Romans 12:1

Therefore (oun). This inferential participle gathers up all the great argument of chapters Romans 1-11 . Now Paul turns to exhortation (parakalw), "I beseech you." By the mercies (dia twn oiktirmwn). "By means of the mercies of God" as shown in his argument and in our lives. See 2 Corinthians 1:3 for "the Father of mercies." To present (parasthsai). First aorist active infinitive of paristhmi, for which verb see 2 Corinthians 6:13 , a technical term for offering a sacrifice (Josephus, Ant. IV. 6, 4), though not in the O.T. Used of presenting the child Jesus in the temple ( Luke 2:22 ), of the Christian presenting himself ( Romans 6:13 ), of God presenting the saved ( Ephesians 5:27 ), of Christ presenting the church (Col 1:28). Bodies (swmata). So literally as in Ephesians 6:13 Ephesians 6:19 ; 2 Corinthians 5:10 and in contrast with nou (mind) in verse Romans 12:2 . A living sacrifice (qusian zwsan). In contrast with the Levitical sacrifices of slain animals. Cf. Romans 6:8 Romans 6:11 Romans 6:13 . Not a propitiatory sacrifice, but one of praise. Acceptable (euareston). "Well-pleasing." See on "2Co 5:9". Which is your reasonable service (thn logikhn umwn latreian). "Your rational (spiritual) service (worship)." For latreia, see on Romans 9:4 . Logiko is from logo, reason. The phrase means here "worship rendered by the reason (or soul)." Old word, in N.T. only here and 1 Peter 2:2 to logikon gala (not logical milk, but the milk nourishing the soul).