- Home
- Bible
- Romans
- Chapter 12
- Verse 12
Romans 12:19
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves - Ye are the children of God, and he loves you; and because he loves you he will permit nothing to be done to you that he will not turn to your advantage. Never take the execution of the law into your own hands; rather suffer injuries. The Son of man is come, not to destroy men's lives, but to save: be of the same spirit. When he was reviled, he reviled not again. It is the part of a noble mind to bear up under unmerited disgrace; little minds are litigious and quarrelsome. Give place unto wrath - Δοτε τοπον τῃ οργῃ· Leave room for the civil magistrate to do his duty, he holds the sword for this purpose; and if he be unfaithful to the trust reposed in him by the state, leave the matter to God, who is the righteous judge: for by avenging yourselves you take your cause both out of the hands of the civil magistrate and out of the hands of God. I believe this to be the meaning of give place to wrath, οργῃ, punishment; the penalty which the law, properly executed, will inflict. This is well expressed by the author of the book of Ecclesiasticus, 19:17: Admonish thy neighbor before thou threaten him, and, not being, angry, Give Place to the Law of the Most High. Vengeance is mine - This fixes the meaning of the apostle, and at once shows that the exhortation, Rather give place to wrath or punishment, means, Leave the matter to the judgment of God; it is his law that in this case is broken; and to him the infliction of deserved punishment belongs. Some think it means, "Yield a little to a man when in a violent passion, for the sake of peace, until he grow cooler." I will repay - In my own time and in my own way. But he gives the sinner space to repent, and this longsuffering leads to salvation. Dr. Taylor, after Dr. Benson, conjectures that the apostle in these directions had his eye upon the indignities which the Jews, and probably the Christians too, (for they were often confounded by the heathen), suffered by the edict of Claudius, mentioned Act 18:2, which "commanded all Jews to depart from Rome." Upon this occasion Aquila and Priscilla removed to Corinth, where Paul found them, and dwelt with them a considerable time. No doubt they gave him a full account of the state of the Christian Church at Rome, and of every thing relating to the late persecution under Claudius. That emperor's edict probably died with him, if it were not repealed before, and then the Jews and Christians (if the Christians were also expelled) returned again to Rome; for Aquila and Priscilla were there when Paul wrote this epistle, Rom 16:3, which was in the fourth year of Nero, successor to Claudius.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
avenge not, &c.--(See on Rom 12:14). but rather give place unto wrath--This is usually taken to mean, "but give room or space for wrath to spend itself." But as the context shows that the injunction is to leave vengeance to God, "wrath" here seems to mean, not the offense, which we are tempted to avenge, but the avenging wrath of God (see Ch2 24:18), which we are enjoined to await, or give room for. (So the best interpreters).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Dearly beloved,.... This affectionate appellation the apostle makes use of, expressing his great love to them, the rather to work upon then, and move them to an attention to what he is about to say; which they might assure themselves was in great tenderness to them, for their good, as well as the glory of God: moreover, he may hereby suggest to them, not only that they were dear to him, but that they were greatly beloved of God, that they were high in his favour and affection; and this he might him unto them, in order to melt them into love to their fellow Christians and fellow creatures, and even to their enemies, and never think of private revenge: avenge not yourselves; this is no ways contrary to that revenge, a believer has upon sin, and the actings of it, which follows on true evangelical repentance for it, Co2 7:11, and lies in a displicency at it, and himself for it, and in abstaining from it, and fighting against it; nor to that revenge a church may take of the disobedience of impenitent and incorrigible offenders, by laying censures on them, withdrawing from them, and rejecting them from their communion; nor to that revenge which civil magistrates may execute upon them that do evil; but this only forbids and condemns private revenge in private persons, for private injuries done, and affronts given: but rather give place to wrath; either to a man's own wrath, stirred up by the provocations given him; let him not rush upon revenge immediately; let him sit down and breathe upon it; let him "give" "space", unto it, as the Syriac, which may signify time as well as place; and by taking time his wrath will, subside, he will cool and come to himself, and think better on it: or to the wrath of the injurious person, by declining him, as Jacob did Esau, till his wrath was over; or by patiently hearing without resistance the evil done, according to the advice of Christ, Mat 5:39; or to the wrath of God, leave all with him, and to the day of his wrath and righteous judgment, who will render to every man according to his works; commit yourselves to him that judgeth righteously, and never think of avenging your own wrongs; and this sense the following words incline to, for it is written, Deu 32:35; vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord; vengeance belongs to God, and to him only; it is proper and peculiar to him, not to Heathen deities, one of which they call "vengeance"; see Act 28:4; nor to Satan, who is of a revengeful spirit, and is styled the enemy and the avenger; nor to men, unless to magistrates under God, who are revengers and executioners of his wrath on wicked men; otherwise it solely belongs to God the lawgiver, whose law is broken, and against whom sin is committed: and there is reason to believe he will "repay" it, from the holiness of his nature, the strictness of his justice, his power and faithfulness, his conduct towards his own people, even to his Son, as their surety; nor will he neglect, but in his own time will avenge his elect, which cry unto him day and night; and who therefore should never once think of avenging themselves, but leave it with their God, to whom it belongs.
