Teks -- Romans 12:8 (NET)

12:8 if it is exhortation, he must exhort; if it is contributing, he must do so with sincerity; if it is leadership, he must do so with diligence; if it is showing mercy, he must do so with cheerfulness.

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Vincent: Rom 12:8 - Exhortation

Exhortation

Aimed at the heart and will. See on consolation , Luk 6:24. Compare 1Co 14:3; Act 4:36, where Rev. gives son of exhortation .

Vincent: Rom 12:8 - He that giveth

He that giveth ( ὁ μεταδιδοὺς )

Earthly possessions. The preposition μετά indicates sharing with . He that imparteth . Compare Eph 4:28; Luk 3:11.

Vincent: Rom 12:8 - Simplicity

Simplicity ( ἁπλότητι )

See on single , Mat 6:22, and compare Jam 1:5, where it is said that God gives ἁπλῶς simply . See note there. In 2Co 8:2; 2Co 9:11, 2Co 9:13, the A.V. gives liberality ; and in Jam 1:5, liberally . Rev. accepts this in the last-named passage, but gives singleness in margin. In all the others liberality is, at best, very doubtful. The sense is unusual, and the rendering simplicity or singleness is defensible in all the passages.

Vincent: Rom 12:8 - He that ruleth

He that ruleth ( ὁ προΐ́στάμενος )

Lit., he that is placed in front . The reference is to any position involving superintendence. No special ecclesiastical office is meant. Compare Tit 3:8, to maintain good works; the idea of presiding over running into that of carrying on or practicing . See note there. Compare also προστάτις succorer , Rom 16:2, and see note.

Vincent: Rom 12:8 - With diligence

With diligence ( ἐν σπουδῇ )

See on Jud 1:3. In Mar 6:25; Luk 1:39, it is rendered haste . In 2Co 7:11, carefulness (Rev., earnest care ). In 2Co 7:12, care (Rev., earnest care ). In 2Co 8:8, forwardness (Rev., earnestness ). In 2Co 8:16, earnest care .

Vincent: Rom 12:8 - With cheerfulness

With cheerfulness ( ἐν ἱλαρότητι )

Only here in the New Testament. It reappears in the Latin hilaritas ; English, hilarity , exhilarate . " The joyful eagerness, the amiable grace, the affability going the length of gayety, which make the visitor a sunbeam penetrating into the sick-chamber, and to the heart of the afflicted."

Wesley: Rom 12:8 - He that presideth

That hath the care of a flock.

Wesley: Rom 12:8 - He that showeth mercy

In any instance.

Wesley: Rom 12:8 - With cheerfulness

Rejoicing that he hath such an opportunity.

JFB: Rom 12:6-8 - Having then gifts differing according to the grace given to us

Here, let it be observed, all the gifts of believers alike are viewed as communications of mere grace.

JFB: Rom 12:6-8 - whether

We have the gift of

JFB: Rom 12:6-8 - prophecy

That is, of inspired teaching (as in Act 15:32). Anyone speaking with divine authority--whether with reference to the past, the present, or the future--was termed a prophet (Exo 7:1).

JFB: Rom 12:6-8 - let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith

Rather, "of our faith." Many Romish expositors and some Protestant (as CALVIN and BENGEL, and, though, hesitatingly, BEZA and HODGE), render this "the analogy of faith," understanding by it "the general tenor" or "rule of faith," divinely delivered to men for their guidance. But this is against the context, whose object is to show that, as all the gifts of believers are according to their respective capacity for them, they are not to be puffed up on account of them, but to use them purely for their proper ends.

JFB: Rom 12:8 - Or he that exhorteth

Since all preaching, whether by apostles, prophets, or teachers, was followed up by exhortation (Act 11:23; Act 14:22; Act 15:32, &c.), many think that no specific class is here in view. But if liberty was given to others to exercise themselves occasionally in exhorting the brethren, generally, or small parties of the less instructed, the reference may be to them.

JFB: Rom 12:8 - he that giveth

In the exercise of private benevolence probably, rather than in the discharge of diaconal duty.

JFB: Rom 12:8 - with simplicity

So the word probably means. But as simplicity seems enjoined in the next clause but one of this same verse, perhaps the meaning here is, "with liberality," as the same word is rendered in 2Co 8:2; 2Co 9:11.

JFB: Rom 12:8 - he that ruleth

Whether in the Church or his own household. See 1Ti 3:4-5, where the same word is applied to both.

JFB: Rom 12:8 - with diligence

With earnest purpose.

JFB: Rom 12:8 - he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness

Not only without grudging either trouble or pecuniary relief, but feeling it to be "more blessed to give than to receive," and to help than be helped.

