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Romans 12:14
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Bless them which persecute you - Ευλογειτε, Give good words, or pray for them that give you bad words, καταρασθε, who make dire imprecations against you. Bless them, pray for them, and on no account curse them, whatever the provocation may be. Have the loving, forgiving mind that was in your Lord.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Bless--that is, Call down by prayer a blessing on. them which persecute you, &c.--This is taken from the Sermon on the Mount (Mat 5:44), which, from the allusions made to it, seems to have been the storehouse of Christian morality among the churches.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Bless them which persecute you,.... It is the lot of God's, people in this world to be persecuted by the men of it, in some shape or another, either by words or deeds; either by reviling and reproaching them, and speaking all manner of evil of them; or by hindering them the free exercise of religious worship, by confiscation of their goods, imprisonment of their persons, by violently torturing their bodies, and taking away their lives; under all which circumstances they are taught to bless them; that is, to pray for them, that God would show them their evil, give repentance to them, and the remission of their sins; which is the order Christ gave to his disciples, Mat 5:44; and encouraged to an observance of, by his own example, Luk 23:34; and has been followed herein by his disciples and apostles, Act 7:60 Co1 4:12. Moreover, by "blessing" may be meant, giving them good words, mild and soft answers, "not rendering evil for evil, railing for railing", Pe1 3:9; but, on the contrary, blessing, in imitation of Christ, who, "when he was reviled, reviled not again", Pe1 2:23, "bless", and curse not: to have a mouth full of cursing and bitterness, Rom 3:14, is the character of an unregenerate man, and what by no means suits one who names the name of Christ; for blessing and cursing to proceed out of the same mouth, is as absurd and unnatural, as if it should be supposed that a fountain should send forth sweet water and bitter, or salt and fresh, Jam 3:10. The imprecations upon wicked men, used by David and other good men, are no contradictions to this rule; since they were made under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, and were predictions of God's vengeance, which in righteous judgment should fall on them, and are not to be drawn into an example by us.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:14 The exhortations in this verse closely resemble two sayings of Jesus (Matt 5:44; Luke 6:27-28). Although Paul does not introduce the commands as a quotation, he is almost certainly alluding to these sayings of Christ. Perhaps the words were so well known that he did not need to specify the source. The teaching of Rom 12–13 has many parallels with the teaching of Jesus.
Romans 12:14
Forgiveness
13Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.14Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.15Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Love Your Enemies
By Art Katz4.2K48:22Loving Your EnemyMAT 5:43MAT 6:33LUK 6:27LUK 6:35ROM 12:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believers being a demonstration of God's love and power on earth. He explains that through their transformed lives, even the most God-rejecting individuals will have no excuse before God's judgment. The speaker highlights the example of Jesus forgiving his enemies on the cross as the ultimate demonstration of God's love. He encourages believers to see beyond the outward hatred of those who curse them and instead recognize the brokenness and need for salvation in their lives.
The Position of Power
By Jim Cymbala1.7K35:32PowerPSA 50:15MAT 5:44LUK 6:27ROM 12:14JAS 5:13In this sermon, Pastor Jim Simba emphasizes the importance of prayer in our lives. He acknowledges that Satan tries to distract and cut us off from our supply line, which is prayer. He encourages the congregation to pray and seek God's help, as prayer has the power to change lives in just 60 seconds. Pastor Simba also highlights the need for a spirit of prayer in the church and urges everyone to prioritize prayer over busyness and distractions. He shares personal experiences of how prayer has brought breakthroughs and encouragement in his own life.
Christ Overcame Evil With Good, Do the Same
By John Piper1.6K38:52ROM 2:4ROM 12:14ROM 12:17ROM 12:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and the need to overcome evil with good. He highlights the concept of giving water and food to one's enemies and wanting their salvation and good on earth. The speaker also discusses how Christ overcame sin and rebellion through the legal transaction of justification and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. He contrasts Christianity with other religions, emphasizing that salvation is a transaction between God and His people, received by faith alone. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the sacrifice of missionaries who have given their lives for their enemies, and the question of whether love can truly overcome evil in such situations.
Studies in 1 Corinthians-03 1 Cor 4:1-13
By William MacDonald1.5K44:13MAT 5:11MAT 7:15ROM 12:141CO 4:102TI 3:121PE 3:151PE 4:14In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 Corinthians chapter 4 and specifically discusses the judgment seat of Christ. He explains that when the Lord comes, there will be a judgment seat where hidden things of darkness will be brought to light and the counsels of the heart will be revealed. The preacher also mentions four important judgments in the New Testament, including the judgment of the believer's sins. He emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of the mysteries of God and warns against thinking beyond what is written in the Bible to avoid pride and division among believers.
When Is It Right to Repay Evil With Pain?
By John Piper1.3K41:29LUK 6:27ROM 12:9ROM 12:14ROM 12:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses five behaviors that go against the teachings of the Bible. These behaviors include punishing enemies, rewarding lack of learning, not paying workers their wages, using force to punish wrongdoers, and not disciplining sinful church members. The speaker emphasizes that these behaviors contradict the commandment to love and show mercy to others. He urges listeners to spread a passion for God's supremacy and to treat people better than they deserve, following the example of Jesus. The sermon also highlights the importance of justice and mercy in various aspects of life, including parenting, education, and the economic order.
