Bible Commentary

Romans 12:21

Romans 12:21

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

Be not overcome of evil,.... Neither of the evil one, Satan, who is very busy to stir up the corruption of nature to an hatred of enemies, and to seek revenge; but give no place nor heed unto him, resist him, and he will flee from you, ; "put on the whole armour of God", , whereby you may defend yourselves, that he cannot touch you: nor of the evil of sin that dwells in you; "for whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage", ; nor of the evil of the man that has done you an injury, as you will be, if you return evil for evil, or take any steps and measures to avenge yourselves; for then not you, but he that has done you the wrong, will be the conqueror:but overcome evil with good; overcome the evil man, and the evil he has done you, by doing good to him, by feeding him when hungry, by giving him drink when thirsty, by clothing him when naked, and by doing other offices of kindness and humanity to him; which is most likely to win upon him, and of an enemy to make him your friend: and if not, however it will show that you are conquerors, yea, "more than conquerors", Ro 8:37, through the grace and strength of him that has loved you, over Satan, over the corruptions of your own hearts, and over the malice and wickedness of your enemies.

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.

Recommended reading

More for Romans 12:21

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

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.DiscipleDeckdevotionThe 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?DiscipledeckdevotionThe KissThe deepest wounds don't come from enemies; they come from friends. Jesus knew this pain too.DiscipleDeckdevotionThe 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