if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just list different roles; it emphasizes how each role should be performed: "in our serving" and "in his teaching." This highlights that God calls us to be fully absorbed and dedicated to our specific gift, letting the execution of the task itself define our faithful contribution.
if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is encouraging believers to use their unique spiritual gifts within the church body, just as different body parts have different functions. He’s just listed several gifts like prophecy and teaching, and now he's emphasizing that each person should faithfully use their specific gift, rather than trying to do someone else’s job or overstepping their God-given role.
Paul calls us to focus on our specific roles within God's family. But what does 'ministry' really mean in this context?
In Romans 12, Paul uses the word 'ministry' (diakonia) to describe any kind of service within the church community. While it can include broader acts of service, here it's presented alongside 'teaching' as a distinct gift.
What is 'Ministry' Here?
Teaching is more than just sharing information; it's a vital gift for the church's growth. What's the essence of this role?
The gift of teaching, mentioned alongside ministry, is about imparting understanding and building up believers in their faith. It's distinct from spontaneous prophetic utterance or general encouragement.
The Heart of Teaching:
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Understand the original words
diakonia · Greek Noun
Generally denotes practical service or ministry. It often refers to performing tasks that support the body of Christ, reflecting the humble, servant-oriented nature of Christ's kingdom.
didaskalia · Greek Noun
The act of instructing others in the truth of God’s Word. It is a gift focused on explaining, clarifying, and applying divine revelation so that believers grow in knowledge and godliness.
Paul's instruction here emerges from the early church's practical need to organize its diverse spiritual gifts, including the specific roles of ministry (often understood as practical service like that of deacons) and teaching, to ensure the community functioned effectively.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Institution of Deacons
The apostles appointed seven men to serve tables and care for the practical needs of the church in Jerusalem, a ministry distinct from teaching and prayer.
c. AD 40s-50s
Growth of the Early Church
The church expanded rapidly, necessitating diverse roles and ministries to support its growing community and spread the message.
c. AD 50-52
Apollos' Ministry in Corinth
Apollos, a gifted teacher eloquent in the Scriptures, powerfully demonstrates the importance of specialized teaching ministry in a major church center.
c. AD 62
Paul's Imprisonment and Writings
While imprisoned, Paul wrote letters like Romans, reflecting on the organization and diverse spiritual gifts within the churches he had established.
This passage, like Romans 12, emphasizes the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ, reinforcing the idea that each member has a unique role and function to fulfill.
Ephesians 4:11-12This text further elaborates on different gifted ministries (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) and their purpose: to equip the saints for the work of ministry and the building up of the body of Christ, mirroring the focus on specific service roles in Romans 12.
Acts 6:1-4This passage describes the institution of deacons to handle practical matters ('ministry'), freeing up the apostles for prayer and the ministry of the word, directly illustrating the distinction between different forms of service highlighted in Romans 12:7.
1 Peter 4:10-11This passage echoes the theme of using spiritual gifts for the common good, urging believers to serve with the gifts God provides, aligning with the exhortation in Romans 12 to faithfully exercise one's specific ministry or teaching role.
barnesRomans 12:7: "Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;"
Or ministry - διακονίαν diakonian. This word properly means service of any kind; Luke 10:40 . It is used in religion to denote the service which is rendered to Christ as the Master. It is applied to all classes of ministers in the New Testament, as denoting their being the servants of Christ; and it is used particularly to denote that class who from this word were called deacons, that is, those who h…
vincentRomans 12:7: "Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;"
Ministering (διακονίᾳ)Let us wait on is supplied. Lit., or ministry in our ministry. The word appears in the New Testament always in connection with the service of the Christian Church, except Luke 10:40, of Martha's serving; Hebrews 1:14, of the ministry of angels, and 2 Corinthians 3:7, of the ministry of Moses. Within this limit it is used, 1. Of service in general, including all forms of christia…
The verse doesn't just list different roles; it emphasizes how each role should be performed: "in our serving" and "in his teaching." This highlights that God calls us to be fully absorbed and dedicated to our specific gift, letting the execution of the task itself define our faithful contribution.
Paul is encouraging believers to use their unique spiritual gifts within the church body, just as different body parts have different functions. He’s just listed several gifts like prophecy and teaching, and now he's emphasizing that each person should faithfully use their specific gift, rather than trying to do someone else’s job or overstepping their God-given role.
Paul is encouraging believers to use their unique spiritual gifts within the church body, just as different body parts have different functions. He’s just listed several gifts like prophecy and teaching, and now he's emphasizing that each person should faithfully use their specific gift, rather than trying to do someone else’s job or overstepping their God-given role.
"if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;" — The verse doesn't just list different roles; it emphasizes how each role should be performed: "in our serving" and "in his teaching." This highlights that God calls us to be fully absorbed and dedi…
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Last reviewed October 2026