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Selected Verse: Romans 12:7 - King James

Verse	Translation	Text
Ro 12:7	King James	Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
Or ministry, let us wait on--"be occupied with." our ministering--The word here used imports any kind of service, from the dispensing of the word of life (Act 6:4) to the administering of the temporal affairs of the Church (Act 6:1-3). The latter seems intended here, being distinguished from "prophesying," "teaching," and "exhorting." or he that teacheth--Teachers are expressly distinguished from prophets, and put after them, as exercising a lower function (Act 13:1; Co1 12:28-29). Probably it consisted mainly in opening up the evangelical bearings of Old Testament Scripture; and it was in this department apparently that Apollos showed his power and eloquence (Act 18:24).

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

Or ministry, let us wait on--"be occupied with."

our ministering--The word here used imports any kind of service, from the dispensing of the word of life (Act 6:4) to the administering of the temporal affairs of the Church (Act 6:1-3). The latter seems intended here, being distinguished from "prophesying," "teaching," and "exhorting."

or he that teacheth--Teachers are expressly distinguished from prophets, and put after them, as exercising a lower function (Act 13:1; Co1 12:28-29). Probably it consisted mainly in opening up the evangelical bearings of Old Testament Scripture; and it was in this department apparently that Apollos showed his power and eloquence (Act 18:24).

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Or ministry - διακονίαν diakonian. This word properly means service of any kind; Luk 10:40. It is used in religion to denote the service which is rendered to Christ as the Master. It is applied to all classes of ministers in the New Testament, as denoting their being the servants of Christ; and it is used particularly to denote that class who from this word were called deacons, that is, those who had the care of the poor, who provided for the sick, and who watched over the external matters of the church. In the following places it is used to denote the ministry, or service, which Paul and the other apostles rendered in their public work; Act 1:17, Act 1:25; Act 6:4; Act 12:25; Act 20:24; Act 21:19; Rom 11:13; Rom 15:31; Co2 5:18; Co2 6:3; Eph 4:12; Ti1 1:12. In a few places this word is used to denote the function which the deacons fulfilled; Act 6:1; Act 11:29; Co1 16:15; Co2 11:8. In this sense the word "deacon" διάκονος diakonos is most commonly used, as denoting the function which was performed in providing for the poor and administering the alms of the church. It is not easy to say in what sense it is used here. I am inclined to the opinion that he did not refer to those who were appropriately called deacons, but to those engaged in the function of the ministry of the word; whose business it was to preach, and thus to serve the churches. In this sense the word is often used in the New Testament, and the connection seems to demand the same interpretation here. On our ministering - Let us be wholly and diligently occupied in this. Let this be our great business, and let us give entire attention to it. Particularly the connection requires us to understand this as directing those who ministered not to aspire to the office and honors of those who prophesied. Let them not think of themselves more highly than they ought, but be engaged entirely in their own appropriate work. He that teacheth - This word denotes those who instruct, or communicate knowledge. It is clear that it is used to denote a class of persons different, in some respects, from those who prophesied and from those who exhorted. But in what this difference consisted, is not clear. Teachers are mentioned in the New Testament in the grade next to the prophets; Act 13:1; Co1 12:28-29; Eph 4:11. Perhaps the difference between the prophets, the ministers, the teachers, and the exhorters was this, that the first spake by inspiration; the second engaged in all the functions of the ministry properly so called, including the administration of the sacraments; the teachers were employed in communicating instruction simply, teaching the doctrines of religion, but without assuming the function of ministers; and the fourth exhorted, or entreated Christians to lead a holy life, without making it a particular subject to teach, and without pretending to administer the ordinances of religion. The fact that teachers are so often mentioned in the New Testament, shows that they were a class by themselves. It may be worthy of remark that the churches in New England had, at first, a class of people who were called teachers. One was appointed to this office in every church, distinct from the pastor, whose proper business it was to instruct the congregation in the doctrines of religion. The same thing exists substantially now in most churches, in the appointment of Sunday school teachers, whose main business it is to instruct the children in the doctrines of the Christian religion. It is an office of great importance to the church; and the exhortation of the apostle may be applied to them: that they should be assiduous, constant, diligent their teaching; that they should confine themselves to their appropriate place; and should feel that their office is of great importance in the church of God; and remember that this is his arrangement, designed to promote the edification of his people.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

Or ministry - διακονίαν diakonian. This word properly means service of any kind; Luk 10:40. It is used in religion to denote the service which is rendered to Christ as the Master. It is applied to all classes of ministers in the New Testament, as denoting their being the servants of Christ; and it is used particularly to denote that class who from this word were called deacons, that is, those who had the care of the poor, who provided for the sick, and who watched over the external matters of the church. In the following places it is used to denote the ministry, or service, which Paul and the other apostles rendered in their public work; Act 1:17, Act 1:25; Act 6:4; Act 12:25; Act 20:24; Act 21:19; Rom 11:13; Rom 15:31; Co2 5:18; Co2 6:3; Eph 4:12; Ti1 1:12. In a few places this word is used to denote the function which the deacons fulfilled; Act 6:1; Act 11:29; Co1 16:15; Co2 11:8. In this sense the word "deacon" διάκονος diakonos is most commonly used, as denoting the function which was performed in providing for the poor and administering the alms of the church. It is not easy to say in what sense it is used here. I am inclined to the opinion that he did not refer to those who were appropriately called deacons, but to those engaged in the function of the ministry of the word; whose business it was to preach, and thus to serve the churches. In this sense the word is often used in the New Testament, and the connection seems to demand the same interpretation here.

