Romans 12:18 (ASV)

Passage

If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.

Nearby Context

Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Romans 12:17 Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.

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

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 12:20 But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "possible", "much", "lieth", and "peace". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "possible" and "much", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 17's "Render to no man evil for evil..." into verse 19's "Avenge not yourselves beloved but give place...", so "possible" and "much" belong inside that flow. In Romans context, the local focus is righteousness by faith, union with Christ, life in the Spirit, and God's covenant faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "possible" and "much" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.