Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Read it in contextExhortations for Christian Living
Start reading at Romans 12:1 (Romans 12:1 to Romans 15:13).
The verse belongs to the section of practical Christian living and ethical exhortations that begins at the start of chapter 12 and continues through chapter 15.
12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
12:4For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
12:5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
12:6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
12:7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
12:8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
12:9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
12:10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
12:11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12:12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
12:13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
12:14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
12:15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
12:16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
12:17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
12:18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
12:19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
12:20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
12:21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
13:1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
13:2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
13:3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
13:4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
13:5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
13:6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
13:7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
13:8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
13:9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
13:10Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
13:11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
13:12The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
13:13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
13:14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
14:1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
14:2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
14:3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
14:4Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
14:5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
14:6He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
14:7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
14:8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
14:9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
14:10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
14:11For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
14:12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
14:13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
14:14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
14:15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
14:16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
14:17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
14:18For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
14:19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
14:20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
14:21It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
14:22Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
14:23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 12:1–13:14): Paul instructs the Roman believers about life together, conduct toward others, governing authorities, and love of neighbor. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is practical Christian living, specifically emphasizing humility, unity, and avoiding conceit among believers. It exhorts them to be of the same mind, not to aspire to high positions, but to associate with humble people, and not to be self-wise.
What is God revealing? God is revealing His will for how believers should interact with one another and with the world, emphasizing the importance of humility, unity, and sober self-assessment rather than pride or conceit. This includes a willingness to associate with those of lower social standing.
What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle (letter), specifically containing exhortations and commands for ethical conduct within the Christian community and towards others.
When
When was it written? Circa A.D. 57. book background
When does the event take place? The exhortations provided are for the ongoing Christian life of the recipients, not tied to a specific historical event within the passage itself. The letter was written during Paul's third missionary journey. book background
Where
Where did it happen? The principles taught are for universal application in the lives of believers, not specific to a single location within the passage. The letter was addressed to the church in Rome. book background
Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Corinth when he wrote this epistle. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Exhortations for Christian Living (Romans 12:1 to Romans 15:13).
Start reading at Romans 12:1. The verse belongs to the section of practical Christian living and ethical exhortations that begins at the start of chapter 12 and continues through chapter 15.
How
How does it fit the broader context? Romans 12:16 is part of Paul's extensive exhortations for practical Christian living (Romans 12-15), which follow the theological foundation laid in Romans 1-11. It specifically builds upon the call for humility (Romans 12:3) and unity within the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-8), extending these principles to general conduct, emphasizing a humble mindset and willingness to associate with all, regardless of social status. interpretation
How does it point to Christ? Jesus Christ perfectly exemplified the humility commanded in this verse. He did not 'mind high things' but 'condescended to men of low estate' by taking on human form and serving humanity, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). He was never 'wise in his own conceits' but always perfectly submitted to the Father's will, demonstrating the ultimate example of humility and unity with God and man. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today should actively cultivate a humble mindset, seeking unity and mutual understanding with other Christians. This means avoiding arrogance, pride, and the pursuit of worldly status. Instead, we should be willing to associate with, serve, and show respect to all people, especially those who are less privileged or esteemed, rather than seeking only high positions or associations. We must also guard against intellectual pride, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 12
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Connection to the wholeA series of commands describes love in concrete relationships, culminating in the refusal of personal vengeance and the call to overcome evil with good.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Auto-generated or draft outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.