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Romans 13

World English Bible

WEB

1Let 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. 2Therefore he who resists the authority withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. 3For 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 authority, 4for 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. 5Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God’s service, continually doing this very thing. 7Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9For 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.” 10Love doesn’t harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. 11Do 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. 12The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let’s therefore throw off the deeds of darkness, and let’s put on the armor of light. 13Let’s walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy. 14But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Romans Chapter 13 addresses the relationship between Christians and governing authorities, emphasizing the importance of submission to civil powers. The Apostle Paul begins by stating that all authority comes from God, and those in positions of power are instituted by Him. This establishes a foundational principle that resisting authority equates to resisting God's ordinance, which can lead to judgment. Paul encourages believers to be law-abiding citizens, as rulers are meant to be a source of good and not fear for those who do right. This chapter highlights the role of government in maintaining order and justice, reminding Christians that they are to respect and honor those in authority, as they are ultimately accountable to God (Romans13:1-4).

Furthermore, Paul discusses the importance of love as the fulfillment of the law. He instructs believers to owe nothing to anyone except love, which is the greatest commandment. By loving one another, Christians fulfill the moral obligations of the law, as love does no harm to a neighbor. This section emphasizes that love is the essence of Christian conduct and should guide all interactions (Romans13:8-10). The chapter concludes with a call to live in the light, urging believers to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, as they await the return of Christ. Paul encourages a lifestyle that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God, living honorably and in a way that glorifies God (Romans13:11-14).

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Referenced by

  1. Proverbs 22:7v8Proverbs 22:7 notes that the borrower is servant to the lender, which is related to Romans 13:8's exhortation to owe no one anything except to love one another.
  2. Jeremiah 27:12v1Jeremiah 27:12 urges submission to the yoke of Babylon, which is echoed in Romans 13:1-2 where Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities as they are established by God.
  3. Matthew 22:21v7Matthew 22:21 teaches to render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's, a principle of civic duty and divine obligation also reflected in Romans 13:7, which instructs believers to give everyone what is owed to them.
  4. Mark 12:17v7Mark 12:17, where Jesus says to render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's, aligns with Romans 13:7, which instructs believers to give everyone what is owed, including respect and honor.
  5. Luke 20:25v7Luke 20:25, where Jesus says to render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's, is echoed in Romans 13:7, which discusses the Christian's duty to authorities and God.
  6. Ephesians 6:11v12Ephesians 6:11 instructs believers to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes, which is echoed in Romans 13:12 where Paul urges believers to put on the armor of light.
  7. 1 Timothy 1:5v101 Timothy 1:5 emphasizes love as the goal of the commandment, which aligns with Romans 13:10 where love is described as the fulfillment of the law.

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