:29), we are spiritual siblings who should love and care for one another in the family of faith.
Rom 12:11 | ISB Notes
zeal: Spiritual energy and enthusiasm. Christians should resist temptations to apathy by responding to the guidance of the Spirit (8:14).
Rom 12:12 | ISB Notes
be constant in prayer: Conversation with God should be unceasing, whether in times of trial or refreshment (Lk 18:1; 1 Thess 5:17). Prayer can be continuous, too, when our work is done faithfully and for the glory of God (Col 3:17; 4:2) (CCC 2745).
Rom 12:14 | ISB Notes
Bless those who persecute: Recalls the teaching of Jesus (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:28).
Rom 12:15 | ISB Notes
Rejoice with ⌠weep with: Paul allows no room for Christian indifference (1 Cor 12:26). United with one another, believers must extend compassion and maintain solidarity among themselves through the âhighsâ and âlowsâ of daily life (Sir 7:34).
Rom 12:18 | ISB Notes
live peaceably: Peacemaking is part of the Christian mission (Mt 5:9; Heb 12:14; Jas 3:18). Since harmony is sometimes impossible, Paul qualifies his command, recognizing that peace cannot be forced on others (CCC 2304).
Rom 12:19 | ISB Notes
Vengeance is mine: Reads like a translation of the i Aramaic Targum Neofiti at Deut 32:35. It is also possible that Paul has combined the wording of the Hebrew (âVengeance is mineâ) and Greek versions (âI will repayâ) of this passage.
⢠God promised through Moses to avenge his enemies and vindicate the faithful. Paul takes this as a prohibition against private retaliation. Christians must recognize that God overlooks no evil or wrongdoing but will exact justice on the Day of Judgment. Our duty is to extend mercy to our enemies as Jesus did (Lk_23:34). See note on Mt 5:38.
Rom 12:20 | ISB Notes
if your enemy: A reference to Prov 25:2122.
⢠The meaning of the Proverb is mysterious, but it seems to indicate that serving an enemy stores up his future punishment so long as he continues in his ways.
⢠Heaping coals of kindness on one who has wronged you can cure him of vices, burn away his malice, and move him to repentance (St. Jerome, Homilies on the Psalms 41).