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.

Submission to Governing Authorities

1
Let 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. ​
2
Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. ​
3
For 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,
4
for 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. ​
5
Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. ​
6
For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God’s service, attending continually on this very thing. ​
7
Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. ​

Love Fulfills the Law

8
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. ​
9
For 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.”
10
Love doesn’t harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. ​

Wake Up: The Day Is Near

11
Do 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. ​
12
The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let’s therefore throw off the works of darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light. ​
13
Let 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. ​
14
But put on the Lord Yeshua the Messiah, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts. ​

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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