Attributed commentary excerpt
Wesley's Explanatory Notes on Romans 12:1
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
I exhort you - St. Paul uses to suit his exhortations to the doctrines he has been delivering. So here the general use from the whole is contained in Rom 12:1-2. The particular uses follow, from the third verse to the end of the Epistle. By the tender mercies of God - The whole sentiment is derived from Rom. 1-5. The expression itself is particularly opposed to "the wrath of God," Rom 1:18. It has a reference here to the entire gospel, to the whole economy of grace or mercy, delivering us from "the wrath of God," and exciting us to all duty. To present - So Rom 6:13; Rom 16:19; now actually to exhibit before God. Your bodies - That is, yourselves; a part is put for the whole; the rather, as in the ancient sacrifices of beasts, the body was the whole. These also are particularly named in opposition to that vile abuse of their bodies mentioned, Rom 1:24. Several expressions follow, which have likewise a direct reference to other expressions in the same chapter. A sacrifice - Dead to sin and living - By that life which is mentioned, Rom 1:17; Rom 6:4, &c. Holy - Such as the holy law requires, Rom 7:12. Acceptable - Rom 8:8. Which is your reasonable service - The worship of the heathens was utterly unreasonable, Rom 1:18, &c; so was the glorying of the Jews, Rom 2:3, &c. But a Christian acts in all things by the highest reason, from the mercy of God inferring his own duty. Romans 12:2
How to use this source
This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.