The Preparation of the Bride
By Aaron Hurst1.3K33:24Second ComingMAT 6:33MAT 24:42MAT 25:1ROM 12:14EPH 5:27REV 3:15REV 19:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing ourselves for the coming of the bridegroom, which represents the return of Jesus Christ. He uses the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25 to illustrate this point. The five wise virgins were prepared with oil in their lamps, while the five foolish virgins neglected to bring oil. The preacher urges the listeners to take advantage of the current time of reduced distractions and use it to trim their lamps, which symbolizes repentance and seeking God earnestly. He warns of the challenges and tribulations that will come in the last days, including famines, pestilences, and persecution, and encourages believers to endure and remain faithful until the end. The sermon concludes with a reference to Revelation 19, highlighting the joy and celebration of the marriage of the Lamb and the importance of being ready for this glorious event.
The Persecuted
By Anton Bosch69549:38PersecutionMAT 5:3ROM 12:14HEB 13:31PE 2:231PE 4:41PE 4:121PE 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a meek and fearful attitude when facing persecution for the sake of Christ. He encourages believers to maintain a good conscience and conduct themselves in a way that brings glory to God, even when they are falsely accused. The preacher also highlights the example of Christ, who suffered in the flesh and calls believers to arm themselves with the same mindset. He reminds them that when they suffer for doing good, it is better to endure it according to God's will rather than for doing evil. The sermon also references Matthew chapter 5, specifically the Beatitudes, to remind believers that those who suffer for the name of Christ are blessed and will receive the spirit of glory and God's rest upon them.
God's Ways of Discipline
By Basilea Schlink61004:35Radio ShowMAT 5:44MAT 10:22ROM 12:14HEB 12:7HEB 12:11JAS 1:21PE 2:23In this sermon, Basile Schlink discusses the ways in which God disciplines His children. She emphasizes that God's discipline is a sign of His love and care for us. Most of the time, God disciplines us through other people and the troubles and difficulties they bring into our lives. The goal of this discipline is to show us our sins and lead us to repentance. Schlink encourages listeners to endure and be thankful for the discipline, as it is a means for God to transform us into His image.
Encountering God's Glory in the Face of Betrayal (Jn. 16:2)
By Mike Bickle401:24:30Spiritual GrowthBetrayalPSA 55:12MIC 7:18MAT 5:44MAT 24:10MRK 13:12LUK 21:16JHN 16:2ROM 12:141CO 11:231PE 4:14Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound impact of betrayal in the Christian journey, particularly as it relates to persecution. He explains that betrayal, especially from those close to us, is not only painful but also transformative, drawing us closer to God and deepening our faith. Bickle encourages believers to prepare for future persecution by understanding its divine purpose and the spiritual growth it can foster. He highlights the importance of remembering Jesus' teachings on betrayal and responding with love and mercy, as exemplified by figures like David and Micah. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a generation of believers to embrace the challenges of betrayal as opportunities for spiritual maturity and to cultivate compassion for those who betray them.
Are You Mocked?
By C.H. Spurgeon0Faith in AdversityThe Mockery of BelieversPSA 14:1PRO 1:7MAT 5:3JHN 16:33ROM 12:142CO 12:9PHP 4:7JAS 4:61PE 3:91JN 3:10C.H. Spurgeon addresses the division of humanity into two groups: the children of God and the children of the devil, emphasizing the deep enmity that exists between them. He highlights how the righteous, often mocked for their faith and perceived weaknesses, find refuge in God, while the ungodly mock them as fools. Spurgeon encourages believers to stand firm in their faith despite ridicule, to pray for their mockers, and to respond with kindness, reflecting Christ's love. He asserts that true wisdom lies in trusting God, contrasting it with the folly of unbelief. Ultimately, he invites all to experience the peace and joy found in a relationship with Christ.
Epistle 232
By George Fox0GEN 1:27GEN 18:18JHN 7:38JHN 17:5ROM 12:14EPH 4:24HEB 10:25HEB 13:81PE 2:221JN 5:9REV 21:23George Fox preaches to all friends gathered in the name of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the contrast between those who have fallen from righteousness and holiness and those who remain in Christ, the one who never fell. He highlights the journey from the confusion of the fall to the blessed state in Christ, where safety and peace are found. Fox urges believers to walk in the light of the Lamb, avoiding false teachings and traditions, and to keep their focus on Christ who is unchanging and the source of life and peace.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 5:44LUK 6:27ROM 12:14EPH 4:321TI 2:1John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of praying for all people, including kings and those in authority, to lead a peaceful life in godliness and honesty. He highlights the power of prayer in transforming hearts, fostering love, and drawing people to God. Chrysostom urges Christians to offer supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving for both believers and unbelievers, showcasing the significance of forgiveness and compassion towards enemies. He stresses the need for Christians to imitate God's mercy and kindness by praying for those who persecute them, as this reflects the essence of true Christian love and discipleship.