Romans 12:19
Forgiveness
18If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost
By David Wilkerson5.8K1:09:031SA 25:32PRO 15:1PRO 29:11MAT 6:33ROM 12:19EPH 4:26JAS 1:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry army. However, Nabal insults and mocks David's men. This angers David, and he decides to take revenge on Nabal and his household. But then, Abigail, Nabal's wife, intervenes and pleads with David not to shed blood and regret it later when he becomes king. Abigail's actions demonstrate the restraining power of the Holy Ghost.
Die Feinde Des Evangeliums Sollen Abgeschnitten Werden (German)
By Richard Wurmbrand3.2K41:57GermanMAT 5:44MAT 18:21LUK 15:20JHN 15:6ROM 12:19GAL 5:122PE 2:22In this sermon, a young man shares his personal testimony of being freed from prison and his desire for forgiveness from his father. He believes that if he sees white bags hanging on the cherry tree in front of his parents' house, it will signify his father's forgiveness. As the train approaches his parents' house, he is filled with anxiety about whether or not the white bags will be there. The sermon then transitions to a discussion about the seriousness of sin and the consequences of being an enemy of the Gospel. The speaker emphasizes the need for repentance and keeping the door open for those who want to turn to God. The sermon concludes with a story about a father who reassures a restless young man that his house is filled with white kitchenware, symbolizing his father's love and acceptance. The sermon encourages listeners to take sin seriously and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Placing Your Enemies in the Hands of God
By Carter Conlon2.9K1:01:09EnemiesGEN 12:3JDG 9:1PSA 37:5PRO 16:7MAT 6:33ROM 12:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's word in order to receive His blessings. He tells a story using the imagery of different trees representing different choices in life. The preacher emphasizes the need to walk the narrow path of truth and follow God's will. He also emphasizes the importance of having a relationship with God and loving Him, rather than just following legalistic rules. The sermon concludes with a call to place our enemies in the hand of God and release them, seeking mercy and salvation for them.
Anger Management
By Don McClure2.7K47:44MAT 5:21MAT 6:33ROM 12:19EPH 4:26JAS 1:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. He emphasizes how Moses became angry with the people when they complained and rebelled against God. The speaker highlights the importance of not getting caught up in the immediate frustrations of life, but instead focusing on the eternal perspective and maintaining communion with God. He also mentions how people can let us down, but we should not let that affect our relationship with God. The sermon encourages listeners to trust in God's power and love, rather than being consumed by anger and disappointment in others.
The Valley of Decision
By Chuck Smith2.2K32:01Decision1KI 18:24ROM 12:19HEB 10:26In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing to serve either God or the world. He warns against being indecisive and divided in devotion. The speaker references the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, where he challenged the people to choose between serving Jehovah or Baal. Elijah demonstrated his faith in God by rebuilding the altar and pouring water on the sacrifice, despite the drought. The sermon concludes with the reminder that serving God should be the master passion of one's life.
The Terrors of Hell
By William Nichols1.8K40:57Audio BooksPSA 90:11MAT 6:33MAT 25:46LUK 16:19ROM 12:19The sermon transcript discusses the concept of God's will versus man's will. It emphasizes that by sinning, man sets his own will above God's and disrespects Him. The sermon also highlights the idea of divine justice, stating that every sin against God calls for punishment to vindicate His name and justice. It references Romans 12:19, where God promises to repay and seek vengeance. Additionally, the sermon describes hell as a place of everlasting punishment, where sinners are tormented both physically and mentally. It explains that hell is necessary due to the nature of sin and the withdrawal of God's mercy and goodness. The sermon references Matthew 13:47-50 to illustrate the fate of the wicked.
The Horizon of Christ - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K44:09ChristGEN 22:2MAT 5:39ACT 4:13ROM 12:191CO 1:272CO 12:9PHP 2:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the transformation that occurred in the early members of the church when the power of God came down from heaven. The idea of weakness and being put to death was initially resented by these men, but when they witnessed the boldness of Peter and John after receiving the power of God, they were completely defeated in their attempts to explain and understand. The speaker emphasizes that this power came from heaven and completely changed the standard of values and ideas about power for these men. The sermon also highlights the importance of not attributing any glory to man, but rather giving all glory to God.
The Power of Forgiveness
By Scott Volk1.6K49:34ForgivenessGEN 45:1ISA 43:25JER 31:34MAT 5:27MAT 6:8JHN 3:16ROM 12:19In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about a criminal who steals from a priest and knocks him out. The next day, the criminal is caught by the police and accuses the priest of giving him the stolen items. However, instead of denying it, the priest admits to it. The speaker then poses the question of how we should respond when faced with those who have wronged us. He refers to the story of Joseph in the Bible, who forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery and even reassured them that it was part of God's plan. The main message is to let go of resentment and extend forgiveness to those who have hurt us.
A Still Small Voice
By Charles Alexander1.5K36:57Voice Of GodGEN 18:251KI 19:18ISA 55:8ROM 8:28ROM 12:19GAL 6:71PE 5:7In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the wickedness that exists in the world and the mystery of God's ways. He acknowledges that even the best of men can be driven to despair by the sinfulness around them. The preacher emphasizes the importance of God's restraining hand in preventing us from committing cruel acts and sinning. He shares a personal story from his grandmother about the potential for unguarded moments to lead to terrible consequences. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the fall of man and the hidden depths of our hearts, urging us to be aware of our capacity to harm others.
Sermon on the Mount: Christian Response to Personal Injury (Part 2)
By J. Glyn Owen1.4K46:07Sermon on the MountEXO 21:24MAT 5:20MAT 5:38LUK 6:27ROM 12:19In this sermon, the speaker, Tom Skinner, shares a powerful story about a moment of racial prejudice he experienced. Despite being physically attacked, Skinner responds with love and forgiveness, saying, "I love you anyway because of Jesus." He emphasizes the importance of not resisting evil and instead trusting in God's justice. Skinner connects this principle to the message of repentance and the power of the Holy Spirit in the kingdom of God. He also mentions the example of Billy Bray, a Methodist preacher who exemplified this principle in his life.
Forgiveness - Part 4
By Keith Daniel1.4K09:30MAT 6:14ROM 12:19EPH 4:32COL 3:13This sermon shares a powerful testimony of a young boy who endured immense suffering and abuse, leading to a journey of hatred and a desire for revenge against those who hurt him. Through a transformative encounter with God's love and grace, he learns the power of forgiveness and experiences divine peace that surpasses understanding, ultimately leading him to seek forgiveness and salvation for his abusers.
God's First Messages to Man: Part 3 Forty Messages From Genesis Chapters 1 to 11
By Zac Poonen1.1K58:30ROM 12:19This sermon delves into the lessons from Genesis chapter 4, emphasizing God's acceptance based on faith, the dangers of anger and jealousy, the proximity of sin, the need to be overcomers, responsibility for our brothers, accountability before God, the seriousness of sins against others, leaving vengeance to God, the impact of our example on our children, and the importance of humility and honesty.
Thou Shalt Not Kill - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.1K09:53EXO 20:13PRO 6:16MAT 5:21JHN 10:10ROM 12:19This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments, particularly focusing on the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill.' He highlights the prevalence of violence, moral decay, and societal breakdown in the modern world, stressing the need for a return to God's principles to restore peace and righteousness. Through real-life examples and biblical references, Joshua Daniel challenges listeners to consider the consequences of disregarding God's commandments and the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole.
God Is Our Refuge
By Chuck Smith1.1K25:03RefugePSA 94:1LUK 18:7ROM 12:19EPH 3:16In this video, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of seeking refuge in God. He begins by reading from Psalm 94 and emphasizes that God is our ultimate refuge and source of strength. Pastor Chuck encourages listeners to experience the love and grace of God in their lives and to share that love with others. He also addresses the topic of Halloween and provides a DVD resource for Christians to learn more about its origins and potential spiritual deception.
Bitterness
By Roy Daniel96759:34BitternessMAT 6:15ACT 7:59ROM 12:19In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal anecdote about his baby laughing in his dreams. He then references Matthew 6:15-16, which talks about the importance of forgiveness. The speaker recounts a conversation with someone who had been holding onto bitterness for two years, but was convicted by the sermon and chose to repent. The sermon emphasizes the destructive nature of bitterness and the need for forgiveness. The speaker also highlights the importance of timing and love when addressing issues in someone's life. The sermon concludes with a reminder to not seek revenge, but to trust in God's judgment.
Purity of Speech as Believers in Christ
By Jim Cymbala94321:25SpeechPSA 19:14PRO 18:21MAT 12:37ROM 12:19EPH 4:29COL 3:13JAS 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of our words and how they reflect our relationship with Christ. He highlights the importance of using our words to praise and thank the Lord, rather than speaking negatively or engaging in gossip. The speaker also discusses the prevalence of harmful and malicious words in society, including online platforms. He encourages believers to be different and to let go of bitterness, rage, and anger, as these emotions can eat away at us. The speaker shares a personal experience of facing challenges in ministry and how he overcame them by seeking God's presence and choosing to praise the Lord.
A Spiritual Voting Booth
By Rick Leibee8121:38:00EXO 21:24MAT 5:5ROM 12:19COL 3:81PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fathers teaching biblical truths and doctrines in their homes. He warns that without proper teaching, young people may be drawn to wasteful and harmful pursuits. The speaker acknowledges that an hour is not enough time to delve deeply into these teachings, but encourages fathers to regularly discuss and apply them in their homes. He also addresses the divisive nature of political campaigns and urges believers to demonstrate love and avoid engaging in evil speaking during these times.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 12
By Zac Poonen65225:59MAT 5:3MAT 6:15MAT 28:20ROM 8:28ROM 12:19HEB 4:15HEB 5:7JAS 2:13This sermon delves into the neglected half of the Great Commission, focusing on teaching and obeying all that Jesus commanded. It emphasizes the importance of having the right attitudes as disciples, contrasting God's ways with the world's ways. The message highlights the significance of hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being merciful, and maintaining purity of heart to see God in all circumstances.
What I Learned About Revival
By Erwin Lutzer34549:07RevivalMAT 18:21JHN 13:34ROM 12:191CO 12:12EPH 4:32COL 3:131PE 5:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of revival and its characteristics. He emphasizes that revival is not complicated and can be understood by anyone. The preacher mentions two important aspects of revival: afterglow services and restitution. Afterglow services are moments of intense worship and spiritual connection, while restitution involves making amends and seeking forgiveness for past wrongs. The preacher also highlights the intensely personal nature of revival, emphasizing that it starts with individual transformation and revival of the heart.
Suffering Love: The Doctrine of Nonresistance and Conscientious Objection to War
By Aaron Hurst2651:13:26NonresistanceEXO 21:22LEV 24:19DEU 19:16MAT 5:3MAT 5:38ROM 12:19ROM 12:21In this sermon, the speaker begins by addressing the issue of human trafficking and challenges the congregation, especially the young people, to take action through prayer. They emphasize the importance of dedicating time to spiritual warfare and making a real impact. The speaker then expresses gratitude for the congregation's support and prayers during their recent loss. They share about burying their father and celebrating the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. The sermon then transitions to a biblical passage about Peter being imprisoned and the church praying for him. Despite the guards' efforts to keep Peter secure, the power of prayer prevails as an angel of the Lord sets Peter free. The sermon concludes by referencing Matthew chapter 5 and highlighting Jesus' teachings on righteousness and the importance of living according to God's commandments.
