Romans 12:5

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 12:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.
Romans 12:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“So we being many are one body in Christ, etc..] This is the application of the above simile. The chosen of God, the redeemed of Christ, and those that are justified by his righteousness, and sanctified by his Spirit; though they are but few in comparison of the men of the world, but considered in themselves are many, and yet make up but one body, the church, of which Christ is the head: and though this general assembly; or church universal, may be distinguished into several congregational churches, and distinct communities, yet each community, consisting of divers persons, is but one body “in Christ”, united and knit together by joints and bands, under him their head, Lord, and King; in him,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“So we, being many - We who are Christians, and who are numerous as individuals. Are one body - Are united together, constituting one society, or one people, mutually dependent, and having the same great interests at heart, though to be promoted by us according to our special talents and opportunities. As the welfare of the same body is to be promoted in one manner by the feet, in another by the eye, etc.; so the welfare of the body of Christ is to be promoted by discharging our duties in our appropriate sphere, as God has appointed us. In Christ - One body, joined to Christ, or connected with him as the head; Ephesians 1:22-23, “And gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“So we - All believers. Are one body - Closely connected together in Christ, and consequently ought to be helpful to each other. Romans 12:6”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Rom 12:4; Co1 10:17, Co1 12:12-14, Co1 12:20, Co1 12:27, Co1 12:28; Eph 1:23, Eph 4:25, Eph 5:23, Eph 5:30; Col 1:24; Col 2:19 Romans 12:6”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification