Romans 12:6

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 12:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of our faith;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of our faith;
Romans 12:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of our faith;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Having then gifts, differing, etc..] As in a natural body, the various members of it have not the same office, and do not perform the same actions, thus they have not the same, but different faculties; one has one faculty, another another; the eye has the faculty of seeing, the ear of hearing, etc.. thus in the spiritual body the church, as there are different members, these members have not the same work and business assigned them; some are employed one way, and some another; also they have diversities of gifts for their different administrations and operations, and all from Christ their head, by the same Spirit, and for the service of the whole body, according to the grace that is given…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace given to us--Here, let it be observed, all the gifts of believers alike are viewed as communications of mere grace. whether--we have the gift of prophecy--that is, of inspired teaching (as in Act 15:32). Anyone speaking with divine authority--whether with reference to the past, the present, or the future--was termed a prophet (Exo 7:1). let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith--rather, "of our faith." Many Romish expositors and some Protestant (as CALVIN and BENGEL, and, though, hesitatingly, BEZA and HODGE), render this "the analogy of faith," understanding by it "the general tenor" or "rule of faith," divinely delivered to men…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Having then gifts - All the endowments which Christians have are regarded by the apostle as gifts. God has conferred them; and this fact, when properly felt, tends much to prevent our thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, Romans 12:3. For the use of the word rendered “gifts,” see Romans 1:11; Romans 5:15-16; Romans 6:23; Romans 11:29; 1Co 7:7; 1 Corinthians 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:9,1 Corinthians 12:28, etc. It may refer to natural endowments as well as to the favors of grace; though in this place it refers doubtless to the distinctions conferred on Christians in the churches. Differing - It was never designed that all Christians should be equal. God designed that people…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace which is given us - Gifts are various: grace is one. Whether it be prophecy - This, considered as an extraordinary gift, is that whereby heavenly mysteries are declared to men, or things to come foretold. But it seems here to mean the ordinary gift of expounding scripture. Let us prophesy according to the analogy of faith - St. Peter expresses it, "as the oracles of God;" according to the general tenor of them; according to that grand scheme of doctrine which is delivered therein, touching original sin, justification by faith, and present, inward salvation. There is a wonderful analogy between all these; and a close and intimate connexion…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:6 The ability to prophesy was one of the most important of the New Testament gifts (see also 1 Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11). Although prophets are mentioned in several passages in Acts as predicting the future (see Acts 11:28; 21:10-12), the prophet’s most fundamental responsibility is to communicate God’s message to the community of believers (1 Cor 12:3, 24-25, 29-30; see also 1 Cor 14:1-40). • as much faith as God has given you (literally in proportion to the faith): Proportion (Greek analogia) is a word drawn from mathematics and logic, where it refers to the correct proportions in a relationship among things, quantities, or ideas. Paul uses the phrase to remind prophets to make sure that…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“then: Rom 1:11; Co1 1:5-7, Co1 4:6, Co1 4:7, Co1 12:4-11, Co1 12:28-31, Co1 13:2; Pe1 4:10, Pe1 4:11 differing according: Rom 12:3 whether: Mat 23:34; Luk 11:49; Act 2:17, Act 11:27, Act 11:28, Act 13:1, Act 15:32, Act 21:9; Co1 12:10, Co1 12:28, Co1 13:2, Co1 14:1, Co1 14:3-5, Co1 14:24, Co1 14:29, Co1 14:31, Co1 14:32; Eph 3:5, Eph 4:11; Th1 5:20 according to the proportion: Rom 12:3; Act 18:24-28; Co2 8:12; Phi 3:15 Romans 12:7”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification