Romans 12:1 – A new chapter

I am entreating you, then, brethren, by the pities of God, to present your bodies a sacrifice, living, holy, well pleasing to God, your logical divine service.

Chapters 9 to 11 formed an intermezzo in this letter. In this way, Paul gives a stylistic expression to what he has to say in those chapters. He discusses how the present time interrupts God’s dealings with Israel. For only temporarily did God sidetrack this people (11:25).

After the end of chapter 8, one could possibly just continue reading in chapter 12, without having the idea that you have lost the thread. In chapters 6 through 8, the apostle had argued that God vivifies our mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in us (8:11). And it is on that theme that he builds on from here. Romans 12 verse 1 clearly marks the beginning of the practical part of the letter. The foregoing was doctrinal, the following shows the practical consequences of Paul’s teaching.

Although chapter 12 verse 1 corresponds in subject to chapter 8, the content is completely in line with the immediately preceding one. For if everything is out, through and into God (11:36), what would the practical consequence of that be but to glorify this God in everything?!

Delen: