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Romans 12:17
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Recompense, etc. - Do not take notice of every little injury you may sustain. Do not be litigious. Beware of too nice a sense of your own honor; intolerable pride is at the bottom of this. The motto of the royal arms of Scotland is in direct opposition to this Divine direction - Nemo me impune lacesset, of which "I render evil for evil to every man," is a pretty literal translation. This is both antichristian and abominable, whether in a state or in an individual. Provide things honest - Be prudent, be cautious, neither eat, drink, nor wear, but as you pay for every thing. "Live not on trust, for that is the way to pay double;" and by this means the poor are still kept poor. He who takes credit, even for food or raiment, when he has no probable means of defraying the debt, is a dishonest man. It is no sin to die through lack of the necessaries of life when the providence of God has denied the means of support; but it is a sin to take up goods without the probability of being able to pay for them. Poor man! suffer poverty a little; perhaps God is only trying thee for a time; and who can tell if he will not turn again thy captivity. Labour hard to live honestly; if God still appear to withhold his providential blessing, do not despair; leave it all to him; do not make a sinful choice; he cannot err. He will bless thy poverty, while he curses the ungodly man's blessings.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Recompense--"Recompensing," &c.--(See on Rom 12:14). Provide--"Providing" things honest--"honorable" in the sight of all men--The idea (which is from Pro 3:4) is the care which Christians should take so to demean themselves as to command the respect of all men.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Recompence to no man evil for evil,.... Neither evil words for evil words, railing for railing; nor evil deeds for evil deeds, one ill turn for another; nor the evil of punishment for the evil of fault, unless it be by persons, who under God have an authority to inflict it; as the civil magistrate, who "is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil", Rom 13:4; but private revenge is what is here forbidden: providing things honest in the sight of all men. The Vulgate Latin reads, "not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of all men"; and the Alexandrian copy reads, "in the sight of God and in the sight of men", which clause seems to have crept in here, out of Co2 8:21. The words are not to be understood of a man's providing things honest, decent, and commendable, as suitable food and raiment for his family, in the sight of all men, to the honour of religion, and the credit of his profession, which is right to be done; but of a provident, thoughtful, and studious concern, to do everything that is laudable and of good report among men. The Syriac version renders the words alter this manner, , "but be careful to do well", or exercise beneficence before all men; either restraining it to acts of beneficence, even to them that do us ill, in opposition to rendering evil to them; or applying it to all offices of humanity, and every good work, which are to be done in the sight of men; not merely to be seen of them, and in a vainglorious way, in order to obtain their esteem and applause, as did the Pharisees; but to avoid offence; to put, to silence, by well doing, the ignorance of wicked men; and to shame them that falsely accuse the good conversation of the saints; and to recommend the Gospel and true religion, and win men over to it thereby, and give an occasion to them of glorifying God.
Romans 12:17
Forgiveness
16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited.17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.18If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
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.
Peter the Teacher
By Willie Mullan1.3K1:11:26TeacherPSA 34:11ACT 4:9ROM 12:17In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the idea of loving life and seeing good days. He emphasizes that many people in the world may have good days, but they do not truly love life. The preacher then discusses the importance of hope and how it is obtained through faith in Jesus Christ. He references Romans 5 and highlights the concept of being justified by faith and rejoicing in the sure expectancy of the glory of God. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God's way is the best way, even in times of suffering, and encourages the congregation to trust in God's plan.
The Life of Adoniram Judson
By Thomas Sullivan1.0K53:31BiographyJDG 6:34ROM 12:17GAL 5:22In this sermon, Pastor Chesky discusses the importance of reading and recommends a biography called "To the Golden Shore" about a man named Judson. He mentions that people today are reading less due to the prevalence of iPods and MP3 players. Chesky also shares a story about a woman who visits prisoners and provides them with food in a private manner. He describes the distressing conditions in the prison, with over 100 prisoners cramped in one room during the hot season. Additionally, Chesky highlights Judson's leadership qualities and his tendency to view things in a negative light, contrasting him with another prisoner named Jonathan Price who remained optimistic.
Mercy, Mercy!
By Don McClure97545:33MAT 5:3ROM 12:17ROM 12:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Beatitudes and their significance in human behavior. He emphasizes that the Sermon on the Mount addresses various aspects of life, relationships, and thoughts. The sermon is described as a powerful and profound message that takes the whole Bible to fully understand. The preacher highlights the importance of humility and meekness before God, using the example of the publican in the synagogue who humbly asked for God's mercy. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that encountering God's love and grace can bring true happiness and joy that the world cannot comprehend.
