Bless those who persecute you; bless them and do not wish harm on anyone.
Commentaries
12:1 - 12:21
Rules of Christian Life.
He begins a lengthy exhortation on how Christians should behave, not as isolated individuals but as members of a faith community. The theme of unity and harmony was Paul’s obsession. It was also a constant challenge for those young churches made up of Christians from such diverse backgrounds and with opposing customs. While he starts by affirming that the Gospel is the power of salvation for all who believe, he now wants to see that Gospel expressed in personal relationships with one another, as if everyone were offering a living, holy sacrifice acceptable to God, which is the true “spiritual worship” (1) that God desires. In the cry “Abba, Father” (8:15), the Apostle emphasizes the community’s unity and harmony at its deepest level. From here, he begins a long list of recommendations, admonitions, and advice that outline the ideal behavior of a Christian as a member of the community of faith. It is a program as relevant for the community of Rome as it is for our Church today.
Commentaries
Rules of Christian Life.
He begins a lengthy exhortation on how Christians should behave, not as isolated individuals but as members of a faith community. The theme of unity and harmony was Paul’s obsession. It was also a constant challenge for those young churches made up of Christians from such diverse backgrounds and with opposing customs. While he starts by affirming that the Gospel is the power of salvation for all who believe, he now wants to see that Gospel expressed in personal relationships with one another, as if everyone were offering a living, holy sacrifice acceptable to God, which is the true “spiritual worship” (1) that God desires. In the cry “Abba, Father” (8:15), the Apostle emphasizes the community’s unity and harmony at its deepest level. From here, he begins a long list of recommendations, admonitions, and advice that outline the ideal behavior of a Christian as a member of the community of faith. It is a program as relevant for the community of Rome as it is for our Church today.