Romans 12 - New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)

VI. The Duties of Christians[a]

Chapter 12

Sacrifice of Body and Mind. 1 [b]I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.(A) 2 Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.(B)

Many Parts in One Body. 3 (C)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 (D)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[c] and individually parts of one another. 6 (E)Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them:[d] 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,[e] 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;(F) 10 love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.(G) 11 Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.(H) 12 Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.(I) 13 Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,(J) exercise hospitality. 14 [f]Bless those who persecute [you],(K) bless and do not curse them.(L) 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.(M) 16 Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.(N) 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.(O) 18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with all.(P) 19 Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”(Q) 20 Rather, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.”(R) 21 Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.

Footnotes

  1. 12:1–13:14 Since Christ marks the termination of the Mosaic law as the primary source of guidance for God’s people (Rom 10:4), the apostle explains how Christians can function, in the light of the gift of justification through faith, in their relation to one another and the state.
  2. 12:1–8 The Mosaic code included elaborate directions on sacrifices and other cultic observances. The gospel, however, invites believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1). Instead of being limited by specific legal maxims, Christians are liberated for the exercise of good judgment as they are confronted with the many and varied decisions required in the course of daily life. To assist them, God distributes a variety of gifts to the fellowship of believers, including those of prophecy, teaching, and exhortation (Rom 12:6–8). Prophets assist the community to understand the will of God as it applies to the present situation (Rom 12:6). Teachers help people to understand themselves and their responsibilities in relation to others (Rom 12:7). One who exhorts offers encouragement to the community to exercise their faith in the performance of all that is pleasing to God (Rom 12:8). Indeed, this very section, beginning with Rom 12:1, is a specimen of Paul’s own style of exhortation.
  3. 12:5 One body in Christ: on the church as the body of Christ, see 1 Cor 12:12–27.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 12:14–21 Since God has justified the believers, it is not necessary for them to take justice into their own hands by taking vengeance. God will ultimately deal justly with all, including those who inflict injury on the believers. This question of personal rights as a matter of justice prepares the way for more detailed consideration of the state as adjudicator.

Cross references

  1. 12:1 : 2 Cor 1:3 / Rom 6:13; 1 Pt 2:5.
  2. 12:2 : Eph 4:17, 22–23; 1 Pt 1:14 / Eph 5:10, 17; Phil 1:10.
  3. 12:3 : 15:15 / Phil 2:3 / 1 Cor 12:11; Eph 4:7.
  4. 12:4–5 : 1 Cor 12:12, 27; Eph 4:25.
  5. 12:6–8 : 1 Cor 12:4–11, 28–31; Eph 4:7–12; 1 Pt 4:10–11 / 2 Cor 9:7.
  6. 12:9 : 2 Cor 6:6; 1 Tm 1:5; 1 Pt 1:22 / Am 5:15.
  7. 12:10 : Jn 13:34; 1 Thes 4:9; 1 Pt 2:17; 2 Pt 1:7 / Phil 2:3.
  8. 12:11 : Acts 18:25.
  9. 12:12 : 5:2–3; Col 4:2; 1 Thes 5:17.
  10. 12:13 : Hb 13:2; 1 Pt 4:9.
  11. 12:14–21 : Mt 5:38–48; 1 Cor 4:12; 1 Pt 3:9.
  12. 12:14 : Lk 6:27–28.
  13. 12:15 : Ps 35:13; Sir 7:34; 1 Cor 12:26.
  14. 12:16 : 15:5; Phil 2:2–3 / Rom 11:20; Prv 3:7; Is 5:21.
  15. 12:17 : Prv 3:4; 1 Thes 5:15; 1 Pt 3:9.
  16. 12:18 : Hb 12:14.
  17. 12:19 : Lv 19:18; Dt 32:35, 41; Mt 5:39; 1 Cor 6:6–7; Hb 10:30.
  18. 12:20 : Prv 25:21–22; Mt 5:44.

You Might Also Like:

Romans 12 - Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

12 I call upon you, therefore, brethren, through the compassions of God, to present your bodies a sacrifice -- living, sanctified, acceptable to God -- your intelligent service; 2 and be not conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, for your proving what [is] the will o...
Read More

Romans 12 - Wycliffe Bible (WYC)

12 Therefore, brethren, I beseech you by the mercy of God, that ye give your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, and your service reasonable. 2 And do not ye be conformed to this world, but be ye reformed in newness of your wit, that ye prove which is the will of God, good, and well p...
Read More

Romans 12 - Worldwide English (New Testament) (WE)

12 God has been kind to you. So I ask you, brothers, give your bodies to him like a living sacrifice. That is, a holy sacrifice. It will please God. And it is what you should do for him. 2 Do not be like the people of this world, but have a new mind. Then you will prove for yourselves what God wants...
Read More

Romans 12 - World English Bible (WEB)

12 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. 2 Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, ...
Read More

Romans 12 - The Voice (VOICE)

12 Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship. 2 Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image....
Read More

Romans 12 - Tree of Life Version (TLV)

Be Dead to Self12 I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy, acceptable to God—which is your spiritual service. 2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern wha...
Read More

Romans 12 - Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

The New Life in Christ12 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world[a] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove w...
Read More

Romans 12 - Revised Standard Version (RSV)

The New Life in Christ12 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world[a] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove w...
Read More

Romans 12 - Revised Geneva Translation (RGT)

12 Therefore, I urge you brothers, by the mercies of God, to give up your bodies - a living sacrifice; holy and acceptable to God – as your reasonable service. 2 And do not conform yourselves to this world. But be changed, by the renewing of your mind. So that you may test what the good and acceptab...
Read More

Romans 12 - New Testament for Everyone (NTE)

The Living Sacrifice12 So, my dear family, this is my appeal to you by the mercies of God: offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. Worship like this brings your mind into line with God’s. 2 What’s more, don’t let yourselves be squeezed into the shape dictated by the prese...
Read More

Romans 12 - New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA)

The New Life in Christ12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual[b] worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by the renewing of your minds,...
Read More

Romans 12 - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The New Life in Christ12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship.(A)2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the min...
Read More

Romans 12 - New Matthew Bible (NMB)

The sweet living, love, and works of the people who believe in Christ. 12 I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercifulness of God, to make your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable serving of God. 2 Do not fashion yourselves to this world, but be chan...
Read More

Romans 12 - New Living Translation (NLT)

A Living Sacrifice to God12 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.[b] 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs o...
Read More

Romans 12 - New Life Version (NLV)

12 Christian brothers, I ask you from my heart to give your bodies to God because of His loving-kindness to us. Let your bodies be a living and holy gift given to God. He is pleased with this kind of gift. This is the true worship that you should give Him. 2 Do not act like the sinful people of the...
Read More

Romans 12 - New King James Version (NKJV)

Living Sacrifices to God12 I (A)beseech[a] you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies (B)a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your [b]reasonable service. 2 And (C)do not be conformed to this world, but (D)be transformed by the renewing of your mind...
Read More