Clarke: Rom 12:8 - Or he that exhorteth

Or he that exhorteth - Ὁ παρακαλων, The person who admonished and reprehended the unruly or disorderly; and who supported the weak and comforted the penitents, and those who were under heaviness through manifold temptations

Clarke: Rom 12:8 - He that giveth

He that giveth - He who distributeth the alms of the Church, with simplicity - being influenced by no partiality, but dividing to each according to the necessity of his case

Clarke: Rom 12:8 - He that ruleth

He that ruleth - Ὁ προΐσταμενος, He that presides over a particular business; but as the verb προΐσταμαι also signifies to defend or patronize, it is probably used here to signify receiving and providing for strangers, and especially the persecuted who were obliged to leave their own homes, and were destitute, afflicted, and tormented. It might also imply the persons whose business it was to receive and entertain the apostolical teachers who traveled from place to place, establishing and confirming the Churches. In this sense the word προστατις is applied to Phoebe, Rom 16:2 : She hath been a Succorer of many, and of myself also. The apostle directs that this office should be executed with diligence, that such destitute persons should have their necessities as promptly and as amply supplied as possible

Clarke: Rom 12:8 - He that showeth mercy

He that showeth mercy - Let the person who is called to perform any act of compassion or mercy to the wretched do it, not grudgingly nor of necessity, but from a spirit of pure benevolence and sympathy. The poor are often both wicked and worthless: and, if those who are called to minister to them as stewards, overseers, etc., do not take care, they will get their hearts hardened with the frequent proofs they will have of deception, lying, idleness, etc. And on this account it is that so many of those who have been called to minister to the poor in parishes, workhouses, and religious societies, when they come to relinquish their employment find that many of their moral feelings have been considerably blunted; and perhaps the only reward they get for their services is the character of being hard-hearted. If whatever is done in this way be not done unto the Lord, it can never be done with cheerfulness.

Calvin: Rom 12:8 - Or he who gives, let him do so in simplicity, etc

8.Or he who gives, let him do so in simplicity, etc From the former clauses we have clearly seen, that he teaches us here the legitimate use of God’s gifts. By the μεταδιδούντοις, the givers, of whom he speaks here, he did not understand those who gave of their own property, but the deacons, who presided in dispensing the public charities of the Church; and by the ἐλούντοις, those who showed mercy, he meant the widows, and other ministers, who were appointed to take care of the sick, according to the custom of the ancient Church: for there were two different offices, — to provide necessaries for the poor, and to attend to their condition. But to the first he recommends simplicity, so that without fraud or respect of persons they were faithfully to administer what was entrusted to them. He required the services of the other party to be rendered with cheerfulness, lest by their peevishness (which often happens) they marred the favor conferred by them. For as nothing gives more solace to the sick or to any one otherwise distressed, than to see men cheerful and prompt in assisting them; so to observe sadness in the countenance of those by whom assistance is given, makes them to feel themselves despised.

Though he rightly calls those προϊστάμενους presidents, to whom was committed the government of the Church, (and they were the elders, who presided over and ruled others and exercised discipline;) yet what he says of these may be extended universally to all kinds of governors: for no small solicitude is required from those who provide for the safety of all, and no small diligence is needful for them who ought to watch day and night for the wellbeing of the whole community. Yet the state of things at that time proves that Paul does not speak of all kinds of rulers, for there were then no pious magistrates; but of the elders who were the correctors of morals.

TSK: Rom 12:8 - exhorteth // giveth // with simplicity // ruleth // with diligence

exhorteth : Act 13:15, Act 15:32, Act 20:2; 1Co 14:3; 1Th 2:3; 1Ti 4:13; Heb 10:25, Heb 13:22

giveth : or, imparteth, Rom 12:13; Deu 15:8-11, Deu 15:14; Job 31:16-20; Psa 112:9; Pro 22:9; Ecc 11:1, Ecc 11:2, Ecc 11:6; Isa 32:5, Isa 32:8, Isa 58:7-11; Mat 6:2-4, Mat 25:40; Luk 21:1-4; Act 2:44-46, Act 4:33-35; Act 11:28-30; 2Co 8:1-9, 2Co 8:12; 1Th 2:8; 1Pe 4:9-11

with simplicity : or, liberally, 2Co 1:12, 2Co 8:2, 2Co 11:3; Eph 6:5; Col 3:22

ruleth : Rom 13:6; Gen 18:19; Psa 101:1-8; Act 13:12, Act 20:28; 1Co 12:28; 1Th 5:12-14; 1Ti 3:4, 1Ti 3:5, 1Ti 5:17; Heb 13:7, Heb 13:17, Heb 13:24; 1Pe 5:2, 1Pe 5:3

with diligence : Ecc 9:10, shewth, Deu 16:11, Deu 16:14, Deu 16:15; Psa 37:21; Isa 64:5; 2Co 9:7

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Poole: Rom 12:8 - Exhortation // He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity // He that ruleth // He that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness

Exhortation: see the notes on the foregoing verse.

He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity i.e. he that hath the office of collecting and distributing the church alms, (which was the deacons’ work or charge, Act 6:1 , &c.), let him discharge it with simplicity, or with singleness of heart; ( so the word is rendered, Eph 6:5 ); let him do it faithfully and impartially, and without favour or affection.

He that ruleth or he that is a president, and set over others. There is great difference amongst expositors, who is meant by this ruler. It is not meant of state rulers, (of them he treats in the next chapter), but of church rulers. Some understand, all church officers in general. Others think, such are meant as were not properly pastors and teachers, put together with them had the oversight of the church, to rule the same; to regulate misdemeanors, to pacify differences, to administer discipline in admonition and censures: these they call seniors or elders, or the censors of manners; and are the same the apostle calls governments, or governors, 1Co 12:28 ; see 1Ti 5:17 .

He that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness: some understand this generally of all Christians, that they should be charitable, and that with cheerfulness. But the apostle is yet speaking of the special offices of the church. It cannot be meant of deacons, forasmuch as he had spoken of them before in this very verse. Such therefore may be intended, as had the care assigned them of the sick and impotent, of prisoners and strangers, &c.; see 1Ti 5:10 ; the same, it may be, that he calleth helps in 1Co 12:28 . This charge he directeth them to discharge with cheerfulness; without being weary of that troublesome work, or being sour and froward to those they had to do with.

Gill: Rom 12:8 - Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation // He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity // he that ruleth, with diligence // he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation,.... This is the other branch of prophesying or preaching, and which is more practical, and lies in giving a word of exhortation to the saints, as their particular cases call for; for as prophets were teachers, Act 13:1; so also exhorters, Act 15:32; and one considerable branch of the ministry, and which is more principally the pastor's work, as well as to teach, is to exhort all sorts of persons, young and old, rich and poor, high and low, bond and free, under his care, with all longsuffering and doctrine. The words will bear to be read, "he that comforteth, on consolation"; and so the Syriac version renders them, ואית דמביאנא הו בבויאה, "and another who is a comforter, in his consolation". Though all the ministers of the Gospel are to speak comfortably to the saints, by preaching the doctrines of free justification by Christ's righteousness, and remission of sins by his blood, by bringing the good news of salvation by him, and by opening the exceeding great and precious promises of the Gospel; yet some have a greater talent this way than others; some are "Boanergeses", sons of thunder, Mar 3:17, and others "Barnabases", sons of consolation, Act 4:36; and each should attend to that with all diligence and humility, he is best qualified for.

He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity. Here begins the subdivision of the deacon's office into its several branches, "giving", "ruling", and "showing mercy": by "giving" is meant, not giving of his own, or performing: acts of charity, which is common to all the members of the church, who ought liberally to contribute to the relief of the poor; but imparting or distributing the church's money to proper objects, which is to be done "with simplicity"; with all faithfulness and integrity, without fraud or embezzling the church's stock, with impartiality, and without respect of persons, and liberally and bountifully, as the word here used signifies; see 2Co 8:2;

he that ruleth, with diligence; deacons are the "helps, governments", mentioned in 1Co 12:28, who are assisting to the pastor in the government of the church; their business is, to observe the conversations of the members of the church, and to warn them that are unruly and walk disorderly, to compose differences, and prepare matters to lay before the church; a deacon is προισταμενος, "one that goes before"; and leads on others by way of example in his conduct and conversation; or as the Syriac renders it, דקאם ברישא, "that stands at the head" of affairs in the church; in the management of which he ought to use all study, thoughtfulness, care and diligence:

he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness; which is not to be understood of showing compassion to miserable objects in common, or of giving alms to necessitous persons, and which ought to be done according to the Jewish ^l canons, בסבר פנים יפות, "with a cheerful countenance"; and is what is highly pleasing to God, who "loves a cheerful giver": but of a branch of the deacon's office, whose work, among other things, is to visit the sick and distressed, and communicate to them as their wants require; all which should be done, not in a morose and frowning manner, but with a pleasant look and cheerful countenance, which makes the visit and the gift more welcome, acceptable, and useful.