Romans 12:21

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Romans 12:14-21

12:14-21 Bless those who persecute you; bless them and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Keep your thoughts from pride; and never refuse to be associated with humble people. Don't become conceitedly wise in your own estimation. Never return evil for evil. Take thought to make your conduct fair for all to see. If it is possible, as far as you can, live at peace with all men. Beloved, do not seek to revenge... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil ,.... Neither of the evil one, Satan, who is very busy to stir up the corruption of nature to an hatred of enemies, and to seek revenge; but give no place nor heed unto him, resist him, and he will flee from you, James 4:7 ; "put on the whole armour of God", Ephesians 6:11 , whereby you may defend yourselves, that he cannot touch you: nor of the evil of sin that dwells in you; "for whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage", 2 Peter 2:19 ; nor... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil - Do not, by giving place to evil, become precisely the same character which thou condemnest in another. Overcome evil with good - however frequently he may grieve and injure thee, always repay him with kindness; thy good-will, in the end, may overcome his evil. Thomas Aquinas has properly said: Vincitur a malo qui vult peccare in alium, quia ille peccavit in ipsum . "He is overcome of evil who sins against another, because he sins against him." A moral enemy is... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:21

Verse 21 21.Be not overcome by evil, etc. This sentence is laid down as a confirmation; for in this case our contest is altogether with perverseness, if we try to retaliate it, we confess that we are overcome by it; if, on the contrary, we return good for evil, by that very deed we show the invincible firmness of our mind. This is truly a most glorious kind of victory, the fruit of which is not only apprehended by the mind, but really perceived, while the Lord is giving success to their... 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 12:18-21

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:21

The way to victory. Although the world is full of strife, and although the Scriptures constantly represent the good man as engaged in conflict, still we cannot regard warfare, either physical or moral, as the true occupation and the final satisfaction of man. The state of humanity is, however, such that only through the battling of opposed principles can true peace be gained and the ideal condition be reached. We are accordingly accustomed to think of resistance as the necessary incident... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:21

The Christian's assurance and the Christian's duty. "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." There is a great danger to the spiritual life of many, which arises from undervaluing the power of sin. But there is another danger. It is the danger of thinking too much of the power of evil. A Christian may be overcome by evil, not because he thinks too little of it, but because he thinks so much of its power that he regards the struggle as hopeless, and gives up striving against... read more

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