1 Peter 1
By Robert F. Adcock79636:39MAT 5:44LUK 23:34ROM 12:171PE 1:71PE 2:211PE 3:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life committed to God, even in the face of trials and conflicts with the world. He encourages believers to trust in God's strength and power, rather than relying on their own abilities or influence. The preacher highlights the example of Jesus Christ, who suffered without sinning, as the perfect model for enduring suffering. He also emphasizes the refining process that trials and testing bring to believers' lives, comparing it to the process of refining gold to remove impurities and make it beautiful and useful.
Anyone Can Criticize
By K.P. Yohannan0CriticismConstructive FeedbackPRO 15:1MAT 7:1JHN 8:7ROM 12:172CO 10:7GAL 6:1EPH 4:29COL 3:131TH 5:11JAS 1:19K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the ease of criticism in society, comparing it to spectators at a football game who offer expert critiques without participating in the struggle. He highlights that criticism often stems from personal hurt and can be particularly painful when it comes from within the Church. Drawing on the examples of Jesus and Paul, he encourages believers to respond to criticism with love and grace, rather than retaliation, and to focus on their calling despite opposition. Yohannan stresses the importance of constructive criticism rooted in love, which aims to build others up rather than tear them down.
1 Peter 3:11
By John Gill0Pursuing PeaceAvoiding EvilROM 12:171PE 3:11John Gill emphasizes the importance of avoiding evil and actively doing good as outlined in 1 Peter 3:11. He encourages believers to abstain from all forms of evil, including revenge, and to engage in good works motivated by love and faith for the glory of God. Gill highlights the necessity of seeking and pursuing peace with everyone, including enemies, and fostering a peaceful community, particularly within the church. He notes the significance of adhering to both negative and affirmative precepts in living a righteous life. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to goodness and peace as central tenets of the Christian faith.
Contrasts Between Law and Grace Teachings
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0ISA 57:15MAT 7:12LUK 24:27JHN 5:24JHN 16:24ROM 12:171CO 10:1GAL 3:26EPH 2:8EPH 4:321PE 5:7Lewis Sperry Chafer preaches about the distinct differences between the principles of law and grace as applied to divine government in humanity, emphasizing the separate and complete systems of divine rule in the law of Moses, teachings of grace, and teachings of the kingdom. He highlights the importance of understanding the unity and continuity of the Scriptures, revealing God's revelation concerning Himself, prophecy fulfillment, union between type and antitype, revelation concerning Satan and evil, doctrine of man and sin, requirement of holiness, and continuity of purpose in God's program throughout the ages.
Matthew 5:38-42. Christ Forbids Revenge.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0EXO 21:24LEV 19:17MAT 5:39MAT 6:14JHN 18:23ROM 12:17EPH 4:32COL 3:131PE 2:23Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the true meaning behind 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,' emphasizing that it was a rule of punishment for civil authorities, not a call for personal revenge. Jesus corrected the Pharisees' misunderstanding, teaching that we should endure personal injuries without retaliation, rebuking with gentleness when necessary. The spirit of the command is to willingly yield our rights and focus on our duties towards others rather than fixating on our own rights, leading to peace and avoiding sinful responses to mistreatment. Mortimer highlights the importance of reflecting on our own behavior towards God, who has shown us unparalleled grace despite our ingratitude and disobedience.
(Knowing God's Way) 16. a Clean Heart and a Pure Life
By Zac Poonen0PRO 24:3MAT 5:16LUK 15:11JHN 9:5ROM 12:171JN 4:12Zac Poonen preaches about manifesting the life of God by being the light of the world as ordained by Jesus, emphasizing the need to reflect the divine nature through our actions and relationships. He highlights the importance of integrity of heart, showcasing King Abimelech's example of integrity and the significance of maintaining a pure heart before God. Poonen also discusses the concept of repeated testings, drawing from Abraham's faithfulness in various trials and the need for believers to endure in love till the end. Additionally, he addresses the importance of listening to the voice of the Spirit for personal guidance and the significance of submitting to and exercising spiritual authority in a godly manner.
1 Peter 2:12
By John Gill0Witnessing to Non-BelieversChristian ConductMAT 5:16ROM 12:172CO 8:21PHP 2:15COL 4:51TH 4:121TI 3:7TIT 2:7HEB 13:181PE 2:12John Gill emphasizes the importance of living an honest and upright life among non-believers, as instructed in 1 Peter 2:12. He explains that Christians, particularly Jewish converts, must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the Gospel, especially when surrounded by those who may accuse them of wrongdoing. By demonstrating good works, believers can counteract false accusations and ultimately glorify God, whether in times of judgment or mercy. Gill highlights that the integrity of a Christian's life can lead others to recognize God's goodness and grace.
