Applying Romans 12 Principles In Christian Relationships
The apostle Paul, in Romans 12, transitions from theological exposition to practical exhortation, urging believers to live out their faith in tangible ways, particularly within their relationships [6, 8]. This chapter emphasizes that Christianity is not merely a system of beliefs but a practical religion that shapes one's conduct and interactions [6].
Romans 12:16 (ASV) states, "Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits" [2]. This verse encapsulates several key principles for Christian relationships, focusing on humility, unity, and mutual respect.
Literary Context
Romans 12 marks a significant shift in Paul's letter. The preceding chapters (1-11) lay the theological groundwork, discussing doctrines such as predestination, justification, and God's faithfulness to Israel [8]. With chapter 12, Paul moves to the practical implications of these doctrines, urging believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). This transformation leads to discerning God's will and living a life that reflects Christian virtues [6]. The exhortations in Romans 12 are therefore built upon the theological truths established earlier in the epistle [8]. The chapter then outlines various aspects of Christian conduct, including the use of spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8) and a series of ethical commands regarding love, hospitality, perseverance, and how to interact with both fellow believers and those outside the faith (Romans 12:9-21).
Historical Setting
Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans likely from Corinth around 57 AD, during his third missionary journey [1]. The letter was addressed to the church in Rome, a diverse community composed of both Jewish and Gentile Christians. This diversity likely presented challenges in unity and understanding, making Paul's emphasis on harmonious relationships particularly relevant. The Roman church was not founded by Paul, and his letter served to introduce himself and his gospel message, while also addressing practical issues within the community [1].
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
Several key terms in Romans 12:16 carry significant weight. The Greek word phroneō (think) is central to all three exhortations in this verse [5].
- "Be of the same mind one toward another": The Greek literally translates to "Think the same things" [5]. This does not imply a forced uniformity of opinion on every matter, but rather a shared disposition, a unity of purpose, and a mutual understanding among believers. It calls for harmony in outlook and a common commitment to Christ and His kingdom [5]. This aligns with Paul's earlier statement in Romans 1:12, where he expresses a desire for mutual encouragement through faith [1].
- "Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly": The phrase "Set not your mind on high things" literally means "Don't think arrogant things" [5]. This is an exhortation against pride and intellectual arrogance. Instead, believers are called to "condescend to things that are lowly." The term "condescend" here implies a willingness to associate with humble people or to engage in humble tasks, rather than seeking status or prestige. It reflects a spirit of humility and service, echoing the example of Christ [2].
- "Be not wise in your own conceits": This final phrase reinforces the warning against self-importance and intellectual pride. It cautions against an inflated sense of one's own wisdom or understanding, which can lead to disunity and a lack of teachability [2].
Range of Interpretations
Commentators generally agree on the core meaning of Romans 12:16 as an appeal for humility and unity within the Christian community.
John Calvin, in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, emphasizes that Christian life cannot exist without charity, and he lists humility and modesty as remedies for vices opposed to charity [7]. This aligns with the call in Romans 12:16 to avoid arrogance and to be of the same mind. Calvin's broader teaching on self-denial and dependence on God also supports the idea of not being wise in one's own conceits [7].
Matthew Henry, in his commentary on Romans 12, highlights the practical nature of Christian religion, emphasizing that it is designed to reform hearts and lives, not just inform judgments [6]. This perspective underscores the importance of applying principles like those in Romans 12:16 to daily interactions and relationships.
John Gill, in his introduction to Romans 12, notes that the duties of religion are built upon and enforced by the doctrines established in the earlier chapters [8]. This suggests that the call for humility and unity in Romans 12:16 is a direct outflow of a proper understanding of Christian theology, particularly justification and predestination.
The concept of "brotherly love" (Greek: philadelphia) is also relevant to understanding the call for unity in Romans 12:16. Romans 12:10 explicitly calls for "genuine affection," literally "brotherly love," among Christians [9]. This implies a mutual love and commitment akin to that found within a healthy family [9]. Charles Hodge, in his Systematic Theology, discusses the nature of affection and intimacy within relationships, noting that such bonds are not easily dissolved and involve a deep sense of care and respect [10]. This familial bond provides a framework for understanding the "same mind" Paul encourages in Romans 12:16.
The exhortation to "condescend to things that are lowly" has been interpreted as a call to identify with the humble and the marginalized, rather than aspiring to positions of power or prestige. It is a practical demonstration of humility, putting others before oneself. This resonates with the broader Christian conduct outlined in Torrey's Topical Textbook, which lists "following the example of Christ" and "living to righteousness" as key aspects of Christian conduct [3]. Christ's own example of humility and service is the ultimate model for believers [3].
Function in Tradition
The principles found in Romans 12, including those in verse 16, have profoundly influenced Christian ethics and community life. They are foundational to discussions on Christian unity, humility, and service. The call to "be of the same mind" has been a recurring theme in theological discussions about church unity and the avoidance of schism. The emphasis on humility and avoiding self-conceit serves as a constant corrective against pride, which is often seen as a root cause of division and conflict within the church.
The concept of love for one another, which undergirds these principles, is frequently cited in Christian teaching. Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that love to man is commanded by God and Christ, is taught by God, and is a fruit of the Spirit [4]. It is considered the second great commandment and an active, abiding principle without which even supernatural gifts are meaningless [4]. This broader understanding of Christian love provides the context for the specific relational commands in Romans 12:16.
The passage also speaks to the internal spiritual struggle of believers. Charles Hodge, in his Systematic Theology, describes the inward conflict between reason and conscience on one side, and evil passion on the other, even in advanced Christians [11]. The commands in Romans 12:16, therefore, are not just external rules but also address the internal disposition and mindset of the believer, urging them to cultivate humility and a spirit of unity.
Sources
- Romans “Romans 1:12 (BSB) — that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
- Romans “Romans 12:16 (ASV) — Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conduct, Christian — Believing God -- Mr 11:22; Joh 14:11,12. Fearing God -- Ec 12:13; 1Pe 2:17. Loving God -- De 6:5; Mt 22:37. Following God -- Eph 5:1; 1Pe 1:15,16. Obeying God -- Lu 1:6; 1Jo 5:3. Rejoicing in God -- Ps 33:1; Hab 3:18. Believing in Christ -- Joh 6:29; 1Jo 3:23. Loving Christ -- Joh 21:15; 1Pe 1:7,8. Following the example of Christ -- Joh 13:15; 1Pe 2:21-24. Obeying Christ -- Joh 14:21; 15:14. Living To Christ. -- Ro 14:8; 2Co 5:15. To righteousness. -- Mic 6:8; Ro 6:18; 1Pe 2:24. Soberly, righteously, and godly. -- Tit 2:12. Walking Honestly. -- 1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Love to Man — Is of God -- 1Jo 4:7. Commanded by God -- 1Jo 4:21. Commanded by Christ -- Joh 13:34; 15:12; 1Jo 3:23. After the example of Christ -- Joh 13:34; 15:12; Eph 5:2. Taught by God -- 1Th 4:9. Faith works by -- Ga 5:6. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22; Col 1:8. Purity of heart leads to -- 1Pe 1:22. Explained -- 1Co 13:4-7. Is an active principle -- 1Th 1:3; Heb 6:10. Is an abiding principle -- 1Co 13:8,13. Is the second great commandment -- Mt 22:37-39. Is the end of the commandment -- 1Ti 1:5. Supernatural gifts are nothing without -- 1Co 13:1,2. The greates”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 12:16: 12:16 All three exhortations in this verse use the Greek word phroneō (think). Paul addresses the need for right Christian thinking when it comes to our relationships with other Christians. • Live in harmony: Literally Think the same things. • Don’t be too proud: Literally Don’t think arrogant things.”
- Romans (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Romans 12 (introduction): The apostle, having at large cleared and confirmed the prime fundamental doctrines of Christianity, comes in the next place to press the principal duties. We mistake our religion if we look upon it only as a system of notions and a guide to speculation. No, it is a practical religion, that tends to the right ordering of the conversation. It is designed not only to inform our judgments, but to reform our hearts and lives. From the method of the apostle's writing in this, as in some other of the epistles (as from the management of the principal minister”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 62: refuted. 7. Christian life cannot exist without charity. Remedies for the vices opposed to charity. 1. Mercy. 2. Humility. 3. Modesty. 4. Diligence. 5. Perseverance. 8. Self-denial, in respect of God, should lead to equanimity and tolerance. 1. We are always subject to God. 2. We should shun avarice and ambition. 3. We should expect all prosperity from the blessing of God, and entirely depend on him. 9. We ought not to desire wealth or honours without the divine blessing, nor follow the arts of the wicked. We ought to cast all our ”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 12 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO ROMANS 12 The doctrines concerning predestination, justification, &c. being established, the duties of religion are built upon them, and enforced by them in this and the following chapters. The apostle first exhorts all the members of the church in common to a regard to the worship of God, in opposition to the things of the world; and then the officers of the church particularly, to the discharge of their duty; and next all of them, both officers and members, to the performance of various duties respecting God, themselves, one another, a”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 12:10: 12:10 genuine affection: Literally brotherly love. Christians are to love each other with the mutual love and commitment that are found within a healthy family.”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 49: the case supposed, is a matter of feeling, affection, and intimacy. This relationship is not dissolved by the death of the person through whom it arose. A wife’s sister continues to cherish to her widowed brother-in-law the same sisterly affection after, as before her sister’s death. She can live with him, guide his house, and take charge of his children, without the slightest violation of her self-respect, and without fear of incurring the disrespect of others. Besides, if relationship by affinity is dissolved by death, then a son may, o”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 31: subjects of the inward conflict here depicted. There is in them indeed often a struggle protracted and painful, between reason and conscience on the one side, and evil passion on the other. But there is not in the unrenewed that utter renunciation of self, that looking for help to God in Christ alone, and that delight in the law of God, of which the Apostle here speaks. What Romans vii. 7-25 teaches. Assuming, then, that we have in this chapter an account of the experience of a true and even of an advanced Christian, we learn that in ever”