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 subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. ​
2
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. ​
3
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:
4
For he is the 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 the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. ​
5
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. ​
6
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. ​
7
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. ​

Love Fulfills the Law

8
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. ​
9
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.
10
Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. ​

Wake Up: The Day Is Near

11
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. ​
12
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. ​
13
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. ​
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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