Romans 13

Romans 13 is a chapter in which Paul addresses the Christian's relationship with governing authorities, emphasizing submission to those in power as they are established by God. Paul also discusses the fulfillment of the law through love and urges believers to live in the light of Christ's return, avoiding deeds of darkness.

Romans 13:1 (KJV)
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

Paul begins by instructing all believers to submit to governing authorities. He explains that all authority comes from God, and those in positions of power are placed there by His will.

Romans 13:2 (KJV)
"Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation."

Those who resist authority are essentially resisting God’s ordinance and will face judgment or consequences for their actions.

Romans 13:3 (KJV)
"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:"

Paul points out that rulers generally serve to maintain order and punish wrongdoing. If one does what is good, they should not fear authority but rather will be commended.

Romans 13:4 (NIV) "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer."

Paul explains that rulers are God’s servants, appointed to promote good and punish evil. If someone commits evil, they should fear because the authority has the power to enforce justice.

Romans 13:5 (KJV)
"Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake."

Believers should submit to authorities not only to avoid punishment (wrath) but also because it is the right thing to do (for conscience's sake).

Romans 13:6 (KJV)
"For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing."

Paul explains that paying taxes is part of being subject to governing authorities because these authorities are God’s ministers who devote themselves to maintaining order.

Romans 13:7 (KJV)
"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

Paul encourages believers to fulfill their obligations, whether paying taxes, customs, or showing respect and honor where it is due.

Romans 13:8 (KJV)
"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."

Paul transitions to the importance of love, stating that the only debt we should have is to love others, as love fulfills the law.

Romans 13:9 (KJV)
"For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Paul summarizes the commandments related to our relationships with others, showing that they are all encapsulated by the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself.

Romans 13:10 (KJV)
"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."

Love ensures that we do no harm to our neighbor, thus fulfilling the requirements of the law.

Romans 13:11 (KJV)
"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."

Paul urges believers to recognize the urgency of the times, as the ultimate salvation—the return of Christ—is closer than ever before.

Romans 13:12 (KJV)
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light."

Paul uses the metaphor of night and day to emphasize that the time of evil (darkness) is ending and the time of righteousness (day) is near. Believers should therefore abandon sinful behaviors and live in righteousness.

Romans 13:13 (KJV)
"Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying."

Paul exhorts believers to live uprightly, avoiding sinful behaviors such as excessive partying, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and jealousy.

Romans 13:14 (KJV)
"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

Paul concludes by instructing believers to "put on" the character of Christ and avoid making any plans or provisions that would lead to satisfying sinful desires. This verse underscores the importance of living a life that reflects Christ in every aspect.