Nerves, Continued
By Harmon A. Baldwin0JOB 16:4PSA 55:22ISA 41:10MAT 11:28LUK 6:26ROM 12:172CO 13:10PHP 4:61PE 5:7Harmon A. Baldwin addresses various scenarios where nerves may manifest in outward behavior, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and seeking God's peace amidst challenges. He discusses the discipline needed in handling disobedient children, highlighting the balance between firmness and gentleness. Baldwin also explores responses to trying circumstances, opposition, and the need to avoid retaliation. He concludes with a comforting reminder of Jesus' care for the weary and a poem illustrating the purpose of trials in drawing us closer to God.
Born of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0New BirthDivine InterventionEZK 21:27LUK 1:35JHN 1:12JHN 3:6JHN 16:33ROM 12:172CO 4:21PE 4:171JN 3:11JN 5:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound nature of being 'Born of God,' drawing parallels between the unique birth of Jesus and the new birth of believers. He highlights that the new birth is a divine intervention, not a result of human effort, and that it brings about a fundamental difference in the believer's nature, making them children of God. Sparks warns against the dangers of misunderstanding this transformation and encourages believers to recognize their inherent power to overcome the world, as well as the inevitable spiritual antagonism they will face. He concludes by stressing the importance of grace, simplicity, and submission in the process of spiritual growth, using Mary as an example of the vessel for divine intervention.
Not to Give Way to Anger
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 16:18PRO 20:1MAT 5:44ROM 12:17EPH 4:261PE 3:9St. Benedict of Nursia preaches a sermon on living a virtuous and God-centered life, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's emotions, thoughts, and actions. He highlights the need to avoid anger, grudges, deceit, false peace, and retaliation, while promoting love, truthfulness, patience, and humility. St. Benedict encourages his listeners to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, endure persecution for righteousness, and put their hope in God. He also warns against pride, addiction, gluttony, laziness, grumbling, and gossip, urging self-reflection and accountability for one's actions.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Recompense, etc. - Do not take notice of every little injury you may sustain. Do not be litigious. Beware of too nice a sense of your own honor; intolerable pride is at the bottom of this. The motto of the royal arms of Scotland is in direct opposition to this Divine direction - Nemo me impune lacesset, of which "I render evil for evil to every man," is a pretty literal translation. This is both antichristian and abominable, whether in a state or in an individual. Provide things honest - Be prudent, be cautious, neither eat, drink, nor wear, but as you pay for every thing. "Live not on trust, for that is the way to pay double;" and by this means the poor are still kept poor. He who takes credit, even for food or raiment, when he has no probable means of defraying the debt, is a dishonest man. It is no sin to die through lack of the necessaries of life when the providence of God has denied the means of support; but it is a sin to take up goods without the probability of being able to pay for them. Poor man! suffer poverty a little; perhaps God is only trying thee for a time; and who can tell if he will not turn again thy captivity. Labour hard to live honestly; if God still appear to withhold his providential blessing, do not despair; leave it all to him; do not make a sinful choice; he cannot err. He will bless thy poverty, while he curses the ungodly man's blessings.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Recompense--"Recompensing," &c.--(See on Rom 12:14). Provide--"Providing" things honest--"honorable" in the sight of all men--The idea (which is from Pro 3:4) is the care which Christians should take so to demean themselves as to command the respect of all men.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Recompence to no man evil for evil,.... Neither evil words for evil words, railing for railing; nor evil deeds for evil deeds, one ill turn for another; nor the evil of punishment for the evil of fault, unless it be by persons, who under God have an authority to inflict it; as the civil magistrate, who "is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil", Rom 13:4; but private revenge is what is here forbidden: providing things honest in the sight of all men. The Vulgate Latin reads, "not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of all men"; and the Alexandrian copy reads, "in the sight of God and in the sight of men", which clause seems to have crept in here, out of Co2 8:21. The words are not to be understood of a man's providing things honest, decent, and commendable, as suitable food and raiment for his family, in the sight of all men, to the honour of religion, and the credit of his profession, which is right to be done; but of a provident, thoughtful, and studious concern, to do everything that is laudable and of good report among men. The Syriac version renders the words alter this manner, , "but be careful to do well", or exercise beneficence before all men; either restraining it to acts of beneficence, even to them that do us ill, in opposition to rendering evil to them; or applying it to all offices of humanity, and every good work, which are to be done in the sight of men; not merely to be seen of them, and in a vainglorious way, in order to obtain their esteem and applause, as did the Pharisees; but to avoid offence; to put, to silence, by well doing, the ignorance of wicked men; and to shame them that falsely accuse the good conversation of the saints; and to recommend the Gospel and true religion, and win men over to it thereby, and give an occasion to them of glorifying God.