Rom 12:19 | MHM | STEP | v. 19 : (1.) The apostle here forbids all private revenge: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves . To recompense evil for evil is a brutish response, fit only for those who do not recognize a higher authority or a future judgment. But we have not so learned God, who does good even to his enemies (Matt 5:45), nor Christ, who died for us when we were enemies (Rom 5:8, 10). The command is universal— to no man ; not to friend or foe, Jew or Greek. If you repay evil for evil to a friend, you will lose him; if to an enemy, you may lose the chance to win him. The affectionate address, Dearly beloved , is used here to calm angry spirits and soften the urge for retaliation. Love cools the heat of provocation. Avenge not yourselves means: do not desire or attempt to bring harm upon those who have wronged you. This does not forbid the magistrate from doing justice, but it forbids private revenge, which flows from anger and ill-will. We are not competent judges in our own case, and even legal proceedings, if motivated by personal spite, fall under this prohibition (see Matt 5:38–40). [1.] The remedy against revenge is: but rather give place unto wrath . Not to our own wrath—for to do so is to give place to the devil (Eph 4:26–27)—but to the wrath of our enemy: be yielding, do not answer wrath with wrath, but with love. Yielding pacifies great offenses (Eccl 10:4). Receive injuries as a stone into wool, which absorbs it and does not rebound. Or, as some interpret, give place to the wrath of God: let him take the throne of judgment and deal with your adversary. [2.] The reason against revenge is: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord (Deut 32:35). God is the sovereign Judge, weighing actions with perfect knowledge and justice. Some of this authority is entrusted to civil magistrates (Gen 9:6; Rom 13:4), but personal vengeance is God’s alone. Therefore, first, we may not take it—lest we usurp God’s throne. Second, we need not take it—God will avenge as far as justice requires (Ps 38:14–15). (2.) Our duty goes further: not only must we refrain from harming our enemies, but we must do them good (Matt 5:44). This love is shown in word—blessing those who persecute us (v. 14)

‏ Romans 12:19

v. 19: (1.) The apostle here forbids all private revenge: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves. To recompense evil for evil is a brutish response, fit only for those who do not recognize a higher authority or a future judgment. But we have not so learned God, who does good even to his enemies (Matt 5:45), nor Christ, who died for us when we were enemies (Rom 5:8, 10). The command is universal—to no man; not to friend or foe, Jew or Greek. If you repay evil for evil to a friend, you will lose him; if to an enemy, you may lose the chance to win him.

The affectionate address, Dearly beloved, is used here to calm angry spirits and soften the urge for retaliation. Love cools the heat of provocation. Avenge not yourselves means: do not desire or attempt to bring harm upon those who have wronged you. This does not forbid the magistrate from doing justice, but it forbids private revenge, which flows from anger and ill-will. We are not competent judges in our own case, and even legal proceedings, if motivated by personal spite, fall under this prohibition (see Matt 5:38–40).

[1.] The remedy against revenge is: but rather give place unto wrath. Not to our own wrath—for to do so is to give place to the devil (Eph 4:26–27)—but to the wrath of our enemy: be yielding, do not answer wrath with wrath, but with love. Yielding pacifies great offenses (Eccl 10:4). Receive injuries as a stone into wool, which absorbs it and does not rebound. Or, as some interpret, give place to the wrath of God: let him take the throne of judgment and deal with your adversary.

[2.] The reason against revenge is: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord (Deut 32:35). God is the sovereign Judge, weighing actions with perfect knowledge and justice. Some of this authority is entrusted to civil magistrates (Gen 9:6; Rom 13:4), but personal vengeance is God’s alone. Therefore, first, we may not take it—lest we usurp God’s throne. Second, we need not take it—God will avenge as far as justice requires (Ps 38:14–15).

(2.) Our duty goes further: not only must we refrain from harming our enemies, but we must do them good (Matt 5:44). This love is shown in word—blessing those who persecute us (v. 14)—and in deed, as the next verse teaches.