Be At Peace With All Men: What Does Romans 12:18 Mean?

Romans 12:18, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” King James Version (KJV)

TranslationRomans 12:18
ESVIf possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
NASBIf possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
NIVIf it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
NLTDo all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Also, see the meaning of My Sheep Hear My Voice in the Bible.

Be At Peace With All Men: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

12:17-21 Since men became enemies to God, they have been very ready to be enemies one to another. And those that embrace religion, must expect to meet with enemies in a world whose smiles seldom agree with Christ’s.

Recompense to no man evil for evil. That is a brutish recompence, befitting only animals, which are not conscious of any being above them, or of any existence hereafter.

And not only do, but study and take care to do, that which is amiable and creditable, and recommends religion to all with whom you converse.

Study the things that make for peace; if it be possible, without offending God and wounding conscience. Avenge not yourselves. This is a hard lesson to corrupt nature, therefore a remedy against it is added. Give place unto wrath.

When a man’s passion is up, and the stream is strong, let it pass off; lest it be made to rage the more against us.

The line of our duty is clearly marked out, and if our enemies are not melted by persevering kindness, we are not to seek vengeance; they will be consumed by the fiery wrath of that God to whom vengeance belongeth.

The last verse suggests what is not easily understood by the world; that in all strife and contention, those that revenge are conquered, and those that forgive are conquerors. Be not overcome of evil. Learn to defeat ill designs against you, either to change them, or to preserve your own peace.

He that has this rule over his spirit, is better than the mighty. God’s children may be asked whether it is not more sweet unto them than all earthly good, that God so enables them by his Spirit, thus to feel and act.

Also, see the meaning of Run the Race With Endurance in the Bible.

Romans 12:18 | Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

If it be possible—that is, If others will let you.
as much as lieth in you—or, “dependeth on you.”

live peaceably—or, “be at peace.”

with all men—The impossibility of this in some cases is hinted at, to keep up the hearts of those who, having done their best unsuccessfully to live in peace, might be tempted to think the failure was necessarily owing to themselves.

But how emphatically expressed is the injunction to let nothing on our part prevent it! Would that Christians were guiltless in this respect!

Also, see the meaning of Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth in the Bible.

Daniel Isaiah Joseph

Daniel's seminary degree is in Exegetical Theology. He was a pastor for 10 years. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. Please see his About page for details.

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