Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
Therefore (oun). This inferential participle gathers up all the great argument of chapters 1-11. Now Paul turns to exhortation (parakalw), "I beseech you."
By the mercies (dia twn oiktirmwn). "By means of the mercies of God" as shown in his argument and in our lives. See II Corinthians 1:3 for "the Father of mercies."
To present (parasthsai). First aorist active infinitive of paristhmi, for which verb see Romans 6:13, a technical term for offering a sacrifice (Josephus, Ant. IV. 6, 4), though not in the O.T. Used of presenting the child Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:22), of the Christian presenting himself (Romans 6:13), of God presenting the saved (Ephesians 5:27), of Christ presenting the church (Colossians 1:28).
Bodies (swmata). So literally as in Romans 6:13, Romans 6:19; II Corinthians 5:10 and in contrast with nouv (mind) in verse Romans 12:2.
A living sacrifice (qusian zwsan). In contrast with the Levitical sacrifices of slain animals. Cf. Romans 6:8, Romans 6:11, Romans 6:13. Not a propitiatory sacrifice, but one of praise.
Acceptable (euareston). "Well-pleasing." See on II Corinthians 5:9.
Which is your reasonable service (thn logikhn umwn latreian). "Your rational (spiritual) service (worship)." For latreia, see on Romans 9:4. Logikov is from logov, reason. The phrase means here "worship rendered by the reason (or soul)." Old word, in N.T. only here and I Peter 2:2 to logikon gala (not logical milk, but the milk nourishing the soul).
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing Romans 12:1:
Romans 1:9
Romans 15:30
1 Corinthians 1:10
Philippians 1:20
Philippians 4:18
Colossians 1:22
2 Thessalonians 1:5
Hebrews 13:16
1 Peter 2:2
Revelation 7:15
Revelation 14:4
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