What is Romans 12 about?
Romans 12 marks a turning point in Paul's letter, from what God has done to how Christians should live in response. It begins, "present your bodies a living sacrifice," and continues, "be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind" (verses 1–2). Paul compares the church to one body with many members, each with different gifts, such as teaching, serving and giving. He then gives a series of short commands: love without hypocrisy, be devoted to one another, rejoice in hope, be patient in trouble, keep praying, bless persecutors, and never take revenge. The chapter ends, "overcome evil with good" (verse 21).
What does Romans 12 mean?
Romans 12:2
After eleven chapters explaining God's mercy, Paul turns to how Christians should live in response. "Be not conformed to this world" means do not let the values and habits of the surrounding culture squeeze you into their shape. Instead, "be ye transformed." The Greek word is the root of "metamorphosis," a change from the inside out, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. This change happens "by the renewing of your mind," as God's truth reshapes how we think. The result is that we can discern and live out God's will, which Paul describes as good, acceptable, and perfect.
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