Romans 12:17 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Romans 12:17

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain

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", Ro 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 2Co 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 Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotional Save my progress

More for Romans 12:17

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Romans 12 — OverviewRomans 12 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThe apostle, having at large cleared and confirmed the prime fundamental doctrines of Christianity, comes in the next place to press the principal duties. We mistake our religion if we look upon it only as a…Romans 12 — OverviewRomans 12 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeRomans 12:1, God’s mercies must move us to please God; Romans 12:3, No man must think too well of himself; Romans 12:6, but everyone attend on that calling wherein he is placed; Romans 12:9, Love, and many other duties…Romans 12 — OverviewRomans 12 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe doctrines concerning predestination, justification, &c. being established, the duties of religion are built upon them, and enforced by them in this and the following chapters. The apostle first exhorts all the…Romans 12:1-21Romans 12:1-21 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWe may observe here, according to the scheme mentioned in the contents, the apostle's exhortations, I. Concerning our duty to God, We see what is godliness. 1. It is to surrender ourselves to God, and so to lay a…Romans 12:17Romans 12:17 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeRecompense: Romans 12:19; Proverbs 20:22; Matthew 5:39; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 3:9 Provide: Romans 14:16; 1 Corinthians 6:6-7, 1 Corinthians 13:4-5; 2 Corinthians 8:20-21; Philippians 4:8-9; Colossians 4:5; 1…

commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Blank CheckGod isn't looking for a negotiation; He's looking for a surrender. Stop giving God a contract and start giving Him a blank check.DiscipleDeck devotionThe Eye and the HandYou are not a spectator; you are a vital organ in the Body. You have a job to do. This week, ask a close Christian friend: "What spiritual gift do you see in me?" Sometimes others can see our function better than we can.Discipledeck devotionThe Most Underrated DoctrineMillions say 'I believe in the forgiveness of sins' every Sunday without knowing what it means. The cross didn't reduce your debt — it cancelled it. Completely. Has your soul received that?Discipledeck devotionThe KissThe deepest wounds don't come from enemies; they come from friends. Jesus knew this pain too.DiscipleDeck devotionThe Porcupine’s DilemmaForgiveness doesn't mean "Trust." Forgiveness is instant (letting go of the past); Trust is built over time (proving safety for the future). You can forgive an abusive person without letting them back into your life immediately.Discipledeck devotionThe Jailer and the PrisonerForgiveness is not a feeling; it is a transaction. It is canceling the debt. You don't have to trust them again (trust is earned), but you must forgive them (grace is given). Unlock the door today—not for their sake, but for yours. Step out of the basementDiscipledeck