Romans13

Paul instructs believers to be subject to governing authorities, as all power is ordained by God, and rulers are ministers for justice. He then emphasizes that love is the fulfillment of the law, encompassing all commandments towards one's neighbor. Finally, he urges believers to live righteously, casting off works of darkness and putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, recognizing the urgency of their salvation.
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Submission to Governing Authorities

1
Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. ​
2
Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. ​
3
For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same:
4
for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. ​
5
Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. ​
6
For for this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God’s service, attending continually upon this very thing. ​
7
Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. ​

Love Fulfills the Law

8
Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. ​
9
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
10
Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfilment of the law. ​

Wake Up: The Day Is Near

11
And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is salvation nearer to us than when wefirstbelieved. ​
12
The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. ​
13
Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy. ​
14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. ​

Study Notes for Romans 13

Verse 1

Paul asserts that all human governance derives its authority ultimately from God, a crucial point for Christians living under the Roman Empire, which often demanded ultimate allegiance. This foundational principle limits the state's power while demanding respect.

Verse 2

The resistance mentioned here refers to active rebellion against established civil order, which Paul views as opposition to God’s ordained structure for maintaining peace. The KJV word 'damnation' translates *krima*, meaning judgment or condemnation (civil or divine).

Verse 4

The 'sword' symbolizes the state's legitimate power to enforce law, maintain order, and execute justice, including the use of coercive force. The ruler acts as God's 'minister' (*diakonos*) in this capacity to restrain evil.

Verse 5

Submission is required not merely out of fear of state punishment ('wrath'), but primarily out of moral obligation and conviction ('conscience sake') that this order is divinely established.

Verse 6

This verse reinforces that financial support of the state (taxes and tribute) is a necessary part of Christian submission and responsibility because rulers are 'God’s ministers' dedicated to their difficult task.

Verse 7

This verse summarizes Paul's teaching on civil duty, calling for Christians to fulfill all obligations—financial, respectful, and honorable—to the appropriate authorities, echoing Jesus’ teaching (Matt 22:21).

Verse 8

Having covered civil debts, Paul transitions to the one debt that can never be fully paid: the obligation to love. Love is presented as the primary and ongoing duty of every believer.

Verse 10

Love is the 'fulfilling' or completion of the Law because true love inherently prevents a person from committing the negative actions forbidden by the commandments against one's neighbor.

Verse 11

Paul shifts the motivational basis for ethical living from the Law to eschatology (the nearness of Christ's return). Knowing the shortness of the present age makes righteous action urgent.

Verse 12

The metaphor of 'night' and 'day' contrasts the darkness of the present sinful age with the imminent arrival of Christ's kingdom. Believers must prepare by adopting the virtues, or 'armour of light.'

Verse 13

This section provides practical examples of the 'works of darkness' to be cast off, focusing on excesses of appetite (rioting/drunkenness) and sexual immorality (chambering/wantonness).

Verse 14

This climactic command uses the imagery of clothing (common in early Christian instruction) to mandate that believers must actively embody the character and virtues of Christ, rejecting sinful indulgence.

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