Romans 12:18, As Much As It Is Possible, Live Peaceably With All Men

Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

William Plumer observed, “It does not say that we must live in peace with all men, because that is sometimes impossible. The verse admits too much. There is a class of men, who are not satisfied when they have all their rights, nor even when you make many concessions. What they seek is strife, a broil, a contest, a law suit. Nor is the number of such very small. When thrown with them you can only guard against partaking of their evil spirit and hateful ways.”

When the disciples of the early church shared the gospel and there are those saved, the rulers in Israel were terribly unhappy. They began to persecute the infant church (Acts 4).

Acts 4:15-18 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

At that point, Peter and John had to decide if they are to continue the gospel work or to stop preaching.

Acts 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

Acts 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

 Acts 4:21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

The infant church prayed for God’s protection and intervention in the face of their first persecution –  Acts 4:24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is…

The members of the infant church were assured of God’s presence with them to continue preaching the gospel –  Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 

Truly, the way of peace is to continue to declare the gospel of peace, Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Amen.