He that ruleth, with diligence— Lord Barrington thinks this clause relates to the receiving and succouring of strangers; most probably, persecuted strangers; or, however, such as travelled for the propagation of the Gospel; and that for these reasons: First, because the Apostle has admonished them to use well all the gifts of the Spirit for the good of men's minds, Romans 12:6-7 and in the first clause of the present verse. It seems, therefore, most natural to suppose, that he should in the three last clauses of this verse direct them how to use other gifts of God's providence for the good of men's morals and religion; and that he should lay the several instances of the kindness of others together in the same manner, as in Hebrews 13:2-3. Secondly, Προστατις, a feminine word of the same original and signification with; ο προισταμενος, is used in this sense, ch. Romans 16:2. She hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also; the word προισταμαι signifies, among other things, to defend, patronize; and so it might be rendered, Titus 3:8; Titus 3:14. To patronize good works; meaning to encourage and assist in them. In this sense the clause here should be rendered, He that gives succour, or relief, let him do it with care and application. See Lord Barrington's Miscel. Sacr. Essay 1: p. 76.
Related Commentaries of Romans 12:8
Romans 12:8
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth,b let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.