An Exegetical 

Study of Romans 12
Introduction
The Epistle to Romans is a masterpiece of Pauline theology. Apostle Paul is addressing a church,
which he has not visited but about which he has heard much. Therefore he shapes his
theological arguments in a well-articulated manner, in order to build up the faith of
its recipients. Martin Luther used it as the launching pad for popularizing
‘justification by faith alone’. He considered it as the purest gospel. Calvin maintains the opinion
that a true understanding of this epistle opens door to all the most profound treasures of scripture.
The attempt of this paper is to exegete chapter 12.
Background
This section i.e. chapters 12 to 15 is the concluding portion which is devoted to the practical
application of the previous discussion. Romans Ch. 1 to 11 dealt with theological issues
whereas in chapter 12, Paul begins to unpack the implications of living the Christian life. Some
ethical issues were dealt with in 6:2, 7:6 and 8:9.
1
 But now Paul offers detailed practical guidance for everyday living. A right relationship with
God is the theme of 1-11 and right relationship with people characterize chapter 12-16.
2
 An equally marked division between the theoretical and the practical portion is found in the
Epistle to the Ephesians (chap, iv) ; and one similar, although not so strongly marked,
in Galatians (v. i or 2) ;Colossians (iii. i); I Thessalonians (iv. i); a Thessalonians (iii. 6). The
main idea running through the whole section seems to be that of peace and unity for the Church
in all relations both internal and external.
3
 
Form & Structure
Rom. 12:1-2 serves as the paradigm for the entire exhortation section.
4
 There is a rhythmic structure in vv 3–5(two sets of four lines), which probably indicates a
pattern of parenesis worn smooth by regular use. Parenesis is one of the styles ancient
moralists used, which strings together various moral exhortations that have little
connection amongthem.
5
In vv 6–8 the exhortation regarding the seven kinds of charisma listed becomes increasingly
telegraphic in style.Whereas vv 9–13, following on from vv 3–8, are directed more to the internal
relationships within the body of Christ, vv14–21 seem to focus more on relationships with the
wider world, leading into 13:1–7.
6
James Dunn classifies this chapter as follows1 2 : 1 –
2The basis for responsible living, the Christian worshi
p.12:3–8The Body of Christ as the Social Context 
of Faith12:9–21Love  as the norm
for social relationships
  A. The Basis for Responsible Living—the Christian’s Worship (12:1–2)
Paul begins with an exhortation, which summarizes the claim of his gospel, which
sets out the basis for allChristian lifestyle and relationships, and which deliberately indicates
the balance necessary between personal commitmentand divine enabling.
Vs. 1
: It is St. Paul’s way to supplement his doctrinal treatises with detailed practical directions as to
the conductthat should proceed on belief in the doctrines propounded. So also in Ephesians 4:1,
etc., where, as here, he connects hisexhortations with what has gone before by the initiatory
parakalw~ ou+n
.
7 
 
Beyond his exposition of the truth for itsown sake, he has always a further practical aim.
The term
ou\n
(therefore) implies that, Christian’s obedience is his response to what God has done for
him in Christ, the expression of his gratitude. Dunn comments that for a Jew it would be self-
evident that faith and theology must come to expression in daily living.
8
All three adjectives
(living, holy and well   pleasing)
follow sacrifice and thus there is no exegetical warrant for isolating the word
‘living’. Living denotes thespiritual state of believer.
9
1
David Coffey,
  Romans: Crossway Bible Guide
(Great Britian: Omnia Books Limited, 2000), 186.
2
Ibid.
3
Rev. William Sanday and Rev. Arthur C. Headlam, “The Epistle to the Romans, “
The International Critical Commentary; Critical and Exegetical Commentary
(Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1902), 352.
4
Thomas R. Schreiner.
  Romans : ECNT 
( Michigan : Baker Academic, 1998), 640.
5
Craig S. Keener,
  IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament 
, (Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997),CD.
6
James D.G. Dunn,
Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 38b: Romans 9-16 
, (Dallas, Texas: Word Books, Publisher, 1998) CD.
7
 
The Pulpit Commentary. Electronic Version. New Testament 
. “Romans,”, Ages Software Inc. Wisconsin: USA, 2001
8
Coffey…, Op. Cit., 186.
9
Thomas R. Schreiner,
  Romans: ECNT 
(Michigan: Baker Academic, 1998), 644