Romans 12:1

[pkenny]

I personally enjoy the Jewish New Testament Commentary that Tim referenced. The whole aspect of Temple Sacrifice is a graphic metaphor of our spiritual and reasonable act of worship. So much has been covered here and I don't know that I have much to offer, other than what has already been discussed. Tim's last comment especially hits the reasoning I believe about "the why" the other translations hit on the "spiritual" side of our sacrifice. Our response to God, in light of His mercies is both logical and spiritual all at the same time. It's not one or the other, it's both. Too often, it seems that we Christians can tend to separate one from the other.

I see Steve already used the Amplified but it bears posting again because it really marries both expressions well.

I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.

This is an excellent example of why we should have some Bible study tools at our disposal; to dig in and get a grip on the fullness of God's message to us. It's pretty cool to have this forum to bounce our thoughts off of one another, too!