Rom 12:9-21 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Rom 12:9-21: 12:9-21 The many injunctions in these verses do not follow a neat logical arrangement. The overall topic, stated at the beginning, is sincere love . Paul shows how we are to love both those inside the church (12:10 , 13 , 15-16 ) and those outside the church (12:14 , 17-21 ).

Summary for Rom 12:9-21: 12:9-21 ^a The many injunctions in these verses do not follow a neat logical arrangement. The overall topic, stated at the beginning, is sincere love. Paul shows how we are to love both those inside the church (12:10 ^b, 13 ^c, 15-16 ^d) and those outside the church (12:14 ^e, 17-21 ^f).
12:10 ^g genuine affection: Literally brotherly love. Christians are to love each other with the mutual love and commitment that are found within a healthy family.
12:11 ^h but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically: As Christians, we are to be passionate about our faith and eager to fulfill our ministry to others within the church.
12:12 ⁱ The three commands in this verse are related. By rejoicing in confident hope, we can be patient in trouble. Continually praying is essential if we desire to have this attitude toward the difficulties of life (see also 8:24-27 ^j).
12:13 ^k be ready to help them: The verb Paul uses is related to the familiar Greek word koinōnia (“fellowship”). When needs arise among our Christian brothers and sisters, we are not just to meet their needs; we should also enter into fellowship with these fellow Christians in ways that extend beyond material gifts.
12:14 ^l The exhortations in this verse closely resemble two sayings of Jesus (Matt 5:44 ^m; Luke 6:27-28 ⁿ). 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 ^o has many parallels with the teaching of Jesus.
12:16 ^p 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 ^q 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 ^r A simple act of Christian kindness can often bring a hostile person to repentance before God and restore fellowship between people.