Romans 12:20 ESV

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Romans 12:19-21

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (20) Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. (21) Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. What a very lovely view is here given of the Apostle's mind, in the recommendation he hath here set forth to the Church, in our dealings with our enemies! And how... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Romans 12:20

Thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. This figurative way of speaking is differently expounded. Some say, inasmuch as by this means thou shalt make him liable to greater punishments from God. Others, as St. Jerome and St. Augustine, by coals of fire, understand kindnesses and benefits, which shall touch the heart, and inflame the affections even of thy enemies, which shall make them sorry for what they have done, and become thy friends. (Witham) read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:17-21

17-21 Since men became enemies to God, they have been very ready to be enemies one to another. And those that embrace religion, must expect to meet with enemies in a world whose smiles seldom agree with Christ's. Recompense to no man evil for evil. That is a brutish recompence, befitting only animals, which are not conscious of any being above them, or of any existence hereafter. And not only do, but study and take care to do, that which is amiable and creditable, and recommends religion to all... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - Romans 12:1-99

Romans 12 THUS Romans 11.0 ends very much as Romans 8.0 ended. In both we have the purpose of God and His electing mercy. Small wonder then that chapter 12 opens with an appeal based upon the mercies of God. In this way we commence the hortatory and practical section of the epistle. There is only one thing to do in response to the abounding compassion which has reached us in the Gospel we present our bodies to God as a sacrifice livingly devoted to Him. This is reasonable, or intelligent,... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Romans 12:17-21

The Christian's relation to his enemies: v. 17. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. v. 18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. v. 19. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. v. 20. Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire on... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Romans 12:9-21

Second Section.—The proper conduct of Christians in all their personal relations: to the brethren; in their own life; to the needy; to guests; to every body, even toward enemies.Romans 12:9-219Let love be without dissimulation [your love be unfeigned]. Abhor26 that 10which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love [In brotherly love27 be affectionate one to another, literally, be as blood relatives]; in honour preferring one another; 11Not... read more

Alexander MacLaren

Alexander MacLaren's Expositions of Holy Scripture - Romans 12:19-21

Romans STILL ANOTHER TRIPLET Rom_12:19 - Rom_12:21 . The natural instinct is to answer enmity with enmity, and kindliness with kindliness. There are many people of whom we think well and like, for no other reason than because we believe that they think well of and like us. Such a love is really selfishness. In the same fashion, dislike, and alienation on the part of another naturally reproduce themselves in our own minds. A dog will stretch its neck to be patted, and snap at a stick raised... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Romans 12:9-21

Living as a Christian Romans 12:9-21 In this section the Apostle shows how the great principle of consecration must affect the details of conduct. It is most necessary to insist on these practical issues. At some impressive religious convention, where the vision of a surrendered and transfigured life is presented, sensitive souls are led to make the vows and claim the plane of life which have been presented; but on their return to the commonplaces, there is no perceptible improvement in... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Romans 12:1-21

The word "therefore" links all that is now to be said with everything that has gone before. Because of the grace of God, the believer is called to certain attitudes and actions. The very first of these is personal abandonment to God. In what sense is it possible to present the body to God? The true ideal is to use it in all its powers according to the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. The spirit is evidently God's. The body, therefore, is presented to God. The mind is thus renewed... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Romans 12:1-21

A Call To Make Real In The Church And In The World The Righteousness Which They Have Received (12:1-15:33). This section moves from the indicative to the imperative. Having outlined the ways of God in salvation: · in applying to His people the righteousness of Christ (Romans 3:24 to Romans 4:25), · in uniting them with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:1-11), · in making them righteous within by His Spirit (Romans 8:1-18), · and in having demonstrated God’s sovereign activity in... read more