What does Romans 12:9 mean?

Explanation

Romans 12:9 is often interpreted as an admonition by the Apostle Paul to the early Christian community in Rome, encouraging them to express genuine love, resist evil, and embrace good.

The first part, "Let love be without dissimulation," urges believers to love others sincerely and without hypocrisy.

This implies that love should be genuine, devoid of pretense or hidden motives.

"Abhor that which is evil" is a strong command to reject all forms of evil.

The word "abhor" suggests a forceful and visceral response to evil, not merely a passive dislike but an active disdain and refusal to participate in any form of wickedness.

"Cleave to that which is good" emphasizes the need to hold fast or adhere firmly to good actions and moral behavior. It encourages readers to not only avoid evil but also to proactively pursue virtuous living and cultivate positive character traits.

Historical Context

The book of Romans is one of the epistles written by the Apostle Paul, and it was composed around AD 57.

Paul is believed to have written this letter to the Christian church in Rome, which was a diverse community consisting of both Jews and Gentiles.

The city of Rome during this period was characterized by a mixture of cultural influences, including paganism and emerging Christian thought.

Romans 12 is part of a larger discussion where Paul shifts from theological arguments to practical exhortations on how Christians should live their lives within a world that does not always align with their values.

Theological Insights

For Protestant theology, this verse often emphasizes the transformative power of the Gospel, as it calls on believers to manifest a change in their moral conduct in alignment with Christian teachings.

For Roman Catholics, the verse can be seen in the context of natural law, where there is a recognition of good and evil inherent in the world, and individuals must discern and choose the good that aligns with God's will.

Liberation theology might use this verse to underscore the call to actively resist systems of oppression (evil) and work toward justice (good).

In contrast, a Calvinist interpretation may focus on the doctrine of total depravity, highlighting the believer’s dependence on God's grace to truly "abhor what is evil" and "cleave to what is good" given the fallen nature of humanity.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a guide for ethical decision-making in everyday life.

The call to sincere love can be applied in personal relationships, work ethics, and community service.

Rejecting evil may translate to standing against injustices, dishonesty, or any behavior that causes harm.

Embracing good can manifest in acts of kindness, charity, maintaining personal integrity, and pursuing peace with others.

Cross-References

• 1 Peter 1:22 - "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:"
• 1 John 3:18 - "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth."
• Amos 5:15 - "Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph."
• Psalms 34:14 - "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."

Language Study

The phrase “without dissimulation” comes from the Greek word "anypokritos," meaning sincere or without hypocrisy.

"Abhor" is translated from the Greek "apostugeo," which conveys a strong sense of hatred and aversion.

The word "cleave" is derived from "kollao," meaning to join or glue together, which suggests a permanent bonding to good.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, concepts similar to loving without dissimulation, abhorring evil, and cleaving to good can be found.

For instance, the philosophy of Stoicism, prevalent in ancient Rome, emphasized living according to nature and virtue which mirrors the Christian call to a moral life.

In Judaism, the idea of performing mitzvot, or commandments, by maintaining integrity in love and moral actions, resonates with Paul’s message.

Scientific Perspectives

The directives in Romans 12:9 to "abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good," might be considered in light of research in moral psychology.

Studies on human behavior and ethics examine the cognitive and social processes that underlie moral judgments and actions, offering insight into why certain behaviors are universally condemned or endorsed.

commentaries

Commentaries on Romans 12:9 vary, but there's some consensus on its basic instructions for Christian living.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the genuine nature of Christian love contrasted with the pretense that can often infiltrate human interactions.

John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes delve into the need for fervency in spirit while serving the Lord, as part of a broader commentary on Romans 12.

Contemporary commentators often discuss the challenge of fulfilling this verse in an increasingly complex and morally ambiguous world. They emphasize the need for discernment and the power of the Holy Spirit to live out these principles authentically.