Audio commentary on this verse

Note 4 at Ro 12:7: The Greek word that was translated "ministry" here is "DIAKONIA," and it means "attendance (as a servant, etc.)" (Strong's Concordance). It is a variation of the Greek word "DIAKONOS" from which we get our English word "deacon."

This same Greek word was translated "serving" in Lu 10:40, "service" (referring to charitable giving) in Ro 15:31, "relief" in Ac 11:29, and "office" in Ro 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 (1Co 16:15). This gift is not often recognized and even more often not appreciated, but it is listed in good company. Paul mentioned this between prophecy and teaching, two gifts that are recognized and accepted.

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