(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 12 Psalm 137
By Keith Simons8022:33Prophecy and RestorationKJV BibleLamentationPSA 126:1PSA 137:1ISA 14:4JER 29:10LAM 3:19EZK 36:24MAT 5:5ROM 12:19REV 18:21REV 21:2Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 137, emphasizing its prophetic nature and the deep sorrow of the Israelites in Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem. He explores the contrast between the luxury of Babylon and the mourning of the captives who long for their homeland, highlighting the significance of remembering Jerusalem. Simons suggests that the psalm serves as both a lament and a prophecy, reflecting the hope of restoration and God's judgment against oppressors. He encourages a deeper understanding of the text within the context of the King James Version and its historical implications. Ultimately, the message conveys the importance of remembering God's promises and the future restoration of His people.
01 God's Beloved: Transformed by Seeing Who You Are to God
By Mike Bickle6153:09God's LoveIdentity in ChristPSA 27:4SNG 1:15ISA 61:3JER 31:3JHN 15:9ROM 9:25ROM 12:19EPH 1:61PE 2:91PE 4:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative power of understanding our identity as God's beloved in his sermon on the Song of Solomon. He highlights that this book reveals God's heart and emotions towards His people, encouraging believers to embrace their belovedness to overcome shame and brokenness in a wounded generation. Bickle asserts that the revelation of being God's beloved is essential for the church to walk in victory and fulfill its destiny, as it empowers believers to face temptations and persecution. He calls for a deeper exploration of this truth, which is foundational to our relationship with God and our understanding of His love.
14 the Forerunner Message in Isaiah 41-42
By Mike Bickle251:23:07JusticeGod's SovereigntyPSA 37:28ISA 41:10MAT 5:6LUK 18:7ROM 12:19REV 12:11Mike Bickle emphasizes the themes of justice and God's sovereignty in Isaiah 41-42, illustrating how these chapters prepare for the coming of the Messiah who will establish justice among the nations. He explains that while the immediate context addresses the fears of Judah during the Assyrian threat, the ultimate message is for the end times, where God will demonstrate His control over history and the rise of superpowers. Bickle encourages believers to trust in God's covenant and not succumb to fear, as He has a master plan that includes the salvation of Israel and the nations. The sermon highlights the importance of prayer and worship as a response to the unfolding of God's justice in the world.
Trusting God's Leadership When Mistreated (1 Sam. 24)
By Mike Bickle1749:39Responding to MistreatmentTrust in God1SA 24:6PSA 31:5PSA 31:15PRO 3:5ISA 41:10MAT 5:44ROM 12:19PHP 4:6JAS 1:191PE 2:23Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of trusting God's leadership in times of mistreatment, using David's response to Saul as a model. He highlights that how we react to false accusations can either deepen our relationship with God or lead to bitterness and spiritual dullness. Bickle encourages believers to recognize that God owns their lives and is responsible for their promotion and timing, urging them to commit their spirits and times into God's hands. David's refusal to harm Saul, despite having the opportunity, illustrates his reliance on God's judgment rather than taking matters into his own hands. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a heart posture of trust and surrender to God's perfect leadership.
How Important Is It to Forgive and Bless Our Enemies?
By David Wilkerson0Love for EnemiesForgivenessPRO 19:11MAT 5:44LUK 6:27ROM 12:19EPH 4:32COL 3:13David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical importance of forgiving and blessing our enemies, as outlined in Romans 12:19. He warns that refusing to forgive leads to greater guilt, a shutdown of God's mercy, and a loss of peace, allowing our persecutors to triumph over us. Wilkerson highlights the need to control our anger and not act on it, as true forgiveness brings glory to God and builds our character. He reminds us of Jesus' command to love our enemies through blessing, doing good, and praying for them, which opens the door to divine favor and blessings.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves - Ye are the children of God, and he loves you; and because he loves you he will permit nothing to be done to you that he will not turn to your advantage. Never take the execution of the law into your own hands; rather suffer injuries. The Son of man is come, not to destroy men's lives, but to save: be of the same spirit. When he was reviled, he reviled not again. It is the part of a noble mind to bear up under unmerited disgrace; little minds are litigious and quarrelsome. Give place unto wrath - Δοτε τοπον τῃ οργῃ· Leave room for the civil magistrate to do his duty, he holds the sword for this purpose; and if he be unfaithful to the trust reposed in him by the state, leave the matter to God, who is the righteous judge: for by avenging yourselves you take your cause both out of the hands of the civil magistrate and out of the hands of God. I believe this to be the meaning of give place to wrath, οργῃ, punishment; the penalty which the law, properly executed, will inflict. This is well expressed by the author of the book of Ecclesiasticus, 19:17: Admonish thy neighbor before thou threaten him, and, not being, angry, Give Place to the Law of the Most High. Vengeance is mine - This fixes the meaning of the apostle, and at once shows that the exhortation, Rather give place to wrath or punishment, means, Leave the matter to the judgment of God; it is his law that in this case is broken; and to him the infliction of deserved punishment belongs. Some think it means, "Yield a little to a man when in a violent passion, for the sake of peace, until he grow cooler." I will repay - In my own time and in my own way. But he gives the sinner space to repent, and this longsuffering leads to salvation. Dr. Taylor, after Dr. Benson, conjectures that the apostle in these directions had his eye upon the indignities which the Jews, and probably the Christians too, (for they were often confounded by the heathen), suffered by the edict of Claudius, mentioned Act 18:2, which "commanded all Jews to depart from Rome." Upon this occasion Aquila and Priscilla removed to Corinth, where Paul found them, and dwelt with them a considerable time. No doubt they gave him a full account of the state of the Christian Church at Rome, and of every thing relating to the late persecution under Claudius. That emperor's edict probably died with him, if it were not repealed before, and then the Jews and Christians (if the Christians were also expelled) returned again to Rome; for Aquila and Priscilla were there when Paul wrote this epistle, Rom 16:3, which was in the fourth year of Nero, successor to Claudius.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
avenge not, &c.--(See on Rom 12:14). but rather give place unto wrath--This is usually taken to mean, "but give room or space for wrath to spend itself." But as the context shows that the injunction is to leave vengeance to God, "wrath" here seems to mean, not the offense, which we are tempted to avenge, but the avenging wrath of God (see Ch2 24:18), which we are enjoined to await, or give room for. (So the best interpreters).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Dearly beloved,.... This affectionate appellation the apostle makes use of, expressing his great love to them, the rather to work upon then, and move them to an attention to what he is about to say; which they might assure themselves was in great tenderness to them, for their good, as well as the glory of God: moreover, he may hereby suggest to them, not only that they were dear to him, but that they were greatly beloved of God, that they were high in his favour and affection; and this he might him unto them, in order to melt them into love to their fellow Christians and fellow creatures, and even to their enemies, and never think of private revenge: avenge not yourselves; this is no ways contrary to that revenge, a believer has upon sin, and the actings of it, which follows on true evangelical repentance for it, Co2 7:11, and lies in a displicency at it, and himself for it, and in abstaining from it, and fighting against it; nor to that revenge a church may take of the disobedience of impenitent and incorrigible offenders, by laying censures on them, withdrawing from them, and rejecting them from their communion; nor to that revenge which civil magistrates may execute upon them that do evil; but this only forbids and condemns private revenge in private persons, for private injuries done, and affronts given: but rather give place to wrath; either to a man's own wrath, stirred up by the provocations given him; let him not rush upon revenge immediately; let him sit down and breathe upon it; let him "give" "space", unto it, as the Syriac, which may signify time as well as place; and by taking time his wrath will, subside, he will cool and come to himself, and think better on it: or to the wrath of the injurious person, by declining him, as Jacob did Esau, till his wrath was over; or by patiently hearing without resistance the evil done, according to the advice of Christ, Mat 5:39; or to the wrath of God, leave all with him, and to the day of his wrath and righteous judgment, who will render to every man according to his works; commit yourselves to him that judgeth righteously, and never think of avenging your own wrongs; and this sense the following words incline to, for it is written, Deu 32:35; vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord; vengeance belongs to God, and to him only; it is proper and peculiar to him, not to Heathen deities, one of which they call "vengeance"; see Act 28:4; nor to Satan, who is of a revengeful spirit, and is styled the enemy and the avenger; nor to men, unless to magistrates under God, who are revengers and executioners of his wrath on wicked men; otherwise it solely belongs to God the lawgiver, whose law is broken, and against whom sin is committed: and there is reason to believe he will "repay" it, from the holiness of his nature, the strictness of his justice, his power and faithfulness, his conduct towards his own people, even to his Son, as their surety; nor will he neglect, but in his own time will avenge his elect, which cry unto him day and night; and who therefore should never once think of avenging themselves, but leave it with their God, to whom it belongs.