Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
18. If it be possible, &c.] Cp. Heb 12:14; and see 1Pe 3:9-13.
as much as lieth in you ] Lit. as regards what is on your side; “ you ” being emphatic here: q. d., “Let the peace, if broken, be broken from the other side.” The spirit of the Saviour’s precepts best illustrates this verse; Mat 5:39-41. “Peaceable living” would be “ im possible,” on the Christian’s side, only when duty to others required him to withstand or expose wrong-doing.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
If it be possible – If it can be done. This expression implies that it could not always be done. Still it should be an object of desire; and we should endeavor to obtain it.
As much as lieth in you – This implies two things:
(1) We are to do our utmost endeavors to preserve peace, and to appease the anger and malice of others.
(2) We are not to begin or to originate a quarrel.
So far as we are concerned, we are to seek peace. But then it does not always depend on us. Others may oppose and persecute us; they will hate religion, and may slander, revile, and otherwise injure us; or they may commence an assault on our persons or property. For their assaults we are not answerable; but we are answerable for our conduct toward them; and on no occasion are we to commence a warfare with them. It may not be possible to prevent their injuring and opposing us; but it is possible not to begin a contention with them; and when they have commenced a strife, to seek peace, and to evince a Christian spirit. This command doubtless extends to everything connected with strife; and means that we are not to provoke them to controversy, or to prolong it when it is commenced; see Psa 34:14; Mat 5:9, Mat 5:39-41; Heb 12:14. If all Christians would follow this command, if they would never provoke to controversy, if they would injure no man by slander or by unfair dealing, if they would compel none to prosecute them in law by lack of punctuality in payment of debts or honesty in business, if they would do nothing to irritate, or to prolong a controversy when it is commenced, it would put an end to no small part of the strife that exists in the world.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 18. If it be possible] To live in a state of peace with one’s neighbours, friends, and even family, is often very difficult. But the man who loves God must labour after this, for it is indispensably necessary even for his own sake. A man cannot have broils and misunderstandings with others, without having his own peace very materially disturbed: he must, to be happy, be at peace with all men, whether they will be at peace with him or not. The apostle knew that it would be difficult to get into and maintain such a state of peace, and this his own words amply prove: And if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably. Though it be but barely possible, labour after it.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The duty to which he exhorts in this verse, is a peaceable and quiet behaviour towards all men, as well infidels as Christians; those who are bad, as well as those who are good. The like exhortations we have, Heb 12:14. And to the discharge of this duty he annexeth a double limitation; first:
If it be possible; secondly: As much as lieth in you: q.d. It may so fall out, that some men are of such froward and unpeaceable tempers, that it is impossible to live peaceably with them, or by them: or such conditions of peace may be offered as are not lawful for you to accept; it will not stand with the truth and glory of God, and with a good conscience, to agree with them. But, however, do your part, let there be no default in you why you should not live in peace with all men whatsoever.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
18. If it be possiblethat is,If others will let you.
as much as lieth in youor,”dependeth on you.”
live peaceablyor, “beat peace.”
with all menTheimpossibility of this in some cases is hinted at, to keep up thehearts of those who, having done their best unsuccessfully to live inpeace, might be tempted to think the failure was necessarilyowing to themselves. But how emphatically expressed is the injunctionto let nothing on our part prevent it! Would that Christians wereguiltless in this respect!
