Lectionary Year A
September 1, 2002
Romans 12:9-21

Step II: Disposition

A. Genre

(JFC) This lection could seem like a New Testament Decalogue, except, of course, it is expressed mostly in the positive (characteristic of the Hew Testament) rather than in the negative ("Thou shalt NOT . . .) and except that there are twenty of them, a double Decalogue. Furthermore, the imperatives are participial, yet, unquestionably (?) meant to be commands from the point of view of the author. It "accentuates the positive", to be sure, and, it covers the negative possibilities/temptations of the wrong way to be and to do as Christians, according to these edicts. It gives unmistakable (?) examples from Scripture. What's more, it concludes with advice with a certainty in its tone!?!

B. Personal Interaction

(JFC) Wonder if these sentiments overwhelmed the first Roman recipients of them as much as they do me? I might try most days to do one or two of these duties, but all of them all of the time? Come on, Paul, how faithful do you think/believe I can ever be?

C. Organization

(JFC) Well, the entire passage just adds requirements upon requirements for the faithful to accomplish, as if we were able to emulate our Savior. Oh, that.

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