Two Spheres of Vengeance: Personal Restraint and Public Justice

“Romans 12 restrains the Christian’s hand; Romans 13 empowers the state’s sword. Confusing the two leads either to chaos or tyranny,” wrote the late author, theologian, and Christian apologist R. C. Sproul.

Sproul’s observation is both accurate and deeply scriptural. It captures the tension—and harmony—between two closely connected passages: Romans 12:17–21 and Romans 13:1–4. Together, they teach that vengeance is forbidden at the personal level but delegated at the governmental level.

Personal Vengeance Forbidden

Paul writes:

17Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(Romans 12:17–21)

This passage plainly forbids personal retaliation and vengeance-seeking against our enemies. It calls us to be lovers of peace and peacemakers. In our homes, communities, and personal relationships, we are challenged to live at a higher level, pursue a nobler cause, and reflect God’s grace and mercy.

John Chrysostom, one of the fourth-century Church Fathers, echoed Paul’s teaching when he wrote, “Nothing so imitates God as patience under wrong. To avenge oneself is to step outside the place God has assigned us.”

Likewise, John Stott, the twentieth-century British commentator, observed, “Personal revenge is forbidden because it denies both God’s justice and God’s sovereignty.”

Public Justice Authorized

Paul’s instruction does not end with personal restraint. When we turn the page in our Bibles, we read these words:

1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
2 Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
5 Therefore, you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.  (Rom. 13:1-5)

C. D. Hamilton, in his commentary on Romans, points out that the word “minister” in this text is “diakonos,” which means “a servant in relation to his work.” Dr. Hamilton observes that God has appointed governments to do His work in society. To protect. To persevere in order. To punish evil-doers. “There is a purpose for wearing the sword, and the civil ruler uses it for its purpose of punishing the malefactor.”

Brother Hamilton further observes:

“The civil ruler is an avenger to bring wrath upon the person who does evil…the civil ruler serves as God’s minister for a dual purpose: (1) for the praise of them that do well, and (2) for the punishment of those who do evil (see I Peter. 2:13-14).”

“Some may remonstrate that if the civil ruler is immoral, one should not submit to him. This view cannot be sustained by an appeal to scripture. However, as has already been pointed out, the Christian is not to submit to doing that which is evil (Acts 4:19; 5:29).

Thus, what the Christian must refuse to do privately, the state is divinely authorized to do publicly.

The juxtaposition of these passages regarding vengeance reminds us of two important points.

#1 There are some things we can control.

We have a responsibility in our personal relationships. We can seek peace. We can pray for our enemies. We can do good when they do evil. We share the Gospel. We can let our light shine. We can imbibe Christ’s attitude even toward those who seek our harm.

I can refrain from vengeance toward anyone, friend or foe, who I feel has wronged me. That is within my control.

#2 There are many things I cannot control.

The attitudes of others, the decisions of our country’s leaders, and the direction of adversarial nations are outside my ability to change or control. Whether I agree 100% with those in authority is immaterial to my relationship with the Lord, and my responsibility to submit for conscience sake.

Furthermore, I must keep in mind that God has entrusted a role to government officials that is beyond my purview. As God’s minister, they can take vengeance, punish evil people, and execute justice. At times, I may feel it is imperfect or flawed, yet I find no exception but to accept Paul’s exhortation and explanation.

Matthew Henry summed it up well when he wrote, “Christians must not avenge themselves, for God has appointed rulers to be His ministers of justice. What is sin in the individual becomes duty in the magistrate.”

In the final analysis, Paul reminds us to practice personal restraint while trusting in God’s justice.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman