In the context of the Bible, the term "revengers" refers to individuals or agents who seek to exact vengeance or justice, often in accordance with divine or legal mandates. The concept of revenge is addressed in various passages throughout the Scriptures, highlighting both human tendencies towards vengeance and the divine prerogative of justice.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of revenge is often linked to the principle of retributive justice, commonly expressed as "an eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:24). This principle was part of the Mosaic Law, designed to ensure that punishment was proportionate to the offense. However, personal vengeance was discouraged, and the law provided for cities of refuge to protect those who had committed manslaughter from the "avenger of blood" (Numbers 35:19). The avenger of blood, typically a close relative of the deceased, was responsible for ensuring justice was served, but the cities of refuge offered a legal means to prevent blood feuds and ensure a fair trial.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles shift the focus from personal revenge to forgiveness and leaving vengeance to God. Jesus taught, "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matthew 5:39). This radical teaching emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and non-retaliation.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in his letter to the Romans: "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord'" (Romans 12:19). Paul underscores the belief that God is the ultimate judge and avenger, and that humans should not usurp this divine role.

Divine Vengeance

The Bible consistently portrays God as the ultimate avenger who will execute justice in His perfect timing. In the Old Testament, God is depicted as avenging His people against their enemies (Deuteronomy 32:35). The Psalms often appeal to God as the righteous judge who will avenge the righteous and punish the wicked (Psalm 94:1).

In the New Testament, the theme of divine vengeance is reiterated in the context of eschatological judgment. The Book of Revelation describes the final judgment where God will avenge the blood of His servants (Revelation 6:10). This apocalyptic vision assures believers that ultimate justice will be served by God.

Christian Response to Injustice

While the Bible acknowledges the reality of injustice and the human desire for revenge, it calls believers to respond differently. Christians are encouraged to trust in God's justice and to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). The call to love one's enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44) reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which seeks reconciliation and peace over retribution.

In summary, the biblical concept of "revengers" is multifaceted, encompassing human agents of justice under the law, the divine role of God as the ultimate avenger, and the Christian call to eschew personal vengeance in favor of forgiveness and trust in God's righteous judgment.

Petilianus Said: "But if Authority had Been Given by Some Law for ...
... Are they not those of whom the apostle says that "they bear not the sword in vain;
for they are the ministers of God, revengers to execute wrath upon them that ...
/.../chapter 84 183 petilianus.htm

The Way of Life and the Way of Death.
... His rulers thou shalt honour as the ministers of God, for they are the revengers
of all unrighteousness; to whom pay taxes, tribute, and every oblation with a ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the two ways.htm

Extracts No. viii.
... to the directions of non-resistance, yet he insists on submission to the higher
powers, because they were the ministers of God, even revengers to execute wrath ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no viii.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... Christians. They are the ministers of God, revengers, to execute wrath, the
wrath of God upon them that do evil (Romans 13). Wherefore ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Revengers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Revengers (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 14:11 Then
said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy ...
/r/revengers.htm - 6k

Revenger (5 Occurrences)

/r/revenger.htm - 9k

Revenges (1 Occurrence)

/r/revenges.htm - 6k

Wouldest (66 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 14:11 Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God,
that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more ...
/w/wouldest.htm - 26k

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