What does Romans 12:18 mean?

Explanation

Romans 12:18, when taken in its full textual context, serves as an admonition for Christians to pursue peace and harmony in their relations with others to the best of their ability.

The apostle Paul, who authored this letter, is emphasizing the importance of striving for a tranquil coexistence with everyone, believers and non-believers alike.

The phrase "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you" recognizes that there are limitations to this endeavor; peace may not always be achievable due to circumstances beyond one's control or the actions of others.

Nevertheless, Paul encourages the believer to take responsibility for their side of relationships, ensuring that any lack of peace is not due to their own willingness or actions.

Historical Context

Written in the 1st century AD, the Epistle to the Romans addresses both Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome.

During this time, Christians often faced social tensions and persecution in the broader Roman society.

Paul's message, therefore, served as counsel for how to navigate potentially hostile relationships while upholding Christian values.

This exhortation for peace also reflects the influences of Jesus' teachings on love, forgiveness, and non-retaliation as seen in the Gospels.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse aligns with various Christian doctrines regarding peace, reconciliation, and the nature of Christian ethics. Peace is viewed as a fruit of the Spirit, a sign of God's work in the believer's life, and a way to demonstrate Christ-like character.

Moreover, it underscores the transformative power of the Gospel to affect social relationships and personal conduct.

Different theological traditions might emphasize the importance of this verse in various ways.

For instance, pacifist groups might see it as a mandate against violence, while others might interpret it as a call for interpersonal peacemaking.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this teaching encourages individuals to actively seek peaceful solutions in conflicts, foster positive relationships with others, and avoid unnecessary strife. It can be applied in personal relationships, within communities, workplaces, and even in the approach to global issues.

The verse underlines the importance of self-examination and personal responsibility in conflict situations, pushing for an attitude of humility and compassion.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 12:14 - "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
• Matthew 5:9 - "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
• 1 Peter 3:11 - "Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it."

Language Study

The key phrase in Romans 12:18 is "as much as lieth in you" (from the Greek "εἰ δυνατὸν τὸ ἐξ ὑμῶν").

The term "δυνατὸν" (dunaton) is related to the concept of ability or possibility, indicating that there might be factors that make complete peace unattainable. "ἐξ ὑμῶν" (ex humōn) literally translates to "out of you" or "from you," suggesting an emanation of effort or influence from oneself.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The pursuit of peace is a common thread in many religious and philosophical traditions.

For example, Buddhism emphasizes non-violence and harmony in its teachings.

Similarly, the Jewish concept of "Shalom," which means peace, represents a state of wholeness and well-being that has implications for both personal conduct and community relationships.

Ancient Greco-Roman philosophy also valued social harmony and included discussions on how to achieve it.

Scientific Perspectives

Intersections with modern scientific understanding might relate to studies on conflict resolution, psychology, and sociology. Research has explored the health benefits of stress reduction and how peacemaking contributes to wellbeing.

Additionally, social sciences examine the dynamics of peace in society and the effectiveness of various strategies for maintaining harmony within communities.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse offer a wide range of insights, often reflecting on the tensions between ideal Christian behavior and real-world situations.

According to John Stott, a notable Christian leader and commentator, Romans 12:18 does not set forth an absolutist pacifism but rather acknowledges the complexities of life where conflict may still arise despite a believer's best efforts.

Other scholars, like Douglas Moo, highlight the proactive nature of the Christian responsibility towards peace, it's not merely an avoidance of conflict but an active pursuit of reconciliation.

It is often noted that this verse also sets a limitation on the believer, acknowledging that peace will sometimes be beyond their ability to achieve.