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Romans 12 – question 4

Understanding the Reversal of the Law of Retaliation and the Call to Peace

In Romans 12:17-18, Paul teaches a radically different approach to human vengeance:

Romans 12:17-18 – “Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.” (NASB)

This passage is part of Paul’s broader exhortation, calling believers to live according to a logic of Grace and love, in contrast to the immediate retribution of evil for evil, as seen in the Law of Retaliation (eye for eye, tooth for tooth – Exodus 21:24).
However, in verse 18, Paul introduces an important nuance: « If possible, so far as it depends on you… ». Why does he include this conditional statement?

1. A Command Shaped by the Reality of a Fallen World

Paul acknowledges that living at peace with everyone is not always possible. The Gospel calls us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), but there are situations where peace is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve.
Several reasons explain why peace may be compromised:

  • The world’s hostility toward Christian Faith
    • John 15:18-19 – “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, and I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.”
    • Some will refuse peace simply because we belong to Christ.
  • The impossibility of forcing Reconciliation
    • Hebrews 12:14 – “Pursue peace with all people, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
    • Pursuing peace is a duty, but it does not depend solely on us. Some people will persist in their hatred or opposition.
  • The demands of truth
    • Luke 12:51-53 – Jesus warns that His message will bring division, even within families.
    • Peace should never be sought at the cost of doctrinal or moral compromise.

Thus, Paul emphasizes that Christians must do everything in their power to live in peace with others, without denying the truth or compromising their faithfulness to God.

2. Personal Responsibility, but Not an Absolute Obligation

Paul adds « so far as it depends on you », meaning that believers bear a measure of responsibility for establishing peace, but not its entirety.

  • The believer must not be the cause of conflict.
    • James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits.”
    • A Christian should model peace in both words and actions.
  • The believer must not harbor resentment.
    • Ephesians 4:31 – “All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice.”
    • Even if others refuse peace, Christians must avoid fostering a spirit of vengeance.
  • The believer may sometimes be forced into conflict despite their efforts.
    • Christian ethics do not allow for the avoidance of all conflicts: standing for justice, truth, and Faith may provoke opposition.
    • Acts 4:19-20 – Peter and John refuse to obey authorities who order them to stop preaching the Gospel.

Paul is therefore not advocating peace at all costs, but rather an active, sincere pursuit of peace, which is contingent on circumstances and the willingness of others.

3. Perspectives from Evangelical Commentators

  • John Stott (The Message of Romans): “Paul does not command absolute peace, knowing that it is not always in our control. But believers must strive for peace whenever possible, reflecting the character of Christ.”
  • Douglas J. Moo (The Epistle to the Romans): “The call to peace is conditioned by the fact that we cannot control how others will respond. Paul, therefore, places responsibility on the believer to avoid being the cause of trouble, without demanding a peace that may be refused by others.”
  • Thomas R. Schreiner (Romans – Baker Exegetical Commentary): “Paul is realistic: some people will never want peace with Christians. But he insists on the attitude believers must have, always ready to make peace, never the source of conflict.”

4. Practical Application: How to Live According to Romans 12:18

  • Actively seek peace
    • Forgive even when the other person does not deserve it (Matthew 6:14-15).
    • Avoid unnecessary arguments and prefer gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
  • Do not compromise truth to avoid conflict
    • Accept that faithfulness to Christ may lead to opposition (Matthew 10:22).
    • Be willing to suffer for righteousness rather than seek false peace (1 Peter 3:14).
  • Maintain inner peace even if Reconciliation fails
    • Do not repay evil with evil (Romans 12:17).
    • Entrust injustices to God rather than seek personal vengeance (Romans 12:19).

Conclusion: A Peace Sought, but Not Always Accepted

By reversing the Law of Retaliation and urging believers to pursue peace, Paul shows that Christianity is a faith of reconciliation, but not of compromise. However, he also acknowledges an inescapable reality: it is not always possible to be at peace with everyone.
The believer must therefore do everything within their power to promote peace, while never denying the truth or compromising their faithfulness to Christ. The goal is not to avoid conflict at all costs but to always maintain a just, loving, and vengeance-free attitude.
Thus, Paul’s view of peace is a personal responsibility but not an absolute obligation, as it also depends on the response of others.

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