Dearly . Omit. beloved . App-135 . avenge = revenge. See Luke 18:3 . rather . Omit. unto = to. wrath = the wrath (i.e. of God). See Romans 1:18 . Vengeance . Greek. ekdikesis. See Acts 7:24 . repay = recompense. Greek. antapodidomi. See Deuteronomy 32:35 . Lord . App-98 . read more
Avenge not yourselves, beloved; but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.The child of God may not collect a blood debt, to borrow the euphemism of the North Vietnamese who murdered 9,000 civilians in one of their Tet offensives. Vengeance is not a Christian prerogative, this being true for a number of reasons, such as: (1) God has forbidden it; (2) it is illegal in any civilized state; and (3) it is contrary to the... read more
Romans 12:19. Avenge not yourselves— The emperor Claudius, by his decree, banished all Jews from Rome, Acts 18:2. Upon this occasion Aquila and Priscilla removed to Corinth, where St. Paul found them, and dwelt with them a considerable time. No doubt they gave him a full account of the state of the Christian church at Rome, and every thing relating to the late persecution under Claudius. That emperor's edict died with him in about two years time. Then the Jews and Christians [if the Christians... read more
19-21. avenge not, &c.—(See on Romans 12:1). but rather give place unto wrath—This is usually taken to mean, "but give room or space for wrath to spend itself." But as the context shows that the injunction is to leave vengeance to God, "wrath" here seems to mean, not the offense, which we are tempted to avenge, but the avenging wrath of God (see Romans 12:1- :), which we are enjoined to await, or give room for. (So the best interpreters). read more
B. Conduct within the church 12:3-21Every Christian has the same duty toward God, namely, dedication (Romans 12:1-2). Nevertheless the will of God for one Christian will differ from His will for another concerning life and ministry within the body of Christ (Romans 12:3-21). read more
2. The necessity of love 12:9-21Romans 12:9-13 deal with the importance of demonstrating love to fellow believers, and Romans 12:14-21 broaden this responsibility to include wider application to non-believers. Note the similarity with Jesus’ instructions in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)."From the thought of humility the idea of love naturally follows, for humility will necessarily express itself in affection for those around." [Note: Griffith Thomas, St. Paul’s Epistle . . ., p. 337.]... read more
If hostility does erupt, the Christian should not retaliate. Rather he or she should trust God to right the wrong (cf. 1 Samuel 24-26). Long ago God promised to take care of His people when others wronged them (Deuteronomy 32:35). We have a responsibility to defend the weak and to pursue justice, but we should not retaliate but trust God when others attack us personally (cf. David). read more
12:19 written, (f-13) See Deuteronomy 32:35 . read more
The Conseceated Life. The Law of LoveThe doctrinal part of the Epistle being finished, St. Paul now turns to practical exhortation. God’s mercy, shown in the gospel set forth in the previous chapters, calls for the sacrifice of ourselves to do His will (Romans 12:1-2), by the humble and devoted use of God’s spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8), and in love (Romans 12:9-21).1-21. Paraphrase. ’(1) God’s redeeming love should be answered by the true sacrifice and spiritual ritual service of a life of... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Romans 12:1-21
12:1-15:13 CHRISTIAN FAITH IN PRACTICEResponsibilities and relationships (12:1-21)For eleven chapters Paul has been explaining what God in his mercy has done, and will yet do, for repentant sinners. Now he reminds those who have experienced this mercy that the most fitting act of worship by which they can show their thanks is to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. No longer are they to think and act like non-Christians. Their minds must be changed so that they see issues from a... read more