Rom 12:4-8 | PNT | STEP | For as we have many members in one body . The church is likened to the human body in which the various organs each has its own office.

‏ Romans 12:4-8

For as we have many members in one body. The church is likened to the human body in which the various organs each has its own office. [Being] many, are one body in Christ, In the church, all are related to each other as the organs of the body are related. Having then gifts. Each in the church had his duties, just as the hand, or foot, or eye of the body. These duties were indicated by the "gift" dealt out by "the measure of faith".

Differing according to the grace that is given to us. Compare Ro 12:3. One gift was given to one, as he was seen to be fitted for it, and another gift to another. Seven gifts are now spoken of in succession. The first four are official, and some of them are extraordinary.

Prophecy. To prophesy was to speak by inspiration. As the early church did not yet have the New Testament, many were thus inspired to speak. One would be called to this work. Ministry. If instead of prophecy, our gift of the more lowly one of ministering, let us give our time and attention to it. The Greek word rendered "ministry" is "diakonia", "deaconship", or service.

Teaching. The work of an elder, or bishop, who must be "apt to teach" (1Ti 3:2 2Ti 2:24). If this was one's work, his soul must be put into it. He that exhorteth. He whose peculiar strength was to encourage feeble saints, and to stir up Christians to duty.

He that giveth. A duty of all, which must be discharged without ostentation. See Mt 6:2.

He that ruleth. One who is an elder should attend to his duty with diligence, an exhortation that a great many elders have overlooked. Every leader should be diligent.

He that showeth mercy. Whenever called upon to show compassion.