Romans 12:17-20 NIV

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:18

Verse 18 18.If it be possible, etc. Peaceableness and a life so ordered as to render us beloved by all, is no common gift in a Christian. If we desire to attain this, we must not only be endued with perfect uprightness, but also with very courteous and kind manners, which may not only conciliate the just and the good, but produce also a favorable impression on the hearts of the ungodly. But here two cautions must be stated: We are not to seek to be in such esteem as to refuse to undergo the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:19

Verse 19 19.Avenge not yourselves, etc. The evil which he corrects here, as we have reminded you, is more grievous than the preceding, which he has just stated; and yet both of them arise from the same fountain, even from an inordinate love of self and innate pride, which makes us very indulgent to our own faults and inexorable to those of others. As then this disease begets almost in all men a furious passion for revenge, whenever they are in the least degree touched, he commands here, that... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:20

Verse 20 20.If therefore, etc. He now shows how we may really fulfill the precepts of not revenging and of not repaying evil, even when we not only abstain from doing injury but when we also do good to those who have done wrong to us; for it is a kind of an indirect retaliation when we turn aside our kindness from those by whom we have been injured. Understand as included under the words meat and drink, all acts of kindness. Whatsoever then may be thine ability, in whatever business thy enemy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:9-21

Various admonitions, applicable to all; headed by inculcation of the all-pervading principle of love. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:9-21

Christian love. Now we come to the great central principle of the Christian life in its social relations among men—true love. And, as the apostle addresses Church-members, he paints this love, by a few vivid strokes, as they owe it to their fellow-members, and also to those that are without. I. First, as members of Christ, they are to love one another. 1. The ethical character of this love. It is holy. Not a mere sentimental tenderness, but a love that abhors the evil, in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:9-21

Christian socialism. From Churchmanship, which was discussed by the apostle in the preceding verses, we now pass to the Christian in society; and our endeavour will be to appreciate the Christian socialism which Paul here inculcates. The great error of the Christless socialism which prevails, alas! in many lands, is that it tries to do from without and by mere material manipulation what can only come from within through the Christian spirit. Into the various forms which socialism has... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:15-17

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another (denoting mutual good feeling and unanimity of sentiment; not, of course, agreement in opinion on all subjects). Mind not high things, but condescend to (literally, being led away with ) men of low estate . It is a question whether τοῖς ταπεινοῖς should not be understood as neuter, so as to correspond with τὰ ὐψηλὰ ; the meaning thus being that, instead of being... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:17-18

Honourableness and peaceableness. Men do and must live in society. And all civilized communities have their own codes of conduct, which must be observed by those who wish to enjoy the benefits of social life and the protection of political government. Civil society enjoins the observance of justice and the maintenance of peace. But public opinion often requires simply a compliance with the letter of the law, and is very tolerant as to infractions of its spirit. The code of society or the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:18-21

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto wrath . The thought in Romans 12:19 seems to follow from what precedes. It may sometimes be impossible to he at peace with all; but at any rate, do not increase bitterness by avenging yourselves. Give place unto wrath ( τῇ ὀργῇ ) , has been taken by some to mean that we are to give scope to the wrath of our enemy, instead of being exasperated to resist... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 12:17

Recompense - Render, give, or return; see the note at Matthew 5:39. This is probably one of the most difficult precepts of Christianity; but the law of Christ on the subject is unyielding. It is a solemn demand made on all his followers, and it “must” be obeyed.Provide - The word rendered “provide” means properly to “think” or “meditate beforehand.” Make it a matter of “previous thought,” of “settled plan,” of “design.” This direction would make it a matter of “principle” and fixed purpose to... read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:18

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:19

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:20

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:9-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:9-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:9-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:15-17

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:17-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:18-21

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 12:17

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