Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1–2, CSB).

This ethical exhortation hinges on “therefore,” which connects it to the preceding discussion of Jewish eschatology in chapter 11. “The mercies of God” (12:1) are in reference to God’s dealings with both Jew and Gentile in this age (cf. 11:30–32). In light of such mercies, and according to such eschatology, we should not be “conformed to this age” (12:2), but rather our minds should be renewed by the Spirit according to the hope of the age to come. This eschatological approach then defines the subsequent ethical practicalities: “that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (v. 3).

The entirety of Paul’s ethical monologue in 12:3—13:10 makes much more sense in this light, particularly his exhortation to submit to authorities in this age (13:1–7; cf. Titus 3:1). If eschatology is indeed being realized in this age, then liberation theology and political insurrection against tyranny are logical consequences.  -John P. Harrigan