On our ministering - Let us be wholly and diligently occupied in this. Let this be our great business, and let us give entire attention to it. Particularly the connection requires us to understand this as directing those who ministered not to aspire to the office and honors of those who prophesied. Let them not think of themselves more highly than they ought, but be engaged entirely in their own appropriate work.

He that teacheth - This word denotes those who instruct, or communicate knowledge. It is clear that it is used to denote a class of persons different, in some respects, from those who prophesied and from those who exhorted. But in what this difference consisted, is not clear. Teachers are mentioned in the New Testament in the grade next to the prophets; Act 13:1; Co1 12:28-29; Eph 4:11. Perhaps the difference between the prophets, the ministers, the teachers, and the exhorters was this, that the first spake by inspiration; the second engaged in all the functions of the ministry properly so called, including the administration of the sacraments; the teachers were employed in communicating instruction simply, teaching the doctrines of religion, but without assuming the function of ministers; and the fourth exhorted, or entreated Christians to lead a holy life, without making it a particular subject to teach, and without pretending to administer the ordinances of religion.

The fact that teachers are so often mentioned in the New Testament, shows that they were a class by themselves. It may be worthy of remark that the churches in New England had, at first, a class of people who were called teachers. One was appointed to this office in every church, distinct from the pastor, whose proper business it was to instruct the congregation in the doctrines of religion. The same thing exists substantially now in most churches, in the appointment of Sunday school teachers, whose main business it is to instruct the children in the doctrines of the Christian religion. It is an office of great importance to the church; and the exhortation of the apostle may be applied to them: that they should be assiduous, constant, diligent their teaching; that they should confine themselves to their appropriate place; and should feel that their office is of great importance in the church of God; and remember that this is his arrangement, designed to promote the edification of his people.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
Ministering (διακονίᾳ) Let us wait on is supplied. Lit., or ministry in our ministry. The word appears in the New Testament always in connection with the service of the Christian Church, except Luk 10:40, of Martha's serving; Heb 1:14, of the ministry of angels, and Co2 3:7, of the ministry of Moses. Within this limit it is used, 1. Of service in general, including all forms of christian ministration tending to the good of the christian body (Co1 12:5; Eph 4:13; Ti2 4:11). Hence, 2. Of the apostolic office and its administration; (a) generally (Act 20:24; Co2 4:1; Ti1 1:12); or (b) defined as a ministry of reconciliation, of the word, of the Spirit, of righteousness (Co2 5:18; Act 6:4; Co2 3:8, Co2 3:9). It is not used of the specific office of a deacon; but the kindred word διάκονος occurs in that sense (Phi 1:1; Ti1 3:8, Ti1 3:12). As the word is employed in connection with both the higher and lower ministrations in the Church (see Act 6:1, Act 6:4), it is difficult to fix its precise meaning here; yet as it is distinguished here from prophecy, exhortation, and teaching, it may refer to some more practical, and, possibly, minor form of ministry. Moule says: "Almost any work other than that of inspired utterance or miracle-working may be included in it here." So Godet: "An activity of a practical nature exerted in action, not in word." Some limit it to the office of deacon. Teaching Aimed at the understanding.

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
Ministering - As deacons. He that teacheth - Catechumens; for whom particular instructers were appointed. He that exhorteth - Whose peculiar business it was to urge Christians to duty, and to comfort them in trials.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Or ministry - Διακονια simply means the office of a deacon; and what this office was, see in the note on Act 6:4 (note), where the subject is largely discussed. Or he that teacheth - The teacher, διδασκαλος, was a person whose office it was to instruct others, who thereby catechizing, or simply explaining the grand truths of Christianity.

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²⁴ And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

²⁸ And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
²⁹ Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

¹ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

¹ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
² Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
³ Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

¹¹ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

⁸ I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.

¹⁵ I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

²⁹ Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

¹ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

¹² And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

³ Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

¹⁸ And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

³¹ That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

¹³ For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

¹⁹ And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

²⁴ But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

¹⁷ For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

⁴⁰ But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

¹ And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

¹² Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

⁸ Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

¹ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

⁹ For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

⁸ How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

¹⁸ And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

¹² And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

¹ Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

¹¹ Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

¹³ Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

⁵ And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

⁷ But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:

¹⁴ Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

⁴⁰ But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

⁴ But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.