Romans 12:8

“Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation, etc..] This is the other branch of prophesying or preaching, and which is more practical, and lies in giving a word of exhortation to the saints, as their particular cases call for; for as prophets were teachers, (<441301>Acts 13:1); so also exhorters, (<441532>Acts 15:32); and one considerable branch of the ministry, and which is more principally the pastor's work, as well as to teach, is to exhort all sorts of persons, young and old, rich and poor, high and low, bond and free, under his care, with all longsuffering and doctrine. The words will bear to be read, “he that comforteth, on consolation”; and so the Syriac version renders them, haywbb wh…”

“Or he that exhorteth--Since all preaching, whether by apostles, prophets, or teachers, was followed up by exhortation (Act 11:23; Act 14:22; Act 15:32, &c.), many think that no specific class is here in view. But if liberty was given to others to exercise themselves occasionally in exhorting the brethren, generally, or small parties of the less instructed, the reference may be to them. he that giveth--in the exercise of private benevolence probably, rather than in the discharge of diaconal duty. with simplicity--so the word probably means. But as simplicity seems enjoined in the next clause but one of this same verse, perhaps the meaning here is, "with liberality," as the same word is…”

“He that exhorteth - This word properly denotes one who urges to the practical duties of religion, in distinction from one who teaches its doctrines. One who presents the warnings and the promises of God to excite men to the discharge of their duty. It is clear that there were persons who were recognised as engaging especially in this duty, and who were known by this appellation, as distinguished from prophets and teachers. How long this was continued, there is no means of ascertaining; but it cannot be doubted that it may still be expedient, in many times and places, to have persons designated to this work. In most churches this duty is now blended with the other functions of the ministry.…”

“He that presideth - That hath the care of a flock. He that showeth mercy - In any instance. With cheerfulness - Rejoicing that he hath such an opportunity. Romans 12:9”

“12:8 give generously: See also 2 Cor 8:2; 9:11, 13.”

“exhorteth: Act 13:15, Act 15:32, Act 20:2; Co1 14:3; Th1 2:3; Ti1 4:13; Heb 10:25, Heb 13:22 giveth: or, imparteth, Rom 12:13; Deu 15:8-11, Deu 15:14; Job 31:16-20; Psa 112:9; Pro 22:9; Ecc 11:1, Ecc 11:2, Ecc 11:6; Isa 32:5, Isa 32:8, Isa 58:7-11; Mat 6:2-4, Mat 25:40; Luk 21:1-4; Act 2:44-46, Act 4:33-35; Act 11:28-30; Co2 8:1-9, Co2 8:12; Th1 2:8; Pe1 4:9-11 with simplicity: or, liberally, Co2 1:12, Co2 8:2, Co2 11:3; Eph 6:5; Col 3:22 ruleth: Rom 13:6; Gen 18:19; Psa 101:1-8; Act 13:12, Act 20:28; Co1 12:28; Th1 5:12-14; Ti1 3:4, Ti1 3:5, Ti1 5:17; Heb 13:7, Heb 13:17, Heb 13:24; Pe1 5:2, Pe1 5:3 with diligence: Ecc 9:10, shewth, Deu 16:11, Deu 16:14, Deu 16:15; Psa 37:21; Isa 64:5; Co2…”