Rom 12:14-21 | TNotes | STEP | 12:14 The exhortations in this verse closely resemble two sayings of Jesus (Matt 5:44 ; Luke 6:27-28 ). Although Paul does not introduce the commands as a quotation, he is almost certainly alluding to these sayings of Christ. Perhaps the words were so well known that he did not need to specify the source. The teaching of Rom 12–13 has many parallels with the teaching of Jesus.

bMatt 5:44►

cLuke 6:27-28►

dRom 12–13►

g12:20-21►

‏ Romans 12:14-21

12:14 ^a The exhortations in this verse closely resemble two sayings of Jesus (Matt 5:44 ^b; Luke 6:27-28 ^c). Although Paul does not introduce the commands as a quotation, he is almost certainly alluding to these sayings of Christ. Perhaps the words were so well known that he did not need to specify the source. The teaching of Rom 12–13 ^d has many parallels with the teaching of Jesus.
12:16 ^e All three exhortations in this verse use the Greek word phroneō (think). Paul addresses the need for right Christian thinking when it comes to our relationships with other Christians.

• Live in harmony: Literally Think the same things.

• Don’t be too proud: Literally Don’t think arrogant things.
12:18 ^f Do all that you can: Paul recognizes that our efforts to live at peace with others will sometimes be frustrated by our own moral constraints or by other people’s unwillingness to be reconciled to us.
Summary for Rom 12:20-21: 12:20-21 ^g A simple act of Christian kindness can often bring a hostile person to repentance before God and restore fellowship between people.