Romans 12 6

Romans 12:6 kjv

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

Romans 12:6 nkjv

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;

Romans 12:6 niv

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;

Romans 12:6 esv

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;

Romans 12:6 nlt

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.

Romans 12 verses

Romans 12 6 Meaning

Romans 12:6 declares that believers are endowed with diverse spiritual gifts, not through personal merit, but purely by God's sovereign grace. These gifts are intended for the edification and functioning of the body of Christ. While gifts vary, they must all be exercised responsibly, within the divine enablement, and according to a humble measure of faith given by God to each individual, ensuring their use aligns with spiritual truth and benefits the entire church.

Romans 12 6 Context

Romans 12 marks a pivotal shift in Paul's letter from rich theological exposition (Romans 1-11) to practical application for daily Christian living. The opening verses (12:1-2) call believers to dedicate themselves entirely to God as "living sacrifices," emphasizing a transformation of mind and spirit, resisting conformity to the world. Following this foundational call to spiritual devotion and renewal, Paul transitions into the theme of corporate worship and service within the church (12:3-8). Verse 3 serves as an introduction, instructing humility regarding spiritual gifts by recognizing that each believer receives a specific "measure of faith" from God, cautioning against pride. Verses 4-5 liken the church to a single body with diverse members, each having a unique function. Romans 12:6 then logically introduces the diversity of these "gifts" (charismata) that function within this unified body, immediately setting forth a crucial principle for their proper exercise, using "prophecy" as the primary example to illustrate the necessary humility and appropriate use tied to one's measure of faith. Historically, the early church, including the Roman believers, navigated understanding and applying spiritual manifestations, needing clear guidance to avoid disunity, misuse, or exalting one gift over another. Paul's instruction addresses potential issues of pride or disorder concerning spiritual expressions.

Romans 12 6 Word analysis

• Having gifts: (Greek: charismata, χαρίσματα) – This term is derived from charis, meaning "grace." It signifies endowments given freely and supernaturally by God, distinguishing them from mere natural talents. They are manifestations of God's unmerited favor for service within the church.

• that differ: (Greek: diaphorous, διαφόρους) – Highlights the variety and diversity of these spiritual endowments. God deliberately gives different gifts to different members, fostering interdependence and preventing uniformity.

• according to the grace: (Greek: kata tēn charin, κατὰ τὴν χάριν) – Underscores that the source, nature, and measure of each gift are determined solely by God's benevolent and undeserved favor, not by any human worthiness or effort. This combats pride and self-sufficiency.

• given to us: (Greek: tēn dotheisan hēmin, τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν) – The passive voice clearly attributes the action to God. These gifts are not acquired but imparted. God is the Giver.

• let us use them: (Implied/Supplied) – While not explicitly present as a single verb in the Greek, the grammatical structure (echontes...eite touto...eite touto) functions as an exhortation to actively employ the gifts one possesses. Gifts are given for service, not for hoarding.

• if prophecy: (Greek: eite prophēteian, εἴτε προφητείαν) – Paul uses prophecy as the first example of a gift, likely due to its prominence and potential for misuse in early churches. In the New Testament, prophecy typically refers to Spirit-inspired utterance for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor 14:3), speaking God's mind for the present situation, sometimes involving insight or foretelling, but primarily for strengthening the body. It is often distinguished from the office of prophet in Eph 4:11, suggesting a more widespread gift.

• in proportion to our faith: (Greek: analōgian tēs pisteōs, ἀναλογίαν τῆς πίστεως) – This crucial phrase provides the guiding principle for exercising gifts.

  • "proportion" (analōgian): Implies a standard, measure, or analogy. It sets limits and parameters for operation.
  • "our faith" (tēs pisteōs): This phrase is widely understood in two primary, complementary ways, rooted in the preceding verse (Rom 12:3).
    1. Individual's measure of faith: It refers to the specific amount or measure of faith that God has supernaturally apportioned to each believer. This means exercising the gift within the bounds of one's God-given spiritual capacity, conviction, and enablement, thus promoting humility and dependence on the Spirit, avoiding overextension or speaking beyond what God has revealed or empowered.
    2. The common faith / sound doctrine: It also implies that any prophetic utterance (or any gift) must be consistent with the fundamental tenets of Christian doctrine, the truth of Scripture, and the faith "once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). It should build up, not contradict established truth.

• "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us": This group of words emphasizes the two pillars of spiritual gifting: their inherent diversity and their divine, gracious origin. This understanding combats comparison, jealousy, and pride, establishing a foundation for mutual respect and interdependence within the Body of Christ.

• "if prophecy, in proportion to our faith": This phrase takes a specific gift, prophecy, and applies a universal governing principle for all gift usage. It links the expression of the gift directly to the internal reality of one's faith—both personal conviction/capacity and adherence to truth—demanding a responsible, humble, and divinely aligned application of the endowment.

Romans 12 6 Bonus section

The understanding of "gifts" (charismata) in Romans 12:6, flowing directly from "grace" (charis), is crucial for maintaining a theology of ministry centered on God's initiative rather than human performance. While often distinguished, there is an interplay between natural abilities (talents) and spiritual gifts. Natural talents, when submitted to God, can be sanctified and empowered by the Holy Spirit, effectively becoming channels for spiritual gifts. However, spiritual gifts inherently involve supernatural enablement beyond natural human capacity alone, given explicitly for the building up of the church.

The example of prophecy being presented first emphasizes its significance in early Christian assemblies. The need for the gift to be exercised "in proportion to our faith" not only provided an internal check for the speaker but also implicitly provided a measure for the hearers to discern the authenticity and appropriate scope of the message. This principle lays a theological foundation against presumptuous or self-generated messages within the church. Furthermore, the imperative to use the gifts implies an active engagement of believers in ministry. These are not passive possessions but tools for service, requiring active faith, wisdom, and obedience to God's leading. Neglecting a gift is therefore neglecting a means of grace and service intended for the well-being of the Body.

Romans 12 6 Commentary

Romans 12:6 serves as a foundational declaration and a vital instruction for the New Testament believer regarding spiritual gifts. Paul first grounds the entire discussion of spiritual gifts in God's grace, emphasizing that these "charismata" are freely bestowed by God, not earned, and manifest in various forms ("that differ"). This immediate link to grace precludes any grounds for pride or superiority among gifted individuals. God's sovereign hand determines both the type and the measure of the gift. The primary exhortation, though often implied in English translations, is to actively employ these gifts for the benefit of the Christian community.

The verse then offers specific guidance, exemplified by the gift of "prophecy," a significant and potentially impactful gift in the early church. The principle "in proportion to our faith" is paramount. It demands that one's prophetic utterance (or any gift's exercise) must align with two critical measures: first, the personal measure of faith and spiritual enablement that God has specifically granted to that individual (as indicated in Rom 12:3). This prevents arrogance, speaking out of human presumption, or overestimating one's spiritual capacity. Second, it implies that the content of the message must conform to sound doctrine, the established body of Christian truth, guarding against falsehood or confusion. By linking the operation of the gift to both divine grace and individual faith, Paul ensures that spiritual gifts are exercised in humility, truth, and dependence upon God, fostering unity and genuine edification within the diverse body of Christ rather than competition or disorder.

• Practical Examples:
  • A Christian gifted with teaching shares God's word with diligence, always checking that their instruction aligns with Scripture, and not relying on their own cleverness but on the Spirit's anointing.
  • One with a gift of administration humbly leads and organizes church functions, ensuring their efforts support others' ministries and do not overpower or neglect the spiritual leading.
  • A person with a spiritual word of encouragement shares it only when moved by the Holy Spirit, understanding it comes from God to uplift another, rather than merely offering their own well-intentioned advice.