Romans 12:18
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Romans 12:18
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights that our responsibility for peace is limited: it's "so far as it depends on you," meaning we can only control our own actions and reactions, not the actions or willingness of others to be at peace. This emphasizes that while we must actively pursue peace, we aren't held accountable for conflicts initiated or perpetuated by others.
Paul has just instructed believers to bless their enemies and not repay evil with evil, emphasizing that vengeance belongs to God. This verse builds on that, urging them to do their absolute best to live peacefully with everyone, recognizing that while maintaining peace is a goal, it’s not always entirely within their control due to the actions of others.
We're called to live peaceably with everyone, but what happens when the other person isn't interested in peace?
Paul is direct here: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Notice the qualifiers: "if possible" and "so far as it depends on you."
Your Part
This means we have a responsibility to do our absolute best to pursue peace. We shouldn't be the ones starting conflict or escalating it. We should be willing to compromise, forgive, and de-escalate when possible. It's about taking initiative and being proactive in our relationships.
Beyond Your Control
However, Paul acknowledges that peace isn't always achievable, even when we try our hardest. The "if possible" reminds us that other people's choices and attitudes play a huge role. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, conflict is unavoidable. We are not held responsible for the other person's refusal to seek peace.
When conflict arises, what's the Christian way forward? It's not always what comes naturally.
The verses surrounding Romans 12:18 provide crucial context for how Christians are to navigate conflict.
Don't Retaliate
Paul immediately follows the call for peace with, "Recompense to no man evil for evil" (v. 17) and later, "Avenge not yourselves" (v. 19). This means we are not to return harshness for harshness or injury for injury. Our default response shouldn't be retaliation.
Trust God's Justice
Instead of taking matters into our own hands, we are to "give place unto wrath" (v. 19). This doesn't mean allowing anger to rule, but rather trusting that God is the ultimate judge and avenger. He will repay what is due. Our role is to yield, to wait, and to trust His timing and justice.
Overcome Evil with Good
The ultimate strategy is to "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (v. 21). This radical approach means responding to hostility with kindness, generosity, and love. It's a counter-cultural method that demonstrates the transformative power of Christ.
Understand the original words
eirēneuō · Greek Verb
The state of tranquility, reconciliation, and absence of conflict, especially in relationships; a central fruit of the Spirit.
Paul's instruction to 'live peaceably with all' in Romans 12:18 wasn't a call to passive agreement in a stable world. It was spoken to believers scattered throughout the vast, often turbulent Roman Empire, a world marked by political occupation, social tension, and later, brutal persecution. The command acknowledges that true peace isn't always possible with everyone, due to the actions of others or the demands of faithfulness to Christ, but it urges believers to pursue peace with all their might, leaving retaliation to God.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, and exiled a significant portion of the population. This event marked a devastating turning point for the Jewish people, leading to a period of national crisis and questioning of God's promises.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Conquest
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered the Babylonian Empire. His subsequent decree allowed exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah's Return to Jerusalem
Nehemiah, a Jewish official in the Persian court, was permitted to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. This period saw the consolidation of Jewish community life in Jerusalem amidst ongoing political challenges and internal disputes.
c. 63 BC
Jesus' teaching to 'turn the other cheek' directly supports the idea of not retaliating and choosing peace, even when wronged.
Hebrews 12:14This verse echoes Romans 12:18 by explicitly stating 'strive for peace with everyone,' emphasizing the active pursuit of reconciliation.
1 Peter 3:11This passage directly mirrors the sentiment of Romans 12:18, instructing believers to 'turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.'
Psalm 34:14This Old Testament wisdom counsel, 'Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it,' provides an ancient foundation for Paul's instruction in Romans.
Colossians 3:13The call to 'bear with each other and forgive one another' is a practical outworking of the principle to live peaceably, as it addresses the very issues that can disrupt peace.
ellicottRomans 12:18: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
(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.
barnesRomans 12:18: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
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 concern…
The verse highlights that our responsibility for peace is limited: it's "so far as it depends on you," meaning we can only control our own actions and reactions, not the actions or willingness of others to be at peace. This emphasizes that while we must actively pursue peace, we aren't held accountable for conflicts initiated or perpetuated by others.
Paul has just instructed believers to bless their enemies and not repay evil with evil, emphasizing that vengeance belongs to God. This verse builds on that, urging them to do their absolute best to live peacefully with everyone, recognizing that while maintaining peace is a goal, it’s not always entirely within their control due to the actions of others.
Paul has just instructed believers to bless their enemies and not repay evil with evil, emphasizing that vengeance belongs to God. This verse builds on that, urging them to do their absolute best to live peacefully with everyone, recognizing that while maintaining peace is a goal, it’s not always entirely within their control due to the actions of others.
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Roman Intervention in Judea
Roman general Pompey intervened in a dispute between Jewish factions, leading to Roman dominance over Judea. This marked the beginning of Roman political and military control, often characterized by tension and occasional unrest.
c. AD 26-36
Pontius Pilate's Governorship
Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect of Judea. His tenure was marked by clashes with Jewish religious sensibilities and a generally heavy-handed approach to governance, contributing to the volatile socio-political climate.
c. AD 50-62— this verse
Paul's Missionary Journeys and Letters
The Apostle Paul undertook extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing Christian communities in various cities. His letters, written to these communities, addressed complex issues of faith, practice, and relationships within both the church and the wider Roman society.
c. AD 64
Nero's Persecution of Christians
Following the Great Fire of Rome, Emperor Nero scapegoated Christians, initiating the first empire-wide persecution. This period intensified the external pressures and dangers faced by early Christian communities.
"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." — The verse highlights that our responsibility for peace is limited: it's "so far as it depends on you," meaning we can only control our own actions and reactions, not the actions or willingness of oth…