The Avenging God: The Motif of Divine Vengeance in Pauline Ethics

This article examines the motif of divine vengeance in Pauline ethics. First, the textual evidence points toward a definition of divine vengeance in Paul’s writings, which incorporates notions of honor, justice, reciprocity, purity, and more. Second, divine vengeance has a twofold use in Pauline ethics. In line with Leviticus 26:25, Paul employs divine vengeance in his parenesis to warn his readers. God does not tolerate wicked behavior and does not allow crossing the boundaries of the ethical teachings of the gospel. The second use of divine vengeance, corresponding to Deuteronomy 32:35, has a pastoral nature, comforting suffering believers and assuring them of God’s aid.