Romans 12:3-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:13-14

Treatment of friends and foes. Christianity is a practical religion. The New Testament is not simply a repertory of general principles; it draws out those Divine principles into the detailed duties and difficulties of daily life. For example, whilst love is the new commandment of Jesus to his disciples, and whilst love is described as the sum of the Divine Law, as the greatest of the virtues, as the bond of perfectness, we are shown how to manifest love in the occupations and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:15

Christian sympathy. Joy and sorrow are great facts of human life. If there is such an element as purpose in the universe, it is clear that men were made to experience gladness and grief, and that both experiences are intended to act as discipline by which human character may be tested and trained. Both emotions are experienced in childhood, and manifest themselves most strikingly in early life, when what the mature think trivial causes are wont to awaken feeling. In manhood, feeling is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:15

Sympathy. The two clauses of this verse remind us of the two main emotions of the human breast, of their diverse nature, and their common association. Sorrow ever treads at the heels of joy. The sigh and the laugh may be heard at once. Scarce has prosperity brightened one threshold than adversity overshadows another. As in the plagues, there is light in Goshen and darkness in Egypt. If every house were painted to reveal the condition of the inmates, what startling contrasts would be seen... 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

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:21

Victory that blesses both the conqueror and the conquered. No chapter in the Bible is richer and more benign than this in practical exhortation. It breathes the spirit of the sermon on the mount, and the apostolic teaching has the advantage of the illustration and commentary furnished by the beneficent life and self-sacrificing death of the great Preacher. I. THE MOMENTOUS CONFLICT . "Be not overcome of evil." A man has been wronged by his neighbour. The feeling of injury begets... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 12:3

For I say - The word “for” shows that the apostle is about to introduce some additional considerations to enforce what he had just said, or to show how we may evince a mind that is not conformed to the world.Through the grace - Through the favor, or in virtue of the favor of the apostolic office. By the authority that is conferred on me to declare the will of God as an apostle; see the note at Romans 1:5; see also Galatians 1:6, Galatians 1:15; Galatians 2:9; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:14.Not... read more

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