Romans 12:14

Bless (Greek: eulogeō), “to speak well of,” “to invoke blessings on.” In v. 13 Paul has spoken of the Christian’s treatment of his friends; in this verse he indicates the proper treatment of his enemies. We “bless” our persecutors when we pray and work for their good. Paul’s words are similar to those of Jesus in Matthew 5:44; cf. Luke 6:28; 1 Peter 3:9.

Persecute (Greek: diōkō), “to pursue,” often with evil intent, as here. This is the same word that is translated “given to” in v. 13. The Christian is to “pursue” hospitality toward the brethren and bless the wicked who “pursue” him. With this injunction Paul anticipates the thought, which he develops more fully in verses 17-21, that it is a Christian’s duty to love his enemies and to overcome evil with good. This duty can be performed only by a believer whose mind has been renewed by the Spirit (v. 2) and whose love is “without dissimulation” (v. 9).