Romans 12:12-20

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 12:20

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him ,.... These words are taken from Proverbs 25:21 , and to be understood, as a Jewish F15 Jarchi in Prov. xxv. 21. writer observes, כמשמעו , according to "their literal sense"; though some of the Rabbins explain them in an allegorical way, of the corruption of nature. The Alexandrian copy and some others, and the Vulgate Latin version, reads "but if"; so far should the saints be from meditating revenge upon their enemies, that they should do... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:12

Rejoicing in hope - Of that glory of God that to each faithful follower of Christ shall shortly be revealed. Patient in tribulation - Remembering that what you suffer as Christians you suffer for Christ's sake; and it is to his honor, and the honor of your Christian profession, that you suffer it with an even mind. Continuing instant in prayer - Προσκαρτερουντες· Making the most fervent and intense application to the throne of grace for the light and power of the Holy Spirit;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:13

Distributing to the necessity of saints - Relieve your poor brethren according to the power which God has given you. Do good unto all men, but especially to them which are of the household of faith. Instead of χρειαις , necessities, some ancient MSS. have μνειαις , memorials; distributing to the memorials of the saints, which some interpret as referring to saints that were absent; as if he had said: Do not forget those in other Churches who have a claim on your bounty. But I really... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:14

Bless them which persecute you - Ευλογειτε , Give good words, or pray for them that give you bad words, καταρασθε , who make dire imprecations against you. Bless them, pray for them, and on no account curse them, whatever the provocation may be. Have the loving, forgiving mind that was in your Lord. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice - Take a lively interest in the prosperity of others. Let it be a matter of rejoicing to you when you hear of the health, prosperity, or happiness of any brother. Weep with them that weep - Labour after a compassionate or sympathizing mind. Let your heart feel for the distressed; enter into their sorrows, and bear a part of their burdens. It is a fact, attested by universal experience, that by sympathy a man may receive into his own affectionate feelings... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:16

Be of the same mind - Live in a state of continual harmony and concord, and pray for the same good for all which you desire for yourselves. Mind not high things - Be not ambitious; affect nothing above your station; do not court the rich nor the powerful; do not pass by the poor man to pay your court to the great man; do not affect titles or worldly distinctions; much less sacrifice your conscience for them. The attachment to high things and high men is the vice of little, shallow minds.... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:17

Recompense, etc. - Do not take notice of every little injury you may sustain. Do not be litigious. Beware of too nice a sense of your own honor; intolerable pride is at the bottom of this. The motto of the royal arms of Scotland is in direct opposition to this Divine direction - Nemo me impune lacesset , of which "I render evil for evil to every man," is a pretty literal translation. This is both antichristian and abominable, whether in a state or in an individual. Provide things honest... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:18

If it be possible - To live in a state of peace with one's neighbors, friends, and even family, is often very difficult. But the man who loves God must labor after this, for it is indispensably necessary even for his own sake. A man cannot have broils and misunderstandings with others, without having his own peace very materially disturbed: he must, to be happy, be at peace with all men, whether they will be at peace with him or not. The apostle knew that it would be difficult to get into... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:19

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves - Ye are the children of God, and he loves you; and because he loves you he will permit nothing to be done to you that he will not turn to your advantage. Never take the execution of the law into your own hands; rather suffer injuries. The Son of man is come, not to destroy men's lives, but to save: be of the same spirit. When he was reviled, he reviled not again. It is the part of a noble mind to bear up under unmerited disgrace; little minds are... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:20

If thine enemy hunger, feed him - Do not withhold from any man the offices of mercy and kindness; you have been God's enemy, and yet God fed, clothed, and preserved you alive: do to your enemy as God has done to you. If your enemy be hungry, feed him; if he be thirsty, give him drink: so has God dealt with you. And has not a sense of his goodness and long-suffering towards you been a means of melting down your heart into penitential compunction, gratitude, and love towards him? How know you... read more

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