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably,…. Or be at peace, seek after peace, pursue it, and cultivate it:
with all men; with those that we are immediately concerned with, in a natural relation; so husbands should live peaceably with their wives, and wives with their husbands; parents with their children, and children with their parents; masters with their servants, and servants with their masters; and one brother, relation, and friend, with another: and so with all we are concerned with in a spiritual relation, as members of Christ, and in the same church state; such should be at peace among themselves, 1Th 5:13; peace should rule in their hearts, Col 3:15, and they should study to keep “the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace”, Eph 4:3: yea, with all we are concerned in a civil sense; saints should live peaceably in the neighbourhood, towns, cities, and countries, where they dwell, and show themselves to be the quiet in the land; should pray for the peace of the place where they are; and do all that in them lies to promote it, by living themselves peaceably and quietly, in all godliness and honesty; yea, they should live peaceably with their very enemies, “if it be possible”; which is rightly put, for there are some persons of such tempers and dispositions, that it is impossible to live peaceably with; for when others are for peace, they are for war; and in some cases it is not only impracticable, but would be unlawful; as when it cannot be done consistent with holiness of life and conversation, with the edification of others, the truths of the Gospel, the interest of religion, and the glory of God; these are things that are never to be sacrificed for the sake of peace with men: the apostle adds another limitation of this rule, “as much as lieth in you”; for more than this is not required of us; nothing should be wanting on our parts; every step should be taken to cultivate and maintain peace; the blame should lie wholly on the other side; it becomes the saints to live peaceably themselves, if others will not with them.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
As much as in you lieth ( ). Accusative of general reference, “so far as what proceeds from you” (“the from you part”). See ‘ in 1:15. This phrase explains “if it be possible” ( ). “All your part is to be peace” (Alford). For “be at peace” () see 2Co 13:11.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
If it be possible. Not if you can, but if others will allow. The phrase is explained by as much as lieth in you [ ] , lit., as to that which proceeds from you, or depends on you. “All your part is to be peace” (Alford).
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1 ) “If it be possible,” (ei dunaton) “if possible,” an implied difficulty, over the conduct of others we have no direct control, but the initiative in disturbing the peace should never lie with the Christian; 1Co 10:32-33.
2) “As much as lieth in you,” (to eks humon) “as far as it rests with you all,” as far as it depends on you, on your part at any rate. To live peaceably, 1) watch yourself, 2) do not retaliate, 3) be honest, 4) and cultivate a peaceable spirit, 1Co 9:19-27; Rom 1:15.
3) “Live peaceably with all men,” (meta ponton anthropon eireneuontes) “Be continually seeking to live peaceably with all men,” so that you may edify or help them, Rom 14:19; 2Co 13:11; Jas 3:17-18; For peacemakers shall “be called the children of God,” Mat 5:9. Even if you live on a dirt street you can still keep your own doorstep reasonably clean.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
18. If it be possible, etc. Peaceableness and a life so ordered as to render us beloved by all, is no common gift in a Christian. If we desire to attain this, we must not only be endued with perfect uprightness, but also with very courteous and kind manners, which may not only conciliate the just and the good, but produce also a favorable impression on the hearts of the ungodly.
But here two cautions must be stated: We are not to seek to be in such esteem as to refuse to undergo the hatred of any for Christ, whenever it may be necessary. And indeed we see that there are some who, though they render themselves amicable to all by the sweetness of their manners and peaceableness of their minds, are yet hated even by their nearest connections on account of the gospel. The second caution is, — that courteousness should not degenerate into compliance, so as to lead us to flatter the vices of men for the sake of preserving peace. Since then it cannot always be, that we can have peace with all men, he has annexed two particulars by way of exception, If it be possible, and, as far as you can. But we are to conclude from what piety and love require, that we are not to violate peace, except when constrained by either of these two things. For we ought, for the sake of cherishing peace, to bear many things, to pardon offenses, and kindly to remit the full rigor of the law; and yet in such a way, that we may be prepared, whenever necessity requires, to fight courageously: for it is impossible that the soldiers of Christ should have perpetual peace with the world, whose prince is Satan.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(18) The Christian can only be responsible for himself. So far as he is concerned, he is to do his best to maintain peace. The history of St. Paul himself, which is one of almost constant conflict, shows that this would not always be possible.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
18. In you So far as in your power. It may be impossible, from the actions of others; but let it not be your fault that there is not perfect peace.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Ver. 18. As much as lieth in you ] Let it not stick on your part. Give not offence carelessly, take not offence causelessly. See Trapp on “ Mat 5:9 “ It is the first office of justice, saith Cicero, to hurt nobody, unless first provoked by injury. But how true and trim a sentence, saith Lactantius, hath Cicero here marred by adding the last, “unless!” Mahomet’s laws run thus: Avenge yourselves of your enemies; rather do wrong than take wrong; kill the infidels, &c. Profess love to thine enemy, saith Machiavel; and if he fall into the water up to the knees, give him thine hand to help him out; if up to the waist, help him likewise; but if up to the chin, then lay thine hand upon his head and duck him under the water, and never suffer him to rise again. But we “have not so learned Christ.” Seneca could say, Immane verbum est ultio, Revenge is a bloody word; and Qui ulciscitur excusatius peccat, He is somewhat excused (but not altogether) from doing evil, that seeketh revenge.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
18 .] The , as well remarked by Thol. and De Wette, is objective only not ‘ if you can ,’ but if it be possible if others will allow it . And this is further defined by : all YOUR part is to be peace : whether you actually live peaceably or not, will depend then solely on how others behave towards you .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Rom 12:18 . : cf. Mat 24:24 . : for what depends on you. Cf. Rom 1:15 . Over others’ conduct we have no control; but the initiative in disturbing the peace is never to lie with the Christian.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
as . . . you = literally as is of (App-104.) you.
live peaceably = be at peace. Greek. eireneuo. Only here, Mar 9:50. 2Co 13:11. 1Th 5:13.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
18.] The , as well remarked by Thol. and De Wette, is objective only-not if you can, but if it be possible-if others will allow it. And this is further defined by : all YOUR part is to be peace: whether you actually live peaceably or not, will depend then solely on how others behave towards you.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Rom 12:18. , if) if possible. He makes it conditional, and this clause may be construed with the 17th verse, inasmuch as good actions, especially if cirumspection be wanting, may often appear to some not so good as they really are.- , so far as it lieth in you) This is a limitation, for it is not always possible owing to others.- , with all men) of whom there was a very great conflux at Rome. No man is so savage, as not to have the feelings of humanity towards some individuals, but we ought to be peaceful, gentle, meek towards all, Php 4:5; 2Ti 2:24; Tit 3:2. [Once and again at some time or other in the whole course of our life, we have to transact business with some individual, and according as we behave to him, so he ever after forms his estimate of our character and general conduct.-V. g.]-, being at peace) Rom 14:17; Rom 14:19.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Rom 12:18
Rom 12:18
If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.-Use all means in your power to live peaceably with all men; for the sake of peace, sacrifice everything, save truth and right. [That this is sometimes impossible Pauls life shows (Act 13:45; Act 14:19; Act 16:19; Act 17:5; Act 17:13; Act 18:6; Act 18:12; Act 19:23), for his whole life was an active and ardent contention against sin and error. But our responsibility extends as far as our ability to keep the peace.]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Rom 14:17, Rom 14:19, 2Sa 20:19, Psa 34:14, Psa 120:5-7, Pro 12:20, Mat 5:5, Mat 5:9, Mar 9:50, 1Co 7:15, 2Co 13:11, Gal 5:22, Eph 4:3, Col 3:14, Col 3:15, 1Th 5:13, 2Ti 2:22, Heb 12:14, Jam 3:16-18, 1Pe 3:11
Reciprocal: Gen 13:9 – if thou wilt Gen 21:24 – General Gen 23:7 – General Gen 26:30 – General Lev 25:35 – then Jdg 11:14 – again unto Jdg 20:12 – sent men Psa 120:7 – for peace Pro 3:30 – General Pro 17:14 – leave Pro 19:11 – and Mat 5:24 – there Mat 24:24 – if Rom 1:15 – so Phi 2:14 – disputings 1Th 5:15 – and 1Ti 2:2 – that Jam 3:17 – peaceable
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
RESENTMENT
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Rom 12:18
Not with all Christians, you observe, but with all men. They were to act as leaven in the world, and to bring their Christian influence to bear upon it, until the whole be leavened.
I. Christians are not to withdraw themselves altogether from the world, but to mix with it, that others may take knowledge of them and see the beauty of holiness and the peace and blessedness of Christianity. This attitude is not an easy one. To confess Christ before men is oftentimes a difficult task. The temptation of most men is to follow the line of least resistance. The days of open and active persecution may have passed away, but sneers and ridicule remainand to sensitive natures they are very galling and exasperating, and their first impulse is to resent such gross impertinence. St. Peter and St. Paul both tell us we must take this form of persecution patiently.
II. We are following in the path of our Divine Master, Who left us an example that we should follow in His steps. When He was reviled, He reviled not again, When He suffered, He threatened not. Avenge not yourselves, says St. Paul, but rather give place unto wrath, for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. This advice is of a piece with the Sermon on the Mount, Resist not evil. Rather than give an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, or as we should saypay others back in their own coin, and actively resent an injury, we should turn to them the other cheek or let them take our cloak also. Leave vengeance to God. Our weapons are kindness and forbearance. Armed with these we shall the sooner convert an enemy into a friend.
