Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 12:8

"or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, [let him do it] with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness." — Romans 12:8 (ASV)

He that exhorteth. This word properly denotes one who urges people to the practical duties of religion, in distinction from one who teaches its doctrines. This is one who presents the warnings and promises of God to inspire people to fulfill their duty. It is clear that there were individuals recognized as especially engaging in this duty, and who were known by this title, as distinguished from prophets and teachers. There is no way to ascertain how long this continued; but it cannot be doubted that it may still be beneficial, in many times and places, to have individuals designated for this work. In most churches, this duty is now blended with the other offices of the ministry.

He that giveth. The margin says, "imparteth." The word denotes the person whose office it was to distribute; and probably, it designates the one who distributed the alms of the church, or the one who was the deacon of the congregation. The context requires that this meaning should be given to the passage; and the word translated giveth may denote one who imparts or distributes what has been committed to him for that purpose, as well as one who gives from his private property. As the apostle is speaking here of offices in the church, the former is evidently what is intended. It was considered an important matter among the early Christians to give generously of their possessions to support the poor and provide for the needy (Acts 2:44–47; Acts 4:34–37; Acts 5:1–11; Galatians 2:10; Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:8; 2 Corinthians 9:2, 12).

Therefore, it became necessary to appoint individuals over these contributions, who should be especially entrusted with their management, and who would ensure they were properly distributed (Acts 6:1–6). These were the individuals who were called deacons (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8, 12).

With simplicity. See Matthew 6:22, If thine eye be single, and so on; Luke 11:34. The word simplicity (ἁπλότης) is used in a similar sense to denote singleness, honesty of aim, purity, integrity, without any mixture of a base, selfish, or sinister motive. It requires bestowing a favor without seeking any personal or selfish ends; without partiality; but motivated only by the desire to bestow them in the best possible manner to promote the object for which they were given (2 Corinthians 8:2; 2 Corinthians 9:11, 13; 2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22).

It is clear that when property was entrusted to them, there would be danger that they might be tempted to use it for selfish and sinister motives, to promote their influence and prosperity; therefore, the apostle exhorted them to do it with a single aim toward the object for which it was given. Well did he know that there was nothing more tempting than the possession of wealth, even though given to be designated for others. And this exhortation is applicable not only to the deacons of the churches but also to all who in this day of Christian benevolence are entrusted with money to advance the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He that ruleth. This word properly designates one who is set over others, or who presides or rules, or one who attends with diligence and care to a matter. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12, it is used in relation to ministers in general: And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord. In 1 Timothy 3:4, 5, 12, it is applied to the head of a family, or one who diligently and faithfully performs the duty of a father: One that ruleth well his own house. In 1 Timothy 5:17, it is applied to "elders" in the church: Let the elders that rule well, and so on.

It is not used elsewhere except in Titus 3:8, 14, in a different sense, where it is translated "to maintain good works." The primary meaning of the word, therefore, is to rule, to preside over, or to have the management of. However, to what class of people reference is made here, and what precisely their duty was, has been a subject of controversy, and it is not easy to determine.

Whether this refers to a permanent office in the church, or to an occasional presiding in their assemblies gathered for business, and so on, is not determined by the use of the word. It has the idea of ruling, as in a family, or of presiding, as in a deliberative assembly; and either of these ideas would convey all that is implied in the original word. (Compare to 1 Corinthians 12:28).

With diligence. This word properly means haste (Mark 6:25; Luke 1:39), but it also denotes industry, attention, care. In 2 Corinthians 7:11, What carefulness it wrought in you; in 2 Corinthians 7:12, That our care for you in the sight of God, and so on (Romans 8:7–8, Greek text; Hebrews 6:11). It means here that they should be attentive to the duties of their calling, and engage with ardor in that which was entrusted to them to do.

He that sheweth mercy. It is probable, says Calvin, that this refers to those who had the care of the sick and infirm, the aged and the needy; not so much to provide for them by charity, as to attend to them in their affliction and to take care of them. To the deacons was committed the duty of distributing alms, but to others that of personal attendance. This can hardly be called an office in the technical sense; yet it is not improbable that they were appointed for this by the church and requested to perform it.

There were no hospitals and no almshouses at that time. Christians felt it their duty to show personal attention to the infirm and the sick; and so important was this service that it was considered worthy of notice in a general instruction to the church.

With cheerfulness. The instruction given to those who distributed alms was to do it with simplicity, with an honest aim to meet the purpose for which it was entrusted to them. The instruction here varies according to the duty to be performed. It is to be done with cheerfulness, pleasantness, joy; with a kind, benign, and happy temper.

The importance of this instruction for those in this situation is clear. Nothing tends so much to increase the value of personal attendance on the sick and afflicted as a kind and cheerful temper. If anywhere a mild, amiable, cheerful, and patient disposition is needed, it is near a sickbed and when ministering to the needs of those who are in affliction.

And whenever we may be called to such a service, we should remember that this is essential. If moroseness, impatience, or fretfulness is discovered in us, it will pain those whom we seek to benefit, embitter their feelings, and make our services of comparatively little value. The needy and infirm, the feeble and the aged, have enough to bear without the impatience and harshness of professed friends.

It may be added that the example of the Lord Jesus Christ is the brightest that the world has provided of this temper. Though constantly surrounded by the infirm and the afflicted, He was always kind, gentle, and mild, and has left before us exactly what the apostle meant when he said, he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. The example of the good Samaritan is also another instance of what is intended by this instruction. (Compare to 2 Corinthians 9:7). This instruction is particularly applicable to a physician.

We have here an account of the establishment, the order, and the duties of the different members of the Christian church. The sum of it all is that we should faithfully fulfill the duties that belong to us in the sphere of life in which we are placed; and not despise the rank which God has assigned us; not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought; but to play our part well, according to the station where we are placed, and the talents with which we are endowed. If this were done, it would put an end to discontent, ambition, and strife, and would produce the blessings of universal peace and order.