1Paul exhorteth to holiness and conformity to God's will: and to think soberly of the gifts allotted every man respectively. 4We are all members of one body in Christ, 6and should diligently exercise our several gifts for the common benefit. 9Various practical duties recommended. 19Revenge is specially forbidden, and to do good for evil injoined.
1 I 1BESEECH you therefore, brethren, 2by the mercies of God, thata ye 3presentb4your bodies 5a living sacrifice, 6holy, acceptable unto 7God, which is your 8reasonable service.
1 Or, I exhort.
2 That is, seeing than God has showed us such manifold mercy in Christ, as was taught in that which goes before, which the word therefore shows.
a 1 Peter 2:5.
3 That is, offer up; as the sacrifices were presented before the Lord, and there set before Him, and so appropriated to Him.
b Rom. 6:13, 16.
4 That is, your whole selves. An Hebrew phrase, whereby a part is taken for the whole; as the same is interpreted in 1 Thes. 5:23.
5 That is, not put to death physically by slaying, but spiritually slain by mortifying our lusts to live unto God, Rom. 6:11; 2 Cor. 5:15; Col. 3:3, 5.
6 That is, as the animals, which were offered up in the Old Testament, must be without spot or defect, Exod. 12:5; Lev. 1:10; Deut. 15:21, in order that we should separate ourselves from all impurities.
7 That is, proceeding from an upright and contrite heart, purified by faith, without which no sacrifices are pleasing unto God, Isa. 1:11 and 66:3; Jer. 6:20 and 7:20; Hosea 6:6; Heb. 11:4, 6.
8 That is, a worship which consists not in outward offering up of unreasonable animals, as in the Old Testament, but in a spiritual offering up of reasonable men, that is, of yourselves, Heb. 13:15; 1 Peter 2:5.
2Andc9be not conformed to 10this world: but 11be ye transformed by the renewing of your 12mind, thatd ye may 13prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, 14will of God.
c 1 John 2:15.
9 That is, take not upon you the form or fashion of this wicked world. Now what manner of form that was, the apostle describes in Rom. 13:13; Eph. 4:18, 19, and Peter in 1 Peter 4:3, and John in 1 John 2:16.
10 Gr. to this age; namely, which lies in wickedness, 1 John 5:19.
11 Gr. changed in form or fashion; not according to the body, as the poets sometimes have poetically written this to be in their fables, but according to the soul and the faculties of the same, namely according to the understanding and according to the will and affections.
12 Or, of your understanding, see Eph. 1:18, and 2:3, and 4:23; Col. 1:21.
d Eph. 5:17; 1 Thes. 4:3.
13 That is, discern; or, give proof by your godly life that ye understand what is the good will of God.
14 Namely, according to which as the only and perfect rule we ought to frame our life, which He has perfectly revealed in His Word unto us.
3For 15I say, through 16the grace givene unto me, 17to every man that is among you, notf18to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but 19to think 20soberly, according as 21Godg22hath dealt to 23every man 24the measure of faith.
15 That is, I command.
16 That is, according to the office of apostle, which is enjoined to me of grace, and according to the authority which, as an apostle and ambassador of God, is given me by Him.
e Rom. 1:5.
17 Namely, who has any public administration, or special gift; Deut. 29:29; Prov. 25:27; Eccl. 7:16.
f Eph. 4:7.
18 Gr. to be high-minded. Namely, beyond his capacity or calling. Or, that he has no conceit that he has more abundant wisdom than others.
19 Namely, in Divine things; for they may, yea and must be searched into by us with reverence and attentive diligence.
20 Namely, of the understanding, or of knowledge as the Greek word implies; being himself content with knowledge of the things which are necessary or beneficial unto salvation.
21 That is, considering that it is God Who has given you the knowledge which you have, 1 Cor. 7:17, and that therefore you must not be proud of the same.
g 1 Cor. 12:11; Eph. 4:7.
22 Namely, as an householder, who distributes to every one of his family his portion, to the one somewhat more, to the other somewhat less; to one this, to the other somewhat else.
23 That is, considering also that you have not that knowledge alone, but that the same, and oftentimes also yet greater, is imparted to another.
24 That is, according to the portion, which is distributed by God to each one of the faithful. For there is no man who has a perfect knowledge of all things, but one has lesser, another greater; 1 Cor. 7:7, and 13:9; Eph. 4:7.
425For ash we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
25 This he explains by the similitude of a body and the members of the same; whereby he proves that all the offices and gifts, which the one or the other member of the congregation has, according to the communion of saints, must be employed for the common edification of the whole body of the congregation. See of this similitude also in 1 Cor. 10:17, and 12:12, etc.; Eph. 4:12, 16, 25, and 5:30; Col. 2:19 and 3:15.
h 1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 1:23; 4:16; 5:23; Col. 1:24.
5Soi we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
i 1 Cor. 12:4; 2 Cor. 10:13; 1 Peter 4:10.
626Having then 27gifts differingj according to the grace that is given to us, whetherk28prophecy, 29let us prophesy according to the 30proportion of faith;
26 Namely, some extraordinary, of which the apostle treats in 1 Corinthians 12; 14, some ordinary, of which are principally treated here; which are also different, as is hereafter declared.
27 Gr. charismata; as such are called the ministries and the gifts thereunto needful, because they are freely given of grace to men by God.
j 1 Cor. 12:4.
k 1 Cor. 12:10.
28 That is, the gift or calling to prophesy, whereby is understood not so much the gift to foretell things to come, as the prophets of the Old Testament had, and in the New, Agabus, Paul, Peter, John and others, as this word is taken, 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11, but of interpreting the true meaning of the Holy Scripture, and applying it to the comfort and exhortation of the congregation. See 1 Cor. 14:1, 3.
29 Others insert So let us employ those gifts after that is given to us and place it before whether prophecy for the beginning of verse 7.
30 Gr. analogian: whereby is understood, either the measure of knowledge which is given anyone from God, as verse 3, and Eph. 4:7, or, the conformity and agreement of the chief points of Christian doctrine, plainly expressed in God’s Word, and in the articles of faith, which are, as a rule, according to which all interpretations of Scripture must be made.
7Orl31ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or 32he that teacheth, on teaching;
l 1 Peter 4:10; 11.
31 Gr. diakonian; which word is here taken in common for the ministries, which are hereafter divided into particular parts. See Acts 1:17; 1 Cor. 12:5.
32 That is, he who is called to be a teacher; which teachers, seeing they are here distinguished from the exhorters, therefore some think that hereby are especially understood those who are called principally to expound Christian doctrine, and to defend the same against false teachers and gainsayers.
8Or 33he that exhorteth, on exhortation: 34he that giveth, let him do it 35withm simplicity; 36he that ruleth, with diligence; 37he that sheweth mercy, 38withn cheerfulness.
33 Or, comforteth; whereby may be understood the teachers who are called principally to apply Christian doctrine to the congregation for exhortation and comfort; who are otherwise called pastors, Jer. 3:15, and 23:4; Zech. 10:2; Eph. 4:11; 1 Peter 5:2, 4.
34 That is, he who is called to gather the alms and collections of the congregation, and to distribute them to the poor according to their necessities, who are specially called deacons. See concerning them, Acts 6.
35 Namely, of the heart; not being harsh or high-minded towards the poor, not giving either of favor or envy, but with a compassionate and single heart looking upon their necessity, and faithfully assisting them according to the same.
m Mat. 6:1, 2, 3.
36 Or, he that is set over others. Whereby may be understood the elders who labor not in the Word, 1 Tim. 5:17, but together with the pastors have supervision over the congregation, to rule the same and keep it in Christian peace and discipline, which are otherwise called governments, 1 Cor. 12:28.
37 Thereby may be understood a certain kind of deacons and deaconesses, who had a special oversight and administration about the sick, exiles and strangers, 1 Tim. 5:9, which is one of the most special works of mercy.
38 That is, with a willing and affectionate heart, without growing weary of that troublesome service, or showing themselves morose towards the poor.
n Deut. 15:7; 2 Cor. 9:7.
9Let 39love be 40without dissimulation. 41Abhoro that which is evil; 42cleave to that which is good.
39 Amongst the Christian virtues this is set foremost, because all other virtues are contained therein, and must be accompanied with the same, Rom. 13:8, 9, 10; 1 Cor. 13:2; 1 Tim. 1:5.
40 That is, consisting not only in words and outward gestures, but chiefly in a sincere inclination of the heart, 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:18.
41 He exhorts not only to avoid evil, but also to hate it as an abominable thing, Psalm 139:22.
o Psalm 97:10; Amos 5:15.
42 Namely, as it were with glue, holding fast to that which is good, without being pulled away from it, 1 Cor. 6:16, 17. In these two points consists the entire conversion of man, Psalm 34:14; Isa. 1:16.
10Bep43kindly affectioned one to another 44with brotherly love; inq honour 45preferring one another;
p Eph. 4:2; Heb. 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; 2:17.
43 The Greek word signifies such a love, wherewith parents naturally love their children, which is the greatest and most ardent.
44 That is, such as it suits them, who are not only of one flesh, Isa. 58:7, but who also by faith are brethren of one Father in the heavens, 1 Thes. 4:9; Heb. 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22, and 2:17
q Philip. 2:3; 1 Peter 5:5.
45 That is, treat one another with all civil respect and courtesy, according to everyone’s condition, without expecting that you are first so treated by your brother.
11Not 46slothful 47in business; 48fervent in spirit; 49serving the Lord;
46 Or, lazy.
47 Gr. in diligence, that is, in looking diligently after the works of your calling.
48 That is, zealous, not lukewarm, Rev. 3:16.
49 That is, as servants of the Lord, diligently perform all things that are required to His service and honor, Psalm 2:11; Eph. 6:7. Others read in the Greek for Kyrio, that is, the Lord, kairo, that is, the time; in such sense as Eph. 5:16, and Col. 4:5.
1250Rejoicingr in 51hope; patients in tribulation; continuing tinstantu in prayer;
50 In this verse are shown three remedies to be used in time of crosses and adversity.
r Rom. 15:13; 1 Thes. 5:16.
51 Namely, of deliverance and salvation.
s Heb. 10:36; 12:1; James 5:7.
t urgent, importunate*
u Luke 18:1; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2; 1 Thes. 5:17.
1352Distributingv to the necessity 53of saints; 54givenw to hospitality.
52 That is, take you also your part in giving to the relief of the poor. Or, Have communion in the necessities of the saints.
v 1 Cor. 16:1.
53 That is, of poor Christians who suffer want.
54 Gr. follow or follow after hospitality, pursue after it; as Abraham and Lot did; Gen. 18:1, 2, and 19:1, 2.
w Heb. 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9.
14Blessx them which persecute you: 55bless, and 56curse not.
x Mat. 5:44; 1 Cor. 4:12.
55 This word he repeats here once more to show how needful is this exhortation.
56 Namely, as commonly carnal men do; 1 Cor. 4:12; 1 Peter 2:23.
1557Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
57 That is, if it goes well with your neighbor that he has cause to be glad for it, do rejoice also for his prosperity; and if on the contrary he is in misery and adversity, and is sorrowful for it, let his misery also go to your heart as if it concerned yourself, 1 Cor. 12:16; Heb. 13:3.
16Bey58of the same mind one toward another. Mindz not 59high things, but 60condescend to 61men of low estate. 62Be not wise in your own conceits.
y Rom. 15:5; 1 Cor. 1:10; Philip. 2:2; 3:16; 1 Peter 3:8.
58 This is understood not only of unity of opinion and understanding in the chief points of doctrine, but also principally of unity of minds and inclinations one toward another.
z Prov. 3:7; Isa. 5:21.
59 That is, which are above your capacity, abilities or calling; or, think not, namely of yourselves, high things.
60 The Greek word signifies to permit oneself to be carried away by someone, that is, to comply oneself to someone.
61 Namely, things or matters, as before he expressed high things, that is, things which look towards lowliness.
62 See verse 3.
1763Recompenseaa to no man evil for evil. 64Provideab things honestac in the sight of 65all men.
63 The same Christ teaches also, Mat. 5:39.
aa Prov. 20:22; Mat. 5:39; 1 Cor. 6:7; 1 Thes. 5:15.
64 That is, give diligence to provide carefully.
ab 2 Cor. 8:21; 1 Peter 2:12.
ac honorable, good*
65 That is, not only in the presence before God, but also before all sorts of people, as well before unbelievers as before believers, 2 Cor. 8:11.
18Ifad it be 66possible, 67as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with 68all men.
ad Mark 9:50; Heb. 12:14.
66 Namely, that it may be done with a good conscience; or, except the wickedness of men be so great that it is impossible to keep peace with them.
67 That is, that you do not give any cause for discontent, and on your part contribute all that is beneficial to keep or make peace.
68 Namely, not only with believers whereunto he exhorts us, verse 16, but also with unbelievers which are without.
19Dearly beloved, avengeae not yourselves, but rather give place unto 69wrath: for it is written, Vengeanceafis mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
ae Mat. 5:39; Luke 6:29.
69 Some understand this of the wrath of men, namely, either of him who is wronged, that he gives his wrath place - that is, time to assuage - for the injury done unto him; or of him who does the wrong, that he does not resist it, in order that we do not embitter him more, but decline his wrath and so give place to it. But that which follows seems to require that this must be understood of the wrath, that is, of the vengeance of God, which He shall place on him who does the wrong, to which vengeance one gives place, when one yields the revenge to God.
af Deut. 32:35; Heb. 10:30.
20Thereforeag if 70thine enemy 71hunger, 72feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap 73coals of fire on his head.
ag Prov. 25:21; Mat. 5:44.
70 That is, who carries himself like an enemy towards you, not whom you hate or be an enemy, for such becomes not Christians.
71 That is, be in some necessity, and therein has need of your help; a part taken from the whole.
72 That is, do him all services of love in his distress.
73 That is, you shall thereby stir him up, to know his wrong, to turn himself from it, and to cease to do you any more evil, as anyone who has a coal of fire laid on his head, presently feels the same and shakes it off, as not being able to endure it.
21Be not 74overcome 75of evil, but 76overcome evil 77with good.
74 Namely, thereby to be brought to the desire of revenge.
75 That is, of the wrong that is done to you.
76 That is, take away, break off, alleviate.
77 That is, with longsuffering and benevolence.