Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 12:19

"Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath [of God]: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord." — Romans 12:19 (ASV)

Dearly beloved. This expression of tenderness was particularly appropriate in an exhortation to peace. It reminded them of the affection and friendship which should exist among them as brothers.

Avenge not yourselves. To avenge is to take satisfaction for an injury by inflicting punishment on the offender. To take such satisfaction for injuries done to society is lawful and proper for a magistrate (Romans 13:4); and to take satisfaction for injuries done by sin to the universe is the province of God.

But the apostle here is addressing private individual Christians. And the command is to avoid a spirit and purpose of revenge. However, this command is not to be understood in such a way that we may not seek justice, in a regular and proper way, before civil tribunals. If our character is assaulted, if we are robbed and plundered, or if we are oppressed contrary to the law of the land, religion does not require us to submit to such oppression and injury without seeking our rights in an orderly and regular manner.

If it did, it would be to reward iniquity, to approve of wickedness, and require a person, by becoming a Christian, to abandon their rights. Besides, the magistrate is appointed for the praise of those who do well and to punish evildoers (1 Peter 2:14). Furthermore, our Lord Jesus did not surrender His rights (John 18:23), and Paul demanded that he himself should be treated according to the rights and privileges of a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37).

The command here, not to avenge ourselves, means that we are not to take vengeance out of the hands of God or the hands of the law and inflict it ourselves. It is well known that where there are no laws, the business of vengeance is pursued by individuals in a barbarous and unrelenting manner.

In a state of primitive society, vengeance is immediately taken, if possible, or it is pursued for years, and the offended person is never satisfied until he has stained his hands in the blood of the offender. Such was eminently the case, for example, among certain tribal groups known in the author's time. But Christianity seeks the supremacy of the laws; and in cases that do not admit or require the interference of the laws, such as in private assaults and quarrels, it demands that we bear injury with patience and commit our cause to God .

But rather give place to wrath. This expression has been interpreted in many ways. Its obvious design is to induce us not to attempt to avenge ourselves, but to leave it with God. To give place, then, means to leave it for God to come in and execute wrath or vengeance on the enemy. Do not execute wrath; leave it to God. Commit all to him; leave yourself and your enemy in his hands, assured that he will vindicate you and punish him.

For it is written (Deuteronomy 32:35).

Vengeance is mine. That is, it belongs to me to inflict revenge. This expression implies that it is improper for people to interfere with that which properly belongs to God. When we are angry and attempt to avenge ourselves, we should remember, therefore, that we are infringing on the prerogatives of the Almighty.

I will repay, etc. This is said in substance, though not in so many words, in Deuteronomy 32:35-36. Its design is to assure us that those who deserve to be punished will be, and that, therefore, the business of revenge may be safely left in the hands of God. Though we should not do it, yet, if it ought to be done, it will be done. This assurance will sustain us, not in the desire that our enemy should be punished, but in the belief that God will take the matter into his own hands; that he can administer it better than we can; and that if our enemy ought to be punished, he will be. We, therefore, should leave it all with God. That God will vindicate his people is clearly and abundantly proved in 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10, Revelation 6:9–11, and Deuteronomy 32:40-43.