Romans 12:13 kjv
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Romans 12:13 nkjv
distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Romans 12:13 niv
Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12:13 esv
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Romans 12:13 nlt
When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Romans 12 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Romans 12:13 | Contribute to the needs of the saints; | Actively share with others |
| 1 John 3:17 | If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? | Love requires action |
| Acts 4:32 | All the believers were one in mind and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared all their possessions. | Early church example |
| 2 Corinthians 8:12 | For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. | Generosity based on ability |
| Galatians 6:10 | Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. | Priority to fellow believers |
| Philippians 4:14 | Nevertheless you have done well to share with me in my affliction. | Partnership in ministry |
| Hebrews 13:16 | And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. | God is pleased with sharing |
| 1 Timothy 6:17-19 | Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will store up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the time to come, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. | Stewardship of wealth |
| Acts 2:45 | They sold property and possessions and divided them among anyone who had need. | Communal sharing |
| James 1:27 | Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. | Care for the needy |
| 1 John 4:7-8 | Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. | Love as the basis of action |
| Mark 12:41-44 | Jesus sat down opposite the offering box and watched the crowd putting their money into the offering boxes. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the offering box than all the others. All their contributions were from their surplus; but she, from her poverty, put in all she had to live on." | Giving from the heart |
| Proverbs 11:24-25 | One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. | The blessing of generosity |
| Luke 6:38 | Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. | Principle of sowing and reaping |
| Romans 15:26 | For Macedonia and Achaia were determined to share in the grace that was to be administered to the saints who were in Jerusalem. | Sharing with churches |
| 2 Corinthians 9:1-2 | Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: It is unnecessary for me to write to you, for I know your eagerness to help, and I boast about it to the Macedonians, saying that Corinth was ready a year ago, and your zeal has stirred many of them. | Enthusiastic giving |
| 1 Peter 4:8-10 | Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s varied grace. | Stewardship and hospitality |
| Acts 20:35 | In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ | The blessing of giving |
| 1 Corinthians 1:10 | I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. | Unity and mutual support |
| Ephesians 4:2-3 | Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. | Maintaining unity through love |
| Colossians 3:12 | Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. | Characteristics of the believer |
Romans 12 verses
Romans 12 13 Meaning
Believers are called to contribute to the needs of God's people, actively sharing what they have with those who are lacking. This generosity is a practical expression of Christian love and fellowship.
Romans 12 13 Context
Romans 12 focuses on practical Christian living that flows from God's mercy (Rom 12:1). Verse 13, falling within this section of instructions for believers' conduct, emphasizes hospitality and the sharing of resources among the community of faith. This exhortation is part of Paul's broader theme of demonstrating genuine love and unity within the church. The chapter builds upon the theological foundation laid in the preceding chapters regarding salvation by grace through faith, highlighting that this faith is to be expressed in tangible actions of love towards others, particularly fellow believers. The immediate context includes verses on showing love through specific actions like being joyful, patient, and hospitable, which directly leads into the command to share with those in need.
Romans 12 13 Word Analysis
- “Contribute” (koinōneō):
- From the Greek word koinōnia (fellowship, communion, sharing).
- Implies actively participating in or sharing something with others. It signifies a willing and voluntary sharing, not an obligation imposed under compulsion. It suggests a shared life and mutual dependence within the community of believers.
- “to the needs” (chreiais):
- Refers to necessities, lack, or what is required.
- Encompasses not just material wants but also genuine necessities of life.
- “of the saints” (tōn hagiōn):
- The "saints" are believers, those set apart by God through Christ.
- This phrase highlights the specific recipients of this generosity – fellow members of God's redeemed community. It calls for prioritizing the well-being of those who share in the same faith and spiritual calling.
- “hospitality” (philoxenous):
- From philos (loving) and xenos (stranger/guest).
- Literally means "loving strangers." It speaks of extending kindness, warmth, and provision to those who are outside one's usual circle, including travelers or newcomers.
- In the biblical context, it goes beyond mere politeness and involves sharing one's home and resources generously and affectionately.
- “given to” (diōkontes):
- Literally means "pursue," "chase after," or "give oneself to."
- It conveys a diligent, persistent, and enthusiastic pursuit. It suggests an active, ongoing commitment to the practice of hospitality, not a sporadic or passive engagement.
- “practicing” (dokimazontes):
- Means to "test," "approve," or "put to the proof."
- In this context, it suggests discerning genuine hospitality, demonstrating its reality through actions, and ensuring it is not superficial. It implies a thoughtful and intentional approach to hospitality.
Words Group Analysis:
- “Contribute to the needs of the saints”: This phrase collectively calls for active, practical support for fellow believers who are experiencing some form of lack or necessity. It's about being aware of and responding to the tangible needs within the church family, fostering a strong sense of communal responsibility and interdependence.
- “given to hospitality”: This emphasizes hospitality as a lifestyle, a pursuit to be actively engaged in, rather than an occasional act. It's about consistently opening oneself and one's resources to others, particularly strangers, embodying Christ-like love and acceptance.
Romans 12 13 Bonus Section
The directive to "contribute to the needs of the saints" and "be devoted to hospitality" underscores the organic, relational nature of the early church. This wasn't about institutional welfare programs, but about believers personally sharing their resources and their homes, flowing from their koinonia (fellowship). The ability to practice hospitality and contribute generously was understood as a gift from God (as mentioned in Romans 12:6-8), indicating that these are not merely human efforts but expressions of divine enabling and spiritual fruitfulness. The term philoxenia itself carries a cultural weight, as hospitality was highly valued in the ancient Near East as a sign of civilization and respect, a principle deeply integrated into Christian witness.
Romans 12 13 Commentary
Believers are instructed to be actively involved in supporting those within the Christian community who have needs, sharing what they possess. This support should be coupled with a dedicated pursuit of hospitality, which involves welcoming and caring for others, especially those unknown or from outside the immediate fellowship. The command is not merely to be generous, but to actively seek out opportunities to give and to extend kindness, demonstrating a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit and a genuine love for God and His people. This practice reflects the sacrificial love of Christ and is a hallmark of true fellowship.
- Practicality: Ensure your giving addresses real needs. Is the person truly in lack, or are they just wanting more?
- Generosity: Give willingly and cheerfully, not out of obligation, but from a heart motivated by God's love.
- Hospitality: Be open to sharing your home, your table, and your company. Don't let busyness or shyness hinder this Christ-like virtue. It often starts with small acts, like inviting someone for a cup of coffee or to a simple meal.
- Consistency: Make hospitality and generosity a regular part of your life, not just an exception for special occasions.