Audio commentary on this verse

Note 4 at Rom. 12:7: The Greek word that was translated "ministry" here is "diakonia" and means "attendance (as a servant, etc.)." It is a variation of the Greek word "diakonos" where we get our English word "deacon" from.

This same Greek word was translated "serving" in Luke 10:40; "service" (referring to charitable giving) in Romans 15:31; "relief" in Acts 11:29; and "office" in Romans 11:13. The Amplified Bible translates this verse as "He whose gift is practical service, let him give himself to serving . . . ."

Therefore, we can surmise from these things that this is referring to those who have been given a ministry of serving others as Paul described the house of Stephanas (1 Cor. 16:15). This gift is not often recognized and even more often not appreciated, but it is listed in good company. Paul mentions this between prophecy and teaching, two gifts which are recognized and accepted.

Note 5 at Rom. 12:7: The ministry gift of a teacher was placed third in authority in the church behind the ministry of the apostle and prophet (1 Cor. 12:28). The basic difference between a teacher and a preacher is that a preacher proclaims and a teacher explains.