Romans 13
Romans 13 continues Paul’s practical teaching on Christian living, focusing on the believer’s relationship with governing authorities, the importance of love, and the call to live morally upright lives. Paul explains that respecting civil authorities is a way of honoring God, as these leaders are instituted to maintain order and justice. He also emphasizes love as the fulfillment of the law and urges believers to live in light of Christ’s imminent return, abandoning sinful behaviors and embracing righteousness.
Romans 13:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
Paul instructs believers to submit to government authorities, emphasizing that all authority ultimately comes from God. Resisting civil authority is seen as resisting God’s order, bringing consequences. By respecting leaders, believers honor God’s sovereignty and demonstrate obedience to His structure for society.
Romans 13:3-4 (NKJV)
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
Paul explains that governments generally serve to reward good and punish evil, as God’s servants in maintaining order. When individuals do good, they typically need not fear authorities, who are tasked with protecting society. However, those who commit wrong should expect consequences, as authorities have the power to enforce justice as God’s instrument of discipline.
Romans 13:5-7 (NKJV)
5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
Believers are encouraged to submit to authorities not only out of fear of punishment but also to maintain a clear conscience before God. Paying taxes is part of this submission, as it supports those who serve as public officials. Respecting authorities by paying dues and giving honor where due reflects a godly attitude and witness to society.
Romans 13:8-10 (NKJV)
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Paul encourages believers to be debt-free except in showing love to others, which is a continual debt that cannot be fully repaid. By loving one’s neighbor, a believer fulfills God’s commandments, as love naturally avoids actions that harm others. The law’s essence is encapsulated in love, making it the guiding principle for all relationships and behavior.
Romans 13:11-12 (NKJV)
11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
Paul reminds believers that time is short, urging them to wake up spiritually and live in anticipation of Christ’s return. The closeness of salvation motivates a life that rejects sin (“works of darkness”) and embraces righteousness (“armor of light”). Paul’s call to action emphasizes urgency in living a transformed life, free from moral compromise.
Romans 13:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Paul urges believers to live honorably, avoiding sinful behaviors like drunkenness, sexual immorality, and envy, which are incompatible with a Christ-centered life. Instead, believers are called to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” which means adopting His values, attitudes, and actions. By doing so, they are empowered to resist temptations and live in a way that reflects His character, making no room for sinful desires.