Testimony of Thomas Ellwood Concerning Isaac Penington
By Isaac Penington0JOB 21:27PRO 14:17ROM 12:141CO 13:41PE 2:21Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'provoked' in the context of sharp irritation or anger, emphasizing the importance of not yielding to provocation and maintaining a spirit of selfless, supernatural love. The sermon highlights the exhortation in Romans 12 to bless those who persecute and not seek revenge, reflecting the example of Christ who endured insults without retaliation. It explores how love does not become easily irritated or angered, but instead, it endures and remains patient, focusing on the well-being of others.
1 Corinthians 16:10
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 101:5PRO 15:1MAT 7:1MAT 18:15ROM 12:14ROM 12:20EPH 4:29John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of correcting others with love and gentleness, emphasizing the need to approach reproof with care and compassion. He highlights the significance of speaking words that edify and build up others, rather than tearing them down with unsavory speech. Chrysostom urges believers to correct in a brotherly manner, using praise and commendation alongside reproof to soften the impact and promote understanding. He warns against the dangers of speaking evil of others, emphasizing the negative consequences it brings to the speaker, the hearer, and the one accused.
The Progress of Error
By William Cowper0PRO 27:12ROM 12:142CO 8:21PHP 2:41TI 5:8Greek Word Studies for aid_number 35414 delves into the concept of 'respect' (pronoeo), which means to think before, observe in advance, and plan carefully. It involves giving careful thought and consideration to respond appropriately, especially in caring for others and meeting their needs. The idea is to have continuous responsibility and an attitude that motivates one to do the right thing, as seen in Paul's writings to Timothy and the Corinthians.
Truth With Tears
By Anton Bosch0MAT 5:44ACT 18:21ACT 20:28ROM 12:142TI 2:232TI 2:25TIT 1:9JAS 3:101PE 2:231PE 3:9Anton Bosch addresses the misconception that aggressive and abrasive behavior is justified in defending the truth by examining the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a spirit of love, blessing those who oppose us, and not repaying evil with evil. The sermon highlights the need for pure motives and obedience to God's will when addressing false teachings, rather than engaging in malicious name-calling or threats. Bosch stresses the biblical mandate to protect the sheep from error and to seek the restoration of those in opposition, all while maintaining a heart of compassion and sorrow for those who are led astray.
Four Attitudes to the Holy Spirit
By Roy Hession0MAT 25:41LUK 6:28ROM 12:14GAL 3:10GAL 3:13JAS 3:9The preacher delves into the concept of cursing, explaining that it involves invoking evil on someone through prayers or wishes, calling down harm or ruin upon them. While it is natural for fallen men to curse, it is supernatural for them to bless, requiring a transformation through being born again. The sermon emphasizes the power of words, highlighting the importance of speaking blessings instead of curses, as seen in the radical teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Bless them which persecute you - Ευλογειτε, Give good words, or pray for them that give you bad words, καταρασθε, who make dire imprecations against you. Bless them, pray for them, and on no account curse them, whatever the provocation may be. Have the loving, forgiving mind that was in your Lord.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Bless--that is, Call down by prayer a blessing on. them which persecute you, &c.--This is taken from the Sermon on the Mount (Mat 5:44), which, from the allusions made to it, seems to have been the storehouse of Christian morality among the churches.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Bless them which persecute you,.... It is the lot of God's, people in this world to be persecuted by the men of it, in some shape or another, either by words or deeds; either by reviling and reproaching them, and speaking all manner of evil of them; or by hindering them the free exercise of religious worship, by confiscation of their goods, imprisonment of their persons, by violently torturing their bodies, and taking away their lives; under all which circumstances they are taught to bless them; that is, to pray for them, that God would show them their evil, give repentance to them, and the remission of their sins; which is the order Christ gave to his disciples, Mat 5:44; and encouraged to an observance of, by his own example, Luk 23:34; and has been followed herein by his disciples and apostles, Act 7:60 Co1 4:12. Moreover, by "blessing" may be meant, giving them good words, mild and soft answers, "not rendering evil for evil, railing for railing", Pe1 3:9; but, on the contrary, blessing, in imitation of Christ, who, "when he was reviled, reviled not again", Pe1 2:23, "bless", and curse not: to have a mouth full of cursing and bitterness, Rom 3:14, is the character of an unregenerate man, and what by no means suits one who names the name of Christ; for blessing and cursing to proceed out of the same mouth, is as absurd and unnatural, as if it should be supposed that a fountain should send forth sweet water and bitter, or salt and fresh, Jam 3:10. The imprecations upon wicked men, used by David and other good men, are no contradictions to this rule; since they were made under the inspiration of the Spirit of God, and were predictions of God's vengeance, which in righteous judgment should fall on them, and are not to be drawn into an example by us.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:14 The exhortations in this verse closely resemble two sayings of Jesus (Matt 5:44; Luke 6:27-28). Although Paul does not introduce the commands as a quotation, he is almost certainly alluding to these sayings of Christ. Perhaps the words were so well known that he did not need to specify the source. The teaching of Rom 12–13 has many parallels with the teaching of Jesus.