Pentecost Season · Mary's Visitation · Year B
Romans 12:9-16b
Love
May 31, 2027

Overview & Insights
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
Romans 12:9–21 continues the theme of being a living sacrifice (12:1–2) by loving others. Romans 12:9 and 12:21 form an inclusio for the intervening verses: to love is to avoid evil and cling to good. Although a sequential outline is difficult to identify in 12:9–21, a topical outline does emerge: 1. Love God (12:11–12) 2. Love one’s fellow Christians (12:10, 13, 15, 16) 3. Love one’s enemies (12:14, 17–21)
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Commentary
Commentary on Romans 12:9-21 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary commentary on Paul's rapid exhortations in Romans 12.
Romans 12 (Guzik) Enduring Word · David Guzik
Guzik's verse by verse commentary on the chapter.
Romans 12:9 Parallel Commentaries BibleHub
Parallel classic commentaries collected from Romans 12:9.
Barnes' Notes on Romans 12 StudyLight
Barnes' Notes on the whole chapter of Romans 12.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: Romans Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary introduction to Paul's letter to the Romans.
Book of Romans Overview (Part 2) BibleProject
Animated overview video covering the second half of Romans, including chapter 12.
Romans 12:9 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text of Romans 12:9 with parsing and Strong's numbers.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
How are Christians to treat enemies?
Paul calls the church to live in harmony, to bless and not curse, to leave vengeance to God, and to conquer evil by returning good, feeding even the hungry enemy.
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