Romans Chapter 12 · Verse 7
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Original Language Analysis
διακονίᾳ
ministry
G1248
διακονίᾳ
ministry
Strong's:
G1248
Word #:
2 of 11
attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διακονίᾳ
ministry
G1248
διακονίᾳ
ministry
Strong's:
G1248
Word #:
5 of 11
attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 4:11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;Acts 13:1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.1 Timothy 5:17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.Isaiah 21:8And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights:Acts 6:1And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.Acts 20:20And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.Colossians 4:17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.Psalms 51:13Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Historical Context
Early Christian worship involved multiple participants exercising diverse gifts—prophets, teachers, exhorters, singers, pray-ers, and servers all contributed to edification (1 Corinthians 14:26). This contrasted with both synagogue worship (dominated by the rabbi) and pagan temples (led by professional priests). Teachers in the church transmitted apostolic tradition, catechized new believers, and defended against heresy. Servants managed practical needs—food distribution for widows, hospitality for traveling missionaries, care for the sick and imprisoned.
Questions for Reflection
- What is your primary spiritual gift—the function God has given you in the body—and are you faithfully 'waiting on' it?
- Are you tempted to neglect your gift while envying someone else's more visible ministry?
- How can you more intentionally develop your gift through study, practice, and mentoring from those further along?
Analysis & Commentary
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Paul continues his list of spiritual gifts with ministry (διακονίαν, diakonian), a general term for service that could include practical care for the poor, hospitality, or administrative support. The phrase let us wait on our ministering (ἐν τῇ διακονίᾳ, en tē diakonia, literally 'in the ministry') means devotion to one's specific service without distraction or neglect. Next, he that teacheth (ὁ διδάσκων, ho didaskōn) refers to those who explain and apply doctrine, distinct from prophets who speak with immediate Spirit-inspiration. Teaching requires careful study of Scripture, systematic instruction, and patient repetition—on teaching (ἐν τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ, en tē didaskalia) means focused attention on this calling.
Paul's structure is significant: he pairs each gift with an exhortation to faithfulness. The danger is neglecting your gift to covet another's, or exercising your gift half-heartedly. Teachers shouldn't try to be prophets; servants shouldn't envy teachers. Each gift requires dedicated cultivation: the minister must minister, the teacher must teach. This principle of vocational focus contradicts both envy (wishing for a different gift) and laziness (neglecting the gift you have).