III. We shall find these tactics of great value if we wish to live peaceably with all men. We have said that it takes two parties to make peace. It takes two also to make a quarrel. The teaching of the text, we take it, is: Dont seek or provoke a quarrel, and if it seeks youwell, prove yourself the better man of the two, by showing your opponent the more excellent way. If you are wrong, acknowledge it, and you disarm him at once. If you are right, then you can the better afford to wait until the heat has subsided, and when the scales of wrath, which have blinded your opponent for the moment, have fallen away, he will see his mistake and acknowledge it.
Rev. C. Rhodes Hall.
Illustration
The foremost blessing promised by the Gospel is that of peace. One of our Lords last promises to His disciples was My peace I give unto you. He forewarned them that in the world, to which He was sending them as ambassadors of peace, they would have tribulation. He foretold them that the path on which they were to travel to bear witness of Him was not a path strewn with roses. On the contrary, He told them they would be brought before governors and kings for His sake, and that they should be hated of all men, for His Names sake. Still, through all their privations and trials for His sake and the Gospels, they would be sustained and comforted by a peace which passeth all understanding. But it was essentially an inward peace. Outside themselves they were to expect war and tumult.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
:18
Rom 12:18. Jas 3:17 teaches that divine wisdom requires peace that is in harmony with the truth “from above.” Our present verse requires peace on the same terms.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Rom 12:18. If it be possible, at much at dependeth on you; not, if you can, but if it be possible, if others allow you to do so, be at peace with all men. That this is sometimes impossible, the Apostles life shows; but our responsibility extends as far as our ability to keep the peace.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Observe here, 1. The duty directed and exhorted to, namely, peaceableness; Live peacably, that is, be of a peaceable temper, and follow those things which make for peace.
Observe, 2. The extent and latitude of this duty: With all men live peacably; not with friends only, or with those of your own judgment and persuasion, but with men of disagreeing humours and interests, with men of different principles and apprehensions, from you.
Again observe, 3. A double restriction and limitation with which it is bounded: first, If it be possible, implying, that there is a sort of men in the world who make peace impossible; but for others, if it may be enjoyed upon honest terms, though upon hard terms, we must not stick at them, always remembering that peace and truth are two precious things, which can never be bought too dear, of they be not purchased with sin and baseness.
The second restriction follows, As much as in you lieth: now this respects our endeavours, not our success. If we follow peace with all men, though we cannot overtake it, yet we shall not miss of our reward in pursuing it. Peace is the most important duty, a singular benefit and blessing, which every Christian is bound to pursue and promote, and that with all men: If it be possible, &c.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Vv. 18. This spirit of goodwill is necessarily pacific; not only does it not do nor mediate anything which can trouble, but it strives to remove what disunites. The first restriction: if it be possible, refers to our neighbor’s conduct; for we are not master of his feelings. The second: as much as lieth in you, refers to our own; for we can exercise discipline over ourselves. If it does not depend on us to bring our neighbor to pacific dispositions toward us, it depends on us to be always disposed to make peace.
Fuente: Godet Commentary (Luke, John, Romans and 1 Corinthians)
If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. [It takes two to live at peace. So far as the Christian is concerned, the rule of peace is absolute. He must stir up no needless opposition, he must avoid every act likely to give offense, he must harbor no resentment. But, so far as the other party is concerned, the rule is conditional, for no one knew better than Paul, out of life’s bitter experiences, that the most sacrificial efforts to keep the peace may be frustrated by the acts of enemies whom no consideration can pacify, no concession quiet. For an event after this writing see Act 21:26-27 . Our own conduct is in our power; our neighbor’s, not. Here, too, love must do its best.]
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
18. If possible, as to that which is from you, living in peace with all men. You can be in perfect peace with every human being on the globe, even while they are thirsting for your blood and hounding you to the martyrs fate, as you are not responsible for them, but only for your own soul.
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Paul strongly advocated being a peacemaker (cf. Mat 5:9), but he did not promote peace at any price. In some situations, peace might give way to conflict if, for example, the truth is at stake (cf. Gal 2:11). Notwithstanding the believer should not be the instigator of trouble under normal circumstances. Note Paul’s two qualifiers regarding living at peace in this verse.