Romans 13
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1Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. 2Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. 3For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same, 4for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. 5Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God’s service, attending continually on this very thing. 7Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10Love doesn’t harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. 11Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed. 12The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let’s therefore throw off the deeds of darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light. 13Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy. 14But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.
World English Bible (public domain)
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
Romans 13:1
Summary
Romans 13 underscores the importance of being subject to governing authorities, emphasizing that they are instituted by God to maintain order and justice. The apostle Paul encourages believers to respect laws and pay taxes, framing civil obedience as a vital part of Christian ethics. In his discourse, he insists that love fulfills the law, urging believers to owe no debt except that of love to one another. Love, Paul argues, is the essence of the commandments and involves actively working towards our neighbor's good. As the chapter closes, Paul calls Christians to live in the light, aware of the impending return of Christ. This involves leaving behind deeds of darkness and putting on the character of Christ, epitomized by love and integrity.
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Chapter outline
How Romans 13 unfolds
Romans 13:1–2 Submission to Authorities
Paul instructs believers to be subject to governing authorities, asserting that all authority comes from God and those in power are ordained by Him.
Romans 13:3–5 Rulers and Good Conduct
The text explains that rulers are intended to uphold good behavior; doing good leads to commendation, while wrongdoing brings judgment.
Romans 13:6–7 Obligation of Taxes and Respect
Believers are reminded of their duty to pay taxes and give respect, as civil authorities are engaged in God’s work.
Romans 13:8–10 Debt of Love
Paul shifts focus to love, stating that the only debt Christians should have is to love one another, which fulfills the law.
Romans 13:11–12 Awakening to Salvation
The urgency of living rightly is highlighted as Paul encourages believers to awaken, recognizing that salvation is nearer than before.
Romans 13:13–14 Living in the Light
Paul urges believers to conduct themselves honorably, shedding sinful behaviors and putting on the character of Christ.
Key verses
Romans 13:1The key verse encapsulates the chapter's focus on the divine origin of authority and the call for believers to submit to it.
Main themes in Romans 13
submission to authority
This theme emerges in verses 1-2, where Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities. He emphasizes that resistance to authority equates to resisting God’s ordinance, underlining the divine basis for civil order. Within the chapter’s larger movement, this establishes a framework for ethical behavior in relation to societal structures.
love as law fulfillment
In verses 8-10, Paul clearly states that love serves as the fulfillment of the law, directly linking it to the commandments such as not committing adultery or murder. He elaborates that genuine love for one another inherently avoids causing harm, suggesting that ethical behavior arises from a foundation of love. This theme develops the chapter's focus on how believers should conduct themselves in society, emphasizing that love is central to their relational responsibilities.
urgency of ethical living
The urgency of ethical living is highlighted in verses 11-12, where Paul calls for believers to awaken from spiritual slumber. He frames ethical behavior as essential in light of the imminent return of Christ, stressing that moral diligence is vital. This theme underscores the need for constant spiritual vigilance and integrity.
spiritual readiness
The theme of spiritual readiness is prominent in verses 11-14, where Paul calls on believers to awaken from spiritual slumber and put on the armor of light. He stresses the importance of being prepared for the imminent return of Christ, which involves discarding the deeds of darkness and embracing virtues that reflect Christ's character. This emphasis on readiness shapes the chapter's overall movement, urging a lifestyle that actively anticipates and reflects the coming of the Lord.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Romans 13
- Matthew 22This passage connects through its teaching on giving to authorities, echoing the importance of civic duty.
- Galatians 5Galatians develops the theme of loving one another as fulfilling the law, similar to Paul’s arguments here.
- Ephesians 5Ephesians connects by urging believers to live as children of light, paralleling the call to ethical living in Romans 13.
- 1 Peter 2This passage echoes the call for submission to authorities, emphasizing the Christian witness in society.
- Romans 12Romans 12 develops the ethical framework for relationships, leading naturally into the practical implications found in Romans 13.
- Exodus 20Exodus connects through the mention of the commandments, which Paul summarizes in the call to love one another.
Study questions
Questions for studying Romans 13
- What does Paul say about the nature of authority in this chapter?
- How does love fulfill the law according to verses 8-10?
- What types of behaviors does Paul warn against in verses 13-14?
- In what way does Paul link love to Christian ethics throughout Romans 13?
- What does being in subjection to authorities mean for a believer today?
- How does the urgency of salvation impact ethical living in this chapter?
Romans 13: frequently asked questions
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