What does Romans 12:7 mean?

Explanation

Romans 12:7 is a part of the larger discourse where Paul the Apostle is addressing the Christians in Rome regarding the practice of their faith in the context of a community.

This verse particularly focuses on the diversity of gifts among believers and the importance of exercising those gifts in service to the church.

The phrase "Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering" suggests that those with the gift of serving others, oftentimes called 'ministry,' should fully dedicate themselves to that service.

The latter part, "or he that teacheth, on teaching," communicates a similar principle: those with the gift of teaching are to focus their efforts on teaching.

The verse encourages each individual to contribute to the body of the church by using their unique abilities and talents.

Historical Context

Romans was written by Paul in roughly 57 A.D.

It is a letter to the Christian church in Rome, a diverse congregation comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts.

Unlike many of his other epistles, Paul did not found the Roman church, and this letter served as an introduction of his theology and an appeal for unity.

At this time, Rome was a melting pot of cultures and religions, and the early Christian church faced challenges in forming a cohesive identity.

Romans 12 marks a shift from the doctrinal to the practical, guiding believers in living out their faith.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Romans 12:7 is a strong endorsement of the idea of the Church as the Body of Christ, with each member playing a different but important role.

It encapsulates the concept of spiritual gifts as discussed in the New Testament, where every Christian is believed to be given specific gifts by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

From a Reformed perspective, this tenet emphasizes the priesthood of all believers, where each person has a role to fulfill.

In Roman Catholic and Orthodox interpretations, this ties into the communal aspect of Christianity and underscores the importance of different laities and orders within the church's structure.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Romans 12:7 urges individuals to identify and nurture their gifts for the benefit of the church community.

It means being proactive in areas one is skilled at and passionate about, such as teaching, counseling, or leading.

It discourages the notion of idleness and passiveness in church participation.

Believers are encouraged to be accountable for their roles within their congregations, and to use their talents to serve one another in love and humility.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit."
• Ephesians 4:11-12 - "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"
• 1 Peter 4:10 - "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Language Study

The key words in Romans 12:7 in the original Greek text are:

• "ministry" - διακονία (diakonia), meaning service, ministration, or the office of a deacon.
• "wait on" - προσκαρτερέω (proskartereō), meaning to persist in, to attend diligently to.
• "teacheth" - διδάσκων (didaskōn), the present active participle of διδάσκω (didaskō), meaning one who teaches or instructs.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within other ancient religious systems, such as those in Greece and Rome, there were also divisions of religious duties among various priests and temple officials.

However, what is distinctive in the Christian context is the concept that every believer has a role to play, not just the religious elite. This democratization of religious roles is unique in the sense that it pushes against the stratification common in ancient pagan religions.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific studies in psychology and social sciences recognize the importance of individual roles within a community for overall health and productivity.

While there is no direct link to scientific evidence in analyzing a Bible verse, understanding group dynamics and the significance of diverse skill sets in a community aligns with the principle that a variety of gifts, when working harmoniously together, contributes to a well-functioning group.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered various interpretations of Romans 12:7:

• John Stott, an English Christian leader and theologian, emphasizes the practical outworking of one's faith as indicated in this and surrounding verses.
• The Pulpit Commentary views this as an exhortation to the proper use of spiritual gifts, and the need for every member to contribute to the life of the church.
• Matthew Henry's Commentary speaks of the variety of gifts and offices appointed by Christ and the necessity for diligence in our respective areas of service.

These commentaries consistently agree on the importance of recognizing and diligently applying one's spiritual gifts for the edification of the church.