We continue reading in verse 17b “be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” If it is possible live in harmony with those around you. Don’t let little squabbles come up between brethren. Honoring others needs ahead of your own is the main idea being communicated here.
And Paul continues by saying: “don’t take revenge, my friends but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: it is mine to avenge: I will repay says the Lord.” It is almost as if Paul is saying, look you will have disagreements with others, both Christians and non-Christians, such is the nature of life; but try to live at peace with them. If that fails then don’t take revenge, let God take care of that. Paul then uses an exact quote from Deuteronomy 32:35: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.” We see the interpretation of this passage in the NT to re-enforce what we have examined in verses 14, and 17. Chiefly, not repaying evil for evil. The context of Deuteronomy 32 is the lament of Moses shortly before he dies. He uses verse 35 in the context of the Lord judging his people (v36).
So in summary of this short quote it is being used in similar contexts in both the Old and New Testaments. Both passages refer to leaving room for God’s judgment. The main difference is to whom the judgment is being directed towards. In the Deuteronomy passage God’s judgment is being promised towards the Israelites, while in the Romans passage it is more of a general promise.
Moo states: “It is not our job to execute justice on evil people; that is God’s prerogative, and he will visit his wrath on such people when he deems it right to do so.”
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