The Christian’s Code of Conduct: Romans 12:9–21

Romans 12:9–21 is characteristically Pauline—a large passage of Scripture that denies the interpreter a neat and tidy outline. Multiple reasons exist for why this passage is hard to organize, but, however organized, it is an excellent passage to give us general guidance in order to live the Christian life. Let’s explore how Paul puts it all together.

First, the variety of verbs is striking. By my count, there are 35 verbs in this passage, and perhaps 38 if you supply three verbs that Paul likely assumes. 31 of these 38 verbs function like commands, and 9 of these 31 definitely so as they are technically imperatives. For the other 22 commands, 17 verbs are technically participles (verbs usually translated with the ending –ing), 2 are infinitives (“to” plus a verb), and 3 are assumed, somehow joining adjectives and nouns (e.g., Rom 12:9, Let love be genuine). Even if we forget all of that technical data, the overall force of the passage should strike us as imperatival, that is, full of commands, which is how most translations put it. With this litany of commands, we see a general picture of how the Christian must live the Christian life. But for a pastor like me, if I followed the commands for my outline, I’m sure no one wants to hear me preach a 31-point sermon!

Another reason interpreters scratch their heads at this passage is its overall structure. As nice as it would be to chop our passage into two sections—one dealing with believers (Rom 12:9–16) and the other with unbelievers (Rom 12:17–21)—is that Rom 12:14 also deals with unbelievers. Why does Paul put this verse about how to relate to unbelievers in the midst of a section that is more about how believers relate to teach other? If anything, the verb “seek” in “seek hospitality” (Rom 12:13b) and “persecute” (Rom 12:14a) are actually one and the same (diōkō), each instance translated according to context. So, commentators suggest that a phenomenon like this could be evidence for a number of memorable sayings by the early church that were sometimes hooked together with similar-sounding words. Whatever the case, perhaps the best way to outline the passage is to call Rom 12:9–16 something like “the Christian’s conduct,” and Rom 12:17–21 “the Christian’s relationship to unbelievers.”

A final note—this passage has a range of topics—love (Rom 12:9–10), zeal (Rom 12:11), attitude and activity in trial (Rom 12:12), generous action to others (Rom 12:13), how to treat hostile unbelievers (Rom 12:14, 17–21), and how to relate to others in any situation (Rom 12:15–16). Perhaps one can distill the 31 verbs into a handful of headings if nothing else.

Whatever one does with this passage’s verbs, structure, and topics, it is a “Christian honor code” well worth one’s time and study and memorization. May God help us all to love one another, Christian or not, and to live honorably before Him each day.

—

Image by Rosy / Bad Homburg / Germany from Pixabay