Romans 12 Study Notes

The Greek noun nous was a common term that referred to human intellectual capacity and moral judgment, thus the mind. The related verb noeo means to think, perceive, understand. All but three NT occurrences of the word nous are in Paul’s letters. Luke 24:45 refers to nous as the seat of understanding, and Revelation 13:18 (understanding) and 17:9 (mind) refer to nous as the seat of wisdom. Pauline usage is similar but emphasizes that the mind is the seat of the intellect and thus affects the will; that is, the mind controls what a person says and does, as can be seen in several passages in Paul’s letters (Rm 1:28; 7:23; 14:5; 1Co 14:19; Eph 4:17; Col 2:18; 2Th 2:2; 1Tm 6:5; 2Tm 3:8; Ti 1:15). Paul encouraged believers to be transformed by renewing their minds. This transformation comes through the study of God’s Word and results in being able to “discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Rm 12:2).

12:9-16 Transformed thinking is explained in a series of short exhortations. Paul has expounded divine love in this letter; now he shifts to the disciple’s “faith working through love” (Gl 5:6). Christians are one family, and they should honor one another and love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. They should be fervent in the Spirit or let the Spirit kindle and motivate their service. They should also rejoice in the hope of Jesus’s return, share what they have, and share the joys and sorrows of the church family. Keep praying—in the afflictions and persecutions of life, members of the body are to support one another. Pride is a great sin and humility is a great virtue. One shouldn’t think too much of oneself. “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1Pt 5:5).

12:17-21 Christians often suffer hatred and persecution from society (1Pt 1:6; 2:11-12; 3:14-17; 4:12-16; 5:9). The normal response is to retaliate, but Christians are called to serve and minister God’s grace to a lost and hostile world. Jesus is our model. As much as possible, we are to live at peace with everyone. God is the sovereign who can convert even a Saul who persecuted the church. God is the judge and the administrator of wrath. Our role is to display God’s grace and love in our lives. God in Jesus conquered evil on the cross. We are not to let evil conquer us but to